Building Smart Contracts: A Comprehensive Learning Platform for Cardano Developers to Improve Skills in Plutus and Lucid Frameworks.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kanenus Dirirsa Bayisa

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

150000

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

8

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a complete online learning platform that includes interactive courses and practical tutorials, allowing developers to understand and execute smart contracts rapidly and confidently.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Yes, our project includes various dependencies that are required for effective delivery:

1. Cardano Developer Studio: Our educational platform will use Cardano Developer Studio tools to create a stable environment for teaching smart contract programming. Access to these technologies is essential for developing practical tutorials and hands-on activities.
2. Plutus and Lucid Frameworks: Our course development will be dependent on the availability and upgrades to the Plutus and Lucid frameworks. These frameworks are critical for educating developers on how to deploy smart contracts and decentralized apps properly.
3. Community Engagement: We will rely on active involvement and feedback from the Cardano developer community to guarantee that the course content is relevant and satisfies the needs of our students. Community feedback will help steer project enhancements and modifications.

These dependencies are critical since they directly influence the functioning and efficacy of our learning platform. We have validated that we have the proper permissions and licenses to use the appropriate tools and frameworks.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Answer: Yes. Our project outputs will be open source and available throughout its existence. We will have a public repository on GitHub to ensure transparency and accessibility for the community.

We plan to employ the MIT license for our project. This license permits anybody to freely use, change, and share the code, encouraging collaboration and creativity in the development community.

Further information:

• The open-source repository will contain all of the educational platform's source code, as well as course materials, tutorials, and documentation.
• The community will receive regular updates that reflect enhancements and modifications based on user feedback.
• We will welcome contributions from developers and educators to improve the quality and range of learning resources.

By retaining an open-source approach, we hope to foster an inclusive atmosphere in which information can be shared and expanded, ultimately accelerating the expansion of the blockchain ecosystem.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed solution:

Our initiative intends to overcome the issues that developers encounter when learning and implementing smart contracts by developing a complete online training environment. We see the challenge as twofold: the complexity of present tools and a lack of readily available teaching resources. Many developers struggle to traverse the complexities of smart contract development, limiting innovation in the blockchain realm.

Approach: We will teach smart contract development through hands-on, interactive activities. The platform will include a series of structured courses that will take users through both theoretical concepts and actual applications. We will teach developers how to construct and deploy smart contracts with real-world examples and exercises.

Our project will involve a diverse set of people, including:

• Aspiring Developers: People that want to get into blockchain and learn how to construct smart contracts.
• Experienced Developers: Professionals want to broaden their skill set and learn about new frameworks such as Plutus and Lucid.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities looking to include blockchain education into their curricula.

Demonstrating impact:

To demonstrate our influence, we will:

• User involvement can be measured using course completion rates and feedback surveys.
• Monitor the number of developers who have successfully used smart contracts in their applications as a result of our training.
• Collaborate with industry partners to demonstrate successful apps created by our users.

Uniqueness:

What distinguishes our solution is the combination of a comprehensive educational framework with practical, hands-on training. Unlike other resources, which may provide theoretical information without actual application, our platform will focus on real-world scenarios and tools for developing smart contracts. This technique not only improves learning but also instills confidence in engineers.

Importance for Cardano:

By providing developers with the information and skills they need to write smart contracts, we help to strengthen the Cardano ecosystem. A well-educated developer community will stimulate innovation, encourage cooperation, and, eventually, enhance Cardano's acceptance. As developers get more experience working on Cardano, we anticipate a rise in decentralized applications, which will boost the platform's reputation and utility.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Impact on the Cardano Community:

Our initiative aims to have a large positive impact on the Cardano community by providing developers with the knowledge and skills needed to create smart contracts and decentralized apps (dApps). This empowerment will enhance creativity, cooperation, and adoption in the Cardano ecosystem.

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Developer Engagement: By providing a structured training platform, we will attract more developers to the Cardano ecosystem, allowing for a better grasp of its possibilities.
2. Enhanced Application Development: As more developers become proficient in smart contract development, we anticipate a rise in the production Dapp improving Cardano's utility and visibility as a platform.
3. Community Growth: A greater pool of qualified developers will help to create a lively community by fostering knowledge exchange, cooperation, and peer assistance.

Measurement of Impact

We will assess the impact of our initiative using both quantitative and qualitative metrics.

Quantitative metrics:

• Course Enrollment and Completion Rates: Monitoring the number of users who enroll in and finish courses can provide information about engagement levels.
• Project outcomes: Monitoring the amount of dApps or smart contracts created by our platform users will indicate the real application of the abilities acquired.

Qualitative metrics:

• User input and testimonials: Gathering input from surveys and interviews can help determine user happiness and areas for development.
• Case Studies: Documenting success stories from developers who have received our training will provide tangible evidence of our influence.

Sharing outputs:

To improve the reach and effect of our outputs, we will:

• Publish Course Materials: We will make all instructional information available on our open-source repository, so that anyone in the community can access and use it.
• Engage with the Community: We plan to actively participate in Cardano community forums, webinars, and events to share our users' views, lessons learned, and successes.
• Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Through partnerships with universities and educational organizations, we will promote our training platform as a resource for formal education in blockchain technology.

By applying this plan, we hope to produce a long-term impact that not only improves individual developer capabilities but also contributes to the overall growth and strength of the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability and feasibility:

Our team has a strong blend of technical skill, project management experience, and a dedication to transparency, making us ideally qualified to deliver this project with high levels of trust and responsibility.

Existing capabilities:

1. Experienced Team: Our team consists of specialists with considerable experience in blockchain development, instructional content generation, and project management. We have successfully completed similar projects, demonstrating our ability to design effective teaching resources.
2. Technical Expertise: We have extensive experience of the Cardano ecosystem, including expertise in the Plutus and Lucid frameworks. This experience will ensure that our training materials are accurate, topical, and effective in teaching smart contract development.
3. Proven Track Record: Our previous projects include [insert any relevant completed projects or initiatives], demonstrating our ability to manage challenging efforts while delivering outcomes on schedule and under budget.

Validation of feasibility:

To make our strategy practicable, we will:

• do Initial Research: We will do a thorough examination of existing educational resources and tools in the blockchain industry to identify gaps that our platform can cover. This will allow us to personalize our information to the specific demands of developers.
• Pilot Testing: Prior to the full-scale launch, we will run a pilot program with a restricted set of users. This will allow us to collect feedback, make required changes, and assess the efficacy of our training materials.
• Engage with community professionals: We will work with industry professionals and experienced developers to improve our curriculum and ensure that it fits the practical demands of our users.
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Managing funds properly:

To demonstrate our dependability in managing finances, we shall take the following actions:

1. Transparent Budgeting: We will provide a complete budget breakdown with all predicted spending and rationale for each category. This will provide clarity on how funds will be used.
2. Regular Financial Reporting: We will commit to giving regular reports on fund utilization, including how money is spent in connection to project milestones. This transparency will help to ensure accountability.
3. Use of Reputable Escrow Services: To ensure effective fund management, we will look into using reputable escrow services to handle and release cash based on predetermined project milestones.
4. Third-Party Audits: If practical, we will hire an external auditor to assess our financial management methods, adding another layer of accountability and confidence.

We are confident in our capacity to successfully and openly complete this project by combining our team's skills with strong financial management and community participation practices.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Project Planning and Curriculum Design.

A: milestone outputs.

• Extremely accurate course outline with module titles and descriptions.
• Learning objectives for each module.
• A clear timeframe for course delivery.
• Identify practical exercises and assessments for each module.

B: Acceptance criteria

• The course outline will be complete and approved by all necessary parties.
• Learning objectives should be clear, measurable, and consistent with industry standards for smart contract creation.
• The course delivery date is realistic and within the project's scope.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• A finalized course outline document supplied in PDF format.
• Emails or responses from stakeholders verifying acceptance of the course outline.
• Document any adjustments made in response to stakeholder feedback.

Milestone 2: Develop Core Modules (1-3)

A: Milestone outputs.

• Modules 1, 2, and 3 are fully built and include interactive video lectures on smart contract fundamentals, Plutus basics, and off-chain contract integration with Lucid.
• Hands-on practical tasks and quizzes for each module to reinforce knowledge.
• Supporting documentation and resources for each module, such as code snippets and connections to related tools.

B: Acceptance Criteria.

• Modules 1, 2, and 3 are fully functional and accessible through the training portal.
• Interactive features (videos, quizzes, and exercises) have been tested and are functioning without any technical concerns.
• User feedback from a pilot group (minimum of 10 users) reveals that the information is clear, interesting, and useful for learning smart contracts.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• A report that describes the development process and the input gathered during the pilot phase.
• Access logs indicate that Modules 1, 2, and 3 are operational on the platform and accessible to users.
• Pilot users provided feedback forms or surveys, which included testimonials and suggestions for improvement.

Milestone 3: Testing and Feedback Integration.

A: milestone outputs.

• A detailed beta testing report provides an overview of testing methodology and participant demographics.
• Feedback from beta testers on Modules 1, 2, and 3.
• A list of faults or opportunities for improvement that have been identified through user feedback.
• Based on tester feedback, we recommend changes to course content and delivery.

B: Acceptance Criteria.

• At least 20 beta testers have completed Modules 1, 2, and 3 and provided feedback via questionnaires or interviews.
• Feedback suggests a minimum satisfaction percentage of 75% with the course contents' clarity, relevance, and engagement.
• Any significant issues that testers raised (high priority) are documented and addressed in the report.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• The finished beta testing report, which was submitted in PDF format and summarized the results and comments
• Feedback forms or survey answers from beta testers that reflect how they felt the course material was worth taking.
• Documentation of changes made to the course contents in response to feedback, with, if appropriate, before-and-after samples.

Milestone 4 (Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video):

A: Milestone Outputs

• A thorough project close-out report that comprises the following:
• An overview of the project's accomplishments, including important metrics and results.
• A summary of the difficulties encountered and how they were resolved.
• Suggestions for enhancing or growing the platform in the future.
• A video presentation with user testimonials and success stories that highlights the project's major accomplishments and milestones.

B: Requirements for Acceptance

• The project close-out report, which covers every facet of the project lifecycle, is finished.
• The project's trajectory is succinctly outlined in the video presentation, which also includes highlights of user feedback and interaction.
• The report and video are reviewed and approved by advisors or relevant parties prior to submission.

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video

• Outputs:
• Comprehensive project close-out report summarizing:
• Key achievements and metrics.
• Challenges faced and solutions implemented.
• Recommendations for future improvements.
• Video presentation highlighting:
• Project journey and successes.
• User testimonials and impact.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Complete and approved project close-out report.
• Engaging video that effectively summarizes the project’s impact.
• Evidence of Completion:
• Finalized report submitted in PDF format and made publicly accessible.
• Video uploaded to a public platform (e.g., YouTube) with a link in the report.
• Feedback from stakeholders confirming project completion and recommendations.

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video

• Outputs:
• Comprehensive project close-out report summarizing:
• Key achievements and metrics.
• Challenges faced and solutions implemented.
• Recommendations for future improvements.
• Video presentation highlighting:
• Project journey and successes.
• User testimonials and impact.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Complete and approved project close-out report.
• Engaging video that effectively summarizes the project’s impact.
• Evidence of Completion:
• Finalized report submitted in PDF format and made publicly accessible.
• Video uploaded to a public platform (e.g., YouTube) with a link in the report.
• Feedback from stakeholders confirming project completion and recommendations.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Group

A. Kanenus Dirirsa: Project Manager

Function: Manage due dates, oversee the project's overall execution, and facilitate communication among team members. is charge of content creation and curriculum design.

Telegram: @Kanenus11

B. Hana Zenbeba: The Technical Consultant

Function: Offer technical advice on the creation of smart contracts and support for Plutus and Lucid framework-related course materials.

Telegram: Hana_11234

C. Abeba Milkesa: Developer of Content

Function: In charge of producing interesting instructional materials for the training platform, such as video lectures and hands-on activities.

Telegram: @Iftuukoo_1

D. Kise Milkesa: An expert in marketing

Function: Create and carry out the marketing plan to engage the developer community and advertise the training platform.

Additional Recruitment Needs

In the event that more team members are needed, we will look for people who possess the following abilities:

• Blockchain Developer: Knowledge of Cardano's ecosystem and proficiency in creating smart contracts.
• UX/UI Designer: Proficiency in creating user-friendly interfaces to improve user engagement in educational platforms.
• Community Manager: Skills in community interaction, particularly within the blockchain space, to foster debates and Additional Recruitment Needs

Interaction with fellow team members

We have started talking about the relevant team members' participation in the project. Every participant has indicated that they are eager to get involved and help make the initiative a success. Furthermore, we maintain an active presence on Cardano community channels such as Telegram and Discord in order to stay informed and involved with the technical community.

Interaction with fellow team members

We have started talking about the relevant team members' participation in the project. Every participant has indicated that they are eager to get involved and help make the initiative a success. Furthermore, we maintain an active presence on Cardano community channels such as Telegram and Discord in order to stay informed and involved with the technical community.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Project Budget Breakdown: Creating Smart Contracts: An All-Inclusive Education Tool for Developers

Amount Requested in Total: 150,000 ada

A. Labor Expenses:

Lead Project: 30,000 ada

The remuneration for supervising content development, curriculum design, and project management will be covered by this.

Technical Consultant: 20,000 ada

This sum is set aside for helping with course materials and offering technical advice on the creation of smart contracts.

15,000 ada for a content developer

The salary for producing instructional materials, such as video lectures and hands-on activities, will be covered.

Expert in Marketing: 15,000 ada

This is for the pay for creating and carrying out the marketing plan that will advertise the platform and involve the developer community.

B. Equipment and Software Licenses:

Subscription to the Course Platform: 5,000 ada

This cost will fund the subscription to an online learning platform (like Teachable or Thingify) that will host and disseminate the course materials.

Software for Editing Videos: 2,000 ada

This is the price of a license for using video editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro) to make polished instructional videos and advertising.

Promotion & Marketing:

C. Campaigns for Marketing: 10,000 ada

To increase participation and awareness of the training platform, this will be used for social media advertisements, marketing materials, and community outreach initiatives.

D. Documentation and Reporting:

• Creation of Documentation: 5,000 ada

This sum pays for the expenses of writing and formatting the user manuals and course materials for every module.

• 3,000 ada for community reporting

This covers the costs associated with creating reports and presentations and updating the community and stakeholders on the status of the project.

 E. Contingency Fund: 5,000 ada

This cash is set aside for unanticipated expenses or changes that become necessary as the project progresses.

TOTAL: 150,000 ada

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Worth for Money

For the Cardano ecosystem, the project's budget offers outstanding value. The entire requested amount of 150,000 ada is strategically allocated to support the successful creation and deployment of a complete training platform for smart contracts. Every budget item has been carefully chosen to balance cost effectiveness with maximum impact.

Rationale for expenses:

• Personnel Costs: The project team's salaries are commensurate with industry norms and the typical pay for specialized roles in our area, reflecting competitive rates in the blockchain education space. We've compared these expenses to freelance rates and comparable projects to make sure our pay is reasonable and commensurate with the level of experience needed to complete the job well.
• Software licensing and tools: Providing high-quality educational content requires paying regular industry fees for software licensing (e.g., online learning platforms and video editing tools).
• Marketing and Promotion: The marketing budget is set aside to make sure the platform successfully reaches its intended audience.

Impact of the Project:

This initiative aims to close a significant knowledge gap on smart contract creation inside the Cardano ecosystem by offering high-quality, easily accessible education. We will help the Cardano community become more innovative, collaborative, and adoptable by improving the abilities of developers.