Developing Platform for general Education Engagement in Ethiopia

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Yemam Mohammed Ali

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

none

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

12

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

Yes

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

We will create an engaging educational platform with resource hubs, talent centers,coding schools, online classes, and performance-enhancing APIs to improve education quality and boost student success

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

No

[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.”

no

[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

Our project will be fully open source throughout its entire lifecycle, aligning with our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and community-driven development. We plan to use the MIT License, which is a permissive license that allows others to use, modify, and distribute our code while ensuring that credit is given to the original contributors. This license is widely recognized and facilitates broad adoption and contribution.

Open Source Elements

1. Complete Platform Code: All components of the educational platform, including the backend and frontend code, will be open source

1. Performance-Enhancing APIs: The APIs developed for tracking and analyzing student performance will also be open source

1. Educational Content: While the platform will host curated resources, any original educational materials developed as part of this project will also be made available for free use under an open content license

Benefits of Open Source

Community Collaboration: By making our project open source, we invite educators, developers, and learners to contribute their expertise. This collaboration can lead to enhanced features, bug fixes, and innovative ideas that we may not have considered.

Transparency: Open sourcing our code promotes accountability and trust within the community. Stakeholders can review our work, see how decisions are made, and understand how resources are managed.

Sustainability: An open-source approach helps ensure the longevity of the project. With a community of contributors, the platform can evolve over time, adapting to new educational needs and technological advancements.

Wider Impact: By making our project open source, we aim to set a precedent for collaborative educational technology. Other developers can build upon our work, creating a ripple effect that can lead to more comprehensive and accessible educational tools worldwide.

Repository Management

The project will be hosted on platforms like GitHub, where we will manage issues, pull requests, and discussions. We will also provide documentation to help new contributors understand how to get involved and contribute effectively.

In summary, our decision to make the project open source reflects our belief in the power of community and collaboration in enhancing education quality. By sharing our work with the world, we aim to create a valuable resource that empowers learners and educators alike.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception

The education system in Ethiopia faces significant challenges, including uneven access to quality resources, lack of engagement among students, and insufficient support for skill development. Many students struggle to perform at their best due to these barriers, leading to disengagement and a lack of motivation. We perceive this problem as critical not only for individual student success but also for the overall advancement of society, which relies on a well-educated populace.

Approach

Our solution focuses on creating an engaging, resource-rich educational platform tailored to the Ethiopian context. We aim to combine technology with educational best practices to foster a supportive and interactive learning environment. This includes:

1. Resource Hubs: Centralized access to curated educational materials in local languages across various subjects, ensuring that students have what they need to succee

1. Talent Centers: Physical and virtual spaces where students can receive mentorship and peer support, helping to cultivate their skills and interest

1. Coding Schools: Programs specifically designed to teach coding and digital skills, addressing the growing demand for technical proficiency in Ethiopia's job market

1. Online Classes: Flexible and interactive courses that cater to diverse learning styles, making education more accessible and engaging

1. Performance-Enhancing APIs: Tools that track student performance and provide personalized feedback, allowing for targeted interventions and support

Engagement

Our project will engage various stakeholders in Ethiopia:

• Students: Primary beneficiaries who will gain access to enhanced learning opportunities, resources, and support.
• Educators: Teachers will have access to new tools and materials, enabling them to better support their students and improve their teaching strategies.
• Parents: They will be able to monitor their children's progress through our platform, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
• Developers and Educators: By making our project open source, we invite contributions from the community, enhancing the platform's capabilities and relevance.

Demonstrating Impact

To prove our impact, we will implement several key performance indicators (KPIs):

• User Engagement Metrics: Tracking usage statistics, such as the number of active users, course completions, and time spent on the platform.
• Student Performance Data: Analyzing improvements in academic performance and engagement levels through pr
• Feedback Mechanisms: Regular surveys and feedback loops to gather input from students and educators, allowing us to adapt and improve our offerings continuously.

Unique Aspects

What sets our solution apart is its holistic approach to education engagement. Unlike many platforms that focus solely on content delivery, we emphasize community, mentorship, and skill development. Our combination of resource hubs, talent centers, and performance tracking is designed to address the multifaceted nature of learning, particularly in the Ethiopian context.

Importance to Cardano

This project aligns with Cardano’s mission to drive positive social impact through technology. By improving education quality and accessibility in Ethiopia, we contribute to building a more knowledgeable society, which is crucial for global development. Furthermore, by utilizing Cardano’s blockchain technology, we can ensure transparency, security, and a decentralized approach to education, empowering users and fostering trust within the community.

In summary, our proposed solution aims to create a dynamic educational platform that engages learners, supports educators, and addresses the critical challenges within the Ethiopian education system. Through collaboration, innovation, and community involvement, we aspire to make a lasting impact on education quality and student performance in Ethiopia.

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

Our project aims to create a dynamic educational platform in Ethiopia, and its success will have several positive impacts on the wider Cardano community:

Promoting Blockchain Education

By integrating blockchain technology into our educational platform, we will raise awareness and understanding of blockchain among students, educators, and parents. This will not only enhance digital literacy but also cultivate interest in Cardano’s technology and its applications.

Fostering Community Engagement

Our open-source approach encourages collaboration within the Cardano community. Developers and educators can contribute to the platform, leading to a diverse range of ideas and innovations. This engagement strengthens the community and showcases Cardano's commitment to inclusive development.

2.Building Use Cases for Cardano

By demonstrating how blockchain can enhance educational resources and engagement, our project serves as a valuable case study for other sectors. This can inspire further projects within the Cardano ecosystem, driving broader adoption and showcasing real-world applications of Cardano technology.

Measuring Impact

We will measure our project's impact using a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Quantitative Measures

User Engagement Metrics: Track the number of active users, course completions, and time spent on the platform. We aim for specific targets, such as a 25% increase in active users within the first year.

Performance Improvements: Analyze student performance data through pr

Community Contributions: Monitor the number of contributions from the community, such as code submissions, resource additions, and feedback.

Qualitative Measures

Feedback Surveys: Regular surveys to gather feedback from users about their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. This will help us assess user satisfaction and areas for growth.

Case Studies: Conduct case studies on specific users or groups who have benefited from the platform, highlighting their success stories and the role of the platform in their learning journey.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

To maximize the reach and impact of our project, we will adopt several strategies for sharing outputs:

Open Source Repository: All code and resources will be available on platforms like GitHub, allowing the community to access, use, and contribute to our project

2,Regular Updates: We will provide regular updates on our progress through blog posts, social media, and community forums within the Cardano ecosystem

3.Workshops and Webinars: Hosting online workshops and webinars to educate users about the platform, its functionalities, and how to contribute

4.Collaborations with Educational Institutions: Partnering with local schools and universities in Ethiopia to implement our platform and share best practices, thereby expanding our reach and impact

5.Impact Reports: We will compile and publish impact reports detailing our findings, user stories, and performance metric

Conclusion

The success of our project will not only enhance education in Ethiopia but also contribute to the wider Cardano community by promoting blockchain literacy, fostering collaboration, and creating a model for future projects. By measuring our impact rigorously and sharing our outputs openly, we aim to inspire and empower others within the Cardano ecosystem, reinforcing its commitment to positive social change through innovative technology.

[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 & Feasibility

Our Capability to Deliver

We possess a strong foundation and relevant experience that position us well to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability:

1.Experienced Team: Our team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in education, technology, and project management

2.Successful Track Record: We have previously launched educational initiatives that improved learning outcomes, including online courses and resource-sharing platform

3.Local Partnerships: We are collaborating with local educational institutions and NGOs in Ethiopia, which provides us with valuable insights into the specific needs of the community

4.Community Engagement: Our commitment to open-source development fosters community involvement

Feasibility of Our Approach

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will undertake the following steps:

1.Market Research: Conduct thorough research on the current educational landscape in Ethiopia, including the availability of resources, technology access, and user need

2.Pilot Programs: Before full-scale implementation, we will launch pilot programs in select schools to gather feedback and assess user engagemen

3.Stakeholder Feedback: Engage with educators, students, and parents throughout the development process to validate our approach and ensure it meets their need

4.Technical Assessment: Assess the technological infrastructure in targeted areas to ensure that our platform is accessible and functional for user

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management

To ensure proper management of funds and accountability, we will implement the following processes:

1.Budget Transparency: We will provide a detailed budget breakdown at the project's outset, outlining how funds will be allocated across various component

2.Regular Financial Reporting: We will establish a schedule for regular financial reporting to track spending against the budge

3.Auditing Mechanisms: We will set up an internal auditing process to review expenditures and ensure that funds are being used effectively

4.Community Oversight: We will create a community advisory board composed of local stakeholders to provide oversight and feedback on project implementation and fund usage

5.Progress Milestones: We will define clear milestones and deliverables for the project

Conclusion

Our team's experience, local partnerships, and commitment to transparency position us well to deliver this project effectively. By validating our approach through research and pilot programs, and by implementing robust financial management practices, we aim to build trust and accountability within the Cardano community and among stakeholders in Ethiopia. We are dedicated to ensuring that this initiative has a meaningful and lasting impact on education quality and student engagement.

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

Project Submission and Acceptance (Month 0)

• Description: Submit the project proposal to Cardano Catalyst Fund 13 and secure funding.
• Activities:
• Finalize the project plan, budget, and timeline.
• Prepare all necessary documentation to meet Cardano's requirements.

Present the proposal for review and feedback to ensure alignment with fund objectives.

Research and Needs Assessment (Months 1-2)

• Description: Conduct comprehensive research to understand the educational landscape and user needs in Ethiopia.
• Activities:
• Design and distribute surveys to students, educators, and parents to gather insights on current challenges and resource gaps.
• Conduct interviews and focus groups to gain qualitative data on user experiences and expectations.
• Analyze existing educational resources and technology access, culminating in a detailed report to inform platform features and design.

Platform Development (Months 3-7)

• Description: Build the core functionalities of the educational platform.
• Activities:
• Phase 1 (Months 3-5): Develop the backend infrastructure, including database setup and server configurations, to support resource hubs and online classes.
• Phase 2 (Months 6-7): Create the frontend interface with a focus on user experience, implementing design elements based on user feedback. Conduct initial testing for usability and functionality, iterating as needed.

 Pilot Testing and Feedback Collection (Months 8-9)

• Description: Launch a pilot version of the platform in select schools and gather feedback.
• Activities:
• Deploy the platform to a small group of educators and students for real-world use.
• Collect quantitative data (e.g., usage statistics) and qualitative feedback through surveys and interviews to assess user satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Analyze the feedback to make necessary adjustments, refining features and functionalities based on user experiences.

Final Launch and Project Completion (Months 10-12)

• Description: Officially launch the fully developed educational platform to the broader community and conclude the project.
• Activities:
• Organize a launch event to promote the platform, showcasing its features and benefits to stakeholders.
• Provide comprehensive training sessions for educators and students to facilitate effective platform usage.
• Release user guides and technical documentation to support ongoing use and development.
• Compile a final project report summarizing outcomes, user feedback, and performance metrics, sharing insights with the Cardano community and stakeholders.

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

Project Team and Roles

1. Project Manager: Yemam Mohammed

• LinkedIn Profile: [LinkedIn URL]
• Role: Oversee the entire project, ensuring that timelines are met, resources are allocated effectively, and stakeholders are engaged. Responsible for communication between team members and the Cardano community.

1. Lead Developer: [Developer's Name]

• LinkedIn Profile: [LinkedIn URL]
• Role: Oversee the technical development of the platform, including backend and frontend implementation. Ensure the platform is scalable, secure, and user-friendly.

1. Educational Consultant: [Consultant's Name]

• LinkedIn Profile: [LinkedIn URL]
• Role: Provide insights into the educational needs and challenges in Ethiopia. Assist in designing curriculum content and resource materials tailored to local contexts.

1. UI/UX Designer: [Designer’s Name]

• LinkedIn Profile: [LinkedIn URL]
• Role: Design the platform's user interface and experience, ensuring it is accessible and engaging for users of all ages and technical backgrounds.

1. Community Engagement Specialist: [Specialist's Name]

• LinkedIn Profile: [LinkedIn URL]
• Role: Manage outreach to students, educators, and parents to gather feedback and promote platform usage. Facilitate training sessions and support user engagement initiatives.

Recruitment of Additional Team Members

As the project progresses, we plan to recruit additional team members with the following specific skills:

• Data Analyst: To analyze student performance data and user engagement metrics, providing insights for continuous improvement.
• Content Developers: Experienced in creating educational materials that align with the platform's curriculum, preferably with knowledge of local languages and contexts.
• Blockchain Developer: To assist in integrating blockchain technology for secure data management and performance tracking.

Engagement and Communication

We have proactively engaged with team members and relevant stakeholders to ensure their willingness and capacity to support the project. Key steps include:

• Conducted preliminary discussions with local educational institutions and NGOs in Ethiopia to gauge interest and gather input on platform features.
• Engaged with technical communities on Discord and Telegram related to Cardano, discussing our project and seeking advice on development best practices.
• Established direct communication channels with potential collaborators and advisors to ensure alignment on goals and responsibilities.

Transparency and Proof of Engagement

All project participants are aware of their roles and have consented to be included in this proposal. We recognize the importance of transparency in the Catalyst funding process and are committed to providing any necessary proof of engagement prior to the release of initial funding.

Conclusion

Our project team combines a diverse set of skills and experiences, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing the educational platform. By engaging relevant stakeholders early in the process and planning for additional recruitment, we aim to foster a collaborative environment that enhances the project's success.

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

Budget & Costs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the proposed costs associated with the project, organized by category:

1. Personnel Costs:

• Project Manager: Responsible for overseeing the project, coordinating activities, and managing stakeholders. 
• Cost: $30,000 (12 months at $4,000/month)

  

• Lead Developer: Handles the technical development of the platform, ensuring robust functionality and user experience.
• Cost: $36,000 (12 months at $5,000/month)

  

• UI/UX Designer: Designs the user interface and experience, focusing on accessibility and engagement.
• Cost: $21,000 (6 months at $3,500/month)

• Community Engagement Specialist: Manages outreach, gathers feedback, and promotes platform usage.
• Cost: $18,000 (6 months at $3,000/month)

• Educational Consultant: Provides insights on curriculum design and educational needs in Ethiopia.
• Cost: $12,000 (4 months at $2,500/month)

Subtotal for Personnel Costs: $157,000 ADA

1. Software & Tools:

• Development Tools: Licenses for essential software (e.g., IDEs, design tools) to facilitate the development process.
• Cost: $5,000

• Hosting Services: Cloud hosting for the platform for one year.
• Cost: $3,000

• API Development Costs: Third-party services for API integration that enhances platform functionality.
• Cost: $4,000

Subtotal for Software & Tools: $12,000 ADA

1. Marketing & Community Engagement:

• Publicity and Marketing: Costs associated with the launch event and promotional materials to raise awareness of the platform.
• Cost: $5,000

• Training Sessions: Materials and logistics for training educators and students on how to use the platform effectively.
• Cost: $3,000

Subtotal for Marketing: $8,000 ADA

1. Miscellaneous:

• Documentation: Creation of user guides and technical documentation to support users.
• Cost: $2,000
• Reporting and Evaluation: Final project report and evaluations to assess impact and outcomes.
• Cost: $2,000

Subtotal for Miscellaneous: $4,000 ADA

1. Contingency Fund:

• Unexpected Costs: A contingency fund of 5% to cover any unforeseen expenses.
• Cost: $7,500

Total Estimated Costs: $150,000 ADA

Funding Shortfall and Alternative Sources

The total estimated costs exceed the allocated budget of $150,000 ADA by $38,500. To address this shortfall, we plan to explore:

1. Local Partnerships: Collaborating with educational institutions and NGOs for potential co-funding or in-kind suppor
2. Crowdfunding: Launching a campaign to engage the community and raise additional funds based on the project's impac
3. Grants: Seeking educational grants from organizations focused on improving access to education in developing countrie

Third-Party Products and Services

• Hosting Services: Utilizing a reputable cloud service provider (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) for hosting, estimated at $3,000 for one year.
• API Development Services: Partnering with external developers for API integration, costing approximately $4,000.
• Development Tools: Software licenses estimated at $5,000.

Conclusion

This detailed budget outlines the comprehensive costs associated with our project, ensuring transparency and accountability. Although the projected expenses exceed the initial funding request, we have identified potential alternative funding sources to cover the shortfall. This approach will help ensure the successful implementation of the educational platform in Ethiopia.

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

Value for Money

The costs associated with our project represent a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem, particularly in enhancing educational engagement in Ethiopia. Here’s how we justify the budget and demonstrate value for money:

1.Competitive Personnel Costs:

• The personnel costs have been carefully calculated to align with industry standards and local wage averages. For example:
• The project manager’s salary is set at $2,500/month, which is competitive for project management roles in Ethiopia, ensuring we attract qualified candidates who can effectively lead the project.
• Similarly, the lead developer’s rate of $3,000/month is consistent with the typical salary for software developers with relevant experience in the region.

2.Strategic Resource Allocation:

• Each team member brings specialized skills that are critical to the project's success. For instance:
• The UI/UX designer will ensure the platform is user-friendly and accessible, which is essential for engaging users effectively and promoting sustained usage.
• The community engagement specialist will focus on outreach and feedback, directly impacting the platform's relevance and adoption within the target community.

3.High-Impact Deliverables:

• The project will deliver a comprehensive educational platform with features such as resource hubs, online classes, and performance-tracking APIs. These functionalities directly address the weaknesses in education quality in Ethiopia, aiming for measurable improvements in student performance and engagement.
• The integration of cutting-edge technology (e.g., APIs) and innovative learning methods adds significant value by enhancing the educational experience and preparing students for future job markets.

4.Marketing and Community Engagement:

• Allocating funds for marketing and community engagement ensures that the platform reaches a broad audience, fostering widespread adoption. The budget for publicity, launch events, and training sessions is crucial for ensuring that stakeholders understand the platform’s benefits, ultimately leading to greater impact.

5.Cost Efficiency and Contingency Planning:

• The inclusion of a contingency fund (5% of the total budget) allows for flexibility in addressing unforeseen challenges without compromising the project's overall goals. This proactive approach demonstrates prudent financial management.

6Alignment with Cardano’s Mission:

• By enhancing education in Ethiopia, the project aligns with Cardano’s broader goals of social impact and improving access to quality resources. Investing in education contributes to the long-term sustainability and growth of the Cardano ecosystem, making it a worthy initiative for funding.

Conclusion

In summary, the costs associated with this project are justified by competitive salaries, strategic resource allocation, and the high-impact deliverables we aim to provide. By investing in this initiative, the Cardano ecosystem will gain a valuable educational platform that fosters engagement, enhances learning outcomes, and supports community development, ultimately contributing to the ecosystem’s mission of positive social change.