Building an Ethiopia-Based Global Cardano Community via Telegram: Educating, Engaging, and Growing the Ecosystem

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ephratha Samuel and Kaleab Hailemariam

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

Individual

[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

No

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

We will build a Cardano community on Telegram, hosting live sessions with experts, weekly podcasts, and Plutus training. This will foster blockchain developers, enhance community engagement.

[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 dependencies

[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

All project outputs will be released under an open-source license, ensuring that educational videos, lesson plans, and resource materials are freely accessible to everyone. We will utilize platforms like GitHub or similar repositories to host these materials, enabling users to view, download, and modify the content as needed.

This open-source approach encourages collaboration and community involvement, allowing others to contribute improvements and adaptations. By making the resources available to a wider audience, we aim to foster greater understanding and participation in Cardano governance and blockchain technology, particularly among Amharic-speaking communities.

[METADATA] Horizons

Training

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The project aims to establish an engaged, thriving Cardano community on Telegram, initially focused on Ethiopia with a global outreach. The Telegram channel will serve as a hub for discussions, education on Plutus and Project Catalyst, and as a platform for developers to learn, collaborate, and grow the Cardano ecosystem.

The main activities will focus on:

· Live Sessions with Experts: Three times a week, blockchain experts will host live sessions to educate participants on various topics, including smart contracts, Cardano governance, and Plutus development.

· Weekly Podcasts: Each week, a new podcast will cover updates on the Cardano ecosystem, tutorials on Plutus, and insights into Project Catalyst.

· Plutus Training Program: A structured curriculum will provide hands-on training for talented individuals within the community, enabling them to develop dApps, websites, and applications on the Cardano platform.

· Milestone Events: The project will host in-person events in Ethiopia where participants can showcase their blockchain solutions and engage with the broader community.

· Global Outreach: Through targeted efforts, we will grow the community globally, fostering international collaboration on Cardano.

Key Activities:

1. Live Sessions with Experts:

o Description: Three live sessions will be held each week with blockchain experts who will guide participants through topics related to smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and blockchain technology. These sessions will also provide real-time Q&A opportunities.

2. Weekly Podcasts:

o Description: We will produce podcasts that deliver accessible content on Cardano, blockchain developments, and real-world use cases. The podcasts will feature guest speakers, including blockchain professionals and community leaders.

3. Plutus Training Program:

o Description: We will launch a Plutus development training program aimed at teaching participants how to build decentralized applications. By the end of the program, participants will have completed projects such as dApps, websites, and smart contracts on Cardano.

4. Community Events and Milestones:

o Description: Two major events will be held to celebrate community milestones. Participants will showcase their progress, including dApp development, and engage in discussions about the future of blockchain development in Ethiopia.

5. International Outreach:

o Description: Leveraging the global nature of Telegram, the project will attract participants from around the world, creating an international community of developers and enthusiasts contributing to Cardano.

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

1.Developer Growth

· Impact Metrics:

• Goal: Train 100+ new developers in Plutus development by the end of the program.
• Milestones: Every month, the community will see an increase in trained developers, with participants progressively moving from foundational knowledge to practical application.
• Long-term Outcome: Graduates of the Plutus training will have the skills to develop decentralized applications (dApps), and they will continue contributing to Cardano’s ecosystem even after the program concludes.

2.   Global Community Engagement:

· Impact Metrics:

• Goal: Grow the Telegram group to 5,000+ active members by the end of the project.
• Milestones: Achieving 1,500 members within the first 3 months, reaching 3,500 by month 9, and scaling up to 5,000 by month 12.
• Engagement Level: Measured through active participation in live sessions, podcasts, and workshops. We will track the number of questions asked, dApps developed, and discussions sparked within the community.

3.  Tangible Outcomes – dApp Development:

· Impact Metrics:

• Goal: Develop at least 20 decentralized applications (dApps), websites, or blockchain-based projects by participants during the Plutus training program.
• Success Measure: Completed projects will be showcased during milestone events, and detailed feedback will be provided by the community and guest speakers.
• Long-term Outcome: These dApps will be deployed on the Cardano blockchain, expanding its use cases and providing solutions in areas like finance, charity, supply chains, and education.

4.   International Expansion:

· Impact Metrics:

• Goal: Extend community outreach to other regions, attracting participants from Africa, Europe, and North America by leveraging Telegram’s global reach.
• Milestones: By month 6, we aim to have at least 500 active international users. This will grow further by advertising and engaging with other Cardano communities worldwide.
• Outcome: Global collaboration will lead to greater diversity in project development, allowing Cardano to gain more visibility and adoption outside of Ethiopia.

 

[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?

1.Project Team Expertise

• Efrata (Project Lead): With extensive experience in project management and a strong background in blockchain technology, Efrata will oversee all aspects of the project. Efrata's leadership will ensure that the project aligns with the goals of the Cardano ecosystem and effectively meets the needs of the community.
• Kaleab Hailamariam (Social Media Manager): Kaleab brings expertise in social media strategy and community engagement. With a track record of building and managing online communities, Kaleab will facilitate interactions within the Telegram group and drive growth through effective marketing campaigns.
• Plutus Instructors and Guest Speakers: We will collaborate with recognized experts in the blockchain field who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality educational content. These professionals will lend credibility and depth to the educational offerings and will be instrumental in guiding participants through the complexities of blockchain development.
• Additional Team Members: Other individuals with diverse backgrounds in blockchain development, education, and community building will support the project, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for participants.

1. Existing Resources:

• Technology and Tools: The project will leverage existing technology, including high-quality podcasting equipment and development tools necessary for the training programs. This ensures that we can produce professional-grade educational content without incurring excessive upfront costs.
• Partnerships: We will establish partnerships with local universities, blockchain communities, and organizations. These partnerships will enhance the project’s reach, provide additional resources, and facilitate knowledge sharing. By collaborating with academic institutions, we can integrate our training into their curricula, ensuring sustained engagement and interest in blockchain technology.
• Infrastructure: Utilizing Telegram as the primary platform allows for cost-effective communication and community management. Its global reach ensures that the project can attract participants from different regions, enhancing its diversity and engagement.

2. Validation of Approach:

• Pilot Programs: Before full-scale implementation, we will conduct pilot workshops to validate the training content and delivery methods. This approach allows us to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure the training is effective and meets the community's needs.
• Continuous Feedback Mechanisms: Throughout the project, we will implement mechanisms to collect feedback from participants. Surveys and interactive polls will be used to assess the effectiveness of the training and community engagement efforts. This data will help us continuously refine the program and enhance the user experience.
• Engagement Metrics: We will closely monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the number of active participants in live sessions, the level of interaction on Telegram, and the completion rate of the Plutus training. By tracking these metrics, we can validate the impact of the project and ensure it is meeting its goals.

3. Risk Mitigation Strategies:

• Content Adaptation: Given the rapidly evolving nature of blockchain technology, we will regularly update our training content to reflect the latest developments in the Cardano ecosystem. This flexibility will ensure that participants receive current and relevant information.
• Diverse Engagement Strategies: To mitigate the risk of low community engagement, we will employ various engagement strategies, including gamification, challenges, and collaborative projects. These methods will encourage participation and sustain interest throughout the project duration.
• Backup Plans: In the event of unforeseen challenges, such as issues with guest speaker availability or technical difficulties, we will have backup plans in place. This includes having alternative speakers lined up and ensuring technical support is readily available during live sessions.

By combining a highly skilled team, leveraging existing resources, implementing effective validation strategies, and mitigating risks, this project is well-positioned for success. The comprehensive approach ensures not only the feasibility of the project but also its potential for significant impact within the Cardano community.

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

Milestone 1: Setup and Recruitment (Months 1-2)

· Description: Hire a social media manager to manage the Telegram channel and engage the community. Launch an advertising campaign to recruit initial participants and build momentum.

· Deliverables:

o Social media manager hired and Telegram channel setup.

o Recruitment campaign launched.

o Initial cohort of community members recruited.

Evidence of milestone completion

l Video and signed contracts will be delivered.

Milestone 2: Live Sessions, Podcasts, and Plutus Training (Months 3-6)

· Description: Launch live sessions and podcasts while also beginning the Plutus training program. Encourage participants to start developing small projects using Cardano's ecosystem.

· Deliverables:

o 48 live sessions conducted (3 per week for 16 weeks).

o 16 podcasts released.

o Plutus training program launched with active participants contributing to the Cardano ecosystem.

Evidence of milestone completion

Live records and also photo and video footage 

Milestone 3: Community Expansion and Milestone Event (Months 7-9)

· Description: Scale the community with more engagement challenges and collaborations. Organize the first in-person event in Ethiopia to showcase progress and reward community participants.

· Deliverables:

o Increased active community participation.

o Successful event showcasing products developed by participants.

o Continued content production (live sessions, podcasts, training).

Evidence of milestone completion

l Video footage.

Milestone 4: Scaling and Final Event (Months 10-12)

· Description: Expand the community globally and organize the final showcase event, highlighting the project’s success and the work of the participants.

· Deliverables:

o Telegram community scaled to a global audience.

o Final event organized to showcase completed dApps and solutions.

Evidence of milestone completion

l Q&A programs feed back from the user of this campain.

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

·  Project Lead & Educator  Kaleab Hailemariam:

Oversees the entire project, creates lesson content, teaches Cardano governance and blockchain in Amharic, and manages the Telegram group/channel. Also responsible for marketing and outreach.

·  Content Creator & Translator Ephratha Samuel :

Develops scripts, produces and edits videos, and translates content into Amharic. Ensures accurate localization and high-quality educational materials for the audience.

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

1. 
   

· Total Cost: 7,500 ADA over 12 months

· Breakdown:

o Monthly Salary: 625 ADA/month.

o Responsibilities:

§ Managing Telegram community engagement, content scheduling, handling inquiries, and ensuring consistent interaction.

§ Coordinating with guest speakers, developers, and influencers for sessions and podcasts.

§ Managing advertising campaigns and growth strategies for the Telegram group.

§ Tracking and reporting community growth, engagement metrics, and user feedback.

· Rationale: A dedicated social media manager is crucial for fostering consistent engagement, increasing the community’s reach, and managing the logistics of events, podcasts, and live sessions. This person will be the operational backbone of the project, ensuring smooth communication between participants, experts, and the project team.

2.   Instructors and Guest Speakers:

· Total Cost: 19,700 ADA

· Breakdown:

o Guest Speaker Fees: 500 ADA per session.

o Instructor Fees: 600 ADA per session for 32 training sessions.

o Responsibilities:

§ Guest speakers will provide expert insights on blockchain technology, Cardano’s ecosystem, and decentralized finance.

§ Instructors will guide participants through hands-on Plutus training and real-world development use cases.

· Rationale: Experienced instructors and guest speakers bring credibility and high-quality education to the program, allowing participants to learn from industry leaders and gain practical skills in Cardano development.

3.   Podcast Equipment:

· Total Cost: 5,800 ADA

· Breakdown:

o Microphones: 1,000 ADA for professional-quality sound recording.

o Laptop and iPad: 3,800 ADA for scriptwriting, audio editing, and podcast production.

o Accessories: 1,000 ADA for stands, lighting, and cables.

· Rationale: Professional equipment ensures the production of high-quality podcasts and live sessions, which will attract and retain participants by delivering content that’s both educational and polished.

4.   Event Costs (for 2 Major Milestone Events):

· Total Cost: 8,000 ADA

· Breakdown:

o Venue Rental: 2,000 ADA for event spaces (1,000 ADA per event).

o T-shirt Printing: 1,500 ADA (500 ADA per event for 100 branded T-shirts).

o Refreshments & Catering: 3,000 ADA (500 ADA per event).

o Event Logistics: 1,500 ADA for travel, decorations, and presentation materials.

· Rationale: Hosting physical events will solidify the online efforts, enabling participants to showcase their projects, interact in person, and deepen their commitment to Cardano. These events will also help drive more attention and publicity towards the project.

5.   Advertising and Recruitment:

· Total Cost: 9,500 ADA

· Breakdown:

o Social Media Ads: 2,500 ADA for promoting the Telegram channel through Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads, specifically targeting the Ethiopian and international blockchain communities.

o Printed Advertising: 2,000 ADA for posters and banners in universities and co-working spaces to attract students and developers.

o Influencer Partnerships: 5,000 DA for working with YouTube and Twitter influencers to promote the Telegram group and training programs.

· Rationale: Targeted ads will drive growth by attracting high-potential participants from Ethiopia and other regions, helping the project quickly reach its recruitment goals and international audience targets.

6.   Training Resources:

· Total Cost: 2,600 ADA

· Breakdown:

o Software Licenses: 1,100 ADA for educational tools and development environments (e.g., licenses for coding platforms, design tools).

o Learning Materials: 1,000 ADA for blockchain and Plutus textbooks, online courses, and instructional guides.

o Online Platforms: 500 ADA for hosting workshops, webinars, and cloud services for development.

· Rationale: Equipping participants with the right educational materials and tools ensures that the training program is both effective and scalable, providing real-world, hands-on learning experiences.

 

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

1.Developer Training

• Justification: Training 100+ developers in Plutus and dApp development for 53,100 ADA is an exceptional value considering the significant return on investment for the Cardano ecosystem. These developers will continue to contribute to blockchain innovations for years to come, driving long-term growth.
• Value-Added: The potential projects these developers will create, such as dApps, smart contracts, and blockchain applications, will expand Cardano’s use cases and attract more developers to the ecosystem. The educational investment will foster a highly skilled Cardano-focused talent pool in Ethiopia, with global reach.

2. Community Engagement and International Expansion:

• Justification: For a relatively low advertising cost , we expect to build an active Telegram community of 5,000+ members. This will increase Cardano’s visibility in the African market and attract new blockchain developers.
• Value-Added: The global community growth will ensure that Cardano gains a strong foothold in emerging markets, particularly in regions that are currently underserved in blockchain education.

3. Sustainable and Scalable Growth:

• Justification: The model of Telegram-based education and live sessions is easily scalable. By investing 53,100 ADA upfront, we establish a system that can continue growing organically through word of mouth, content sharing, and community engagement.
• Value-Added: This initial investment builds the infrastructure and community necessary to continue educating developers long after the project ends, ensuring a steady pipeline of Cardano developers who will keep contributing to the ecosystem.

By delivering both immediate education and long-term value, this project represents outstanding value for money, particularly when compared to the cost of traditional developer bootcamps or blockchain training programs.