Catalyst for Change: Project Catalyst Awareness Hackathon for West African Developers

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Anokye James Yaw

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Essel Jimmy Kodwo

Emmanuel Adzi-Tay

Lawrence Keklem Yevudza

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

4

[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)

Organizing a two-month hackathon for West African developers, fostering awareness of Project Catalyst and providing resources to engage, innovate, and access funding opportunities.

[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

This project will be fully open source with a dedicated GitHub repository under the MIT License, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the code. By fostering transparency and collaboration within the West African developer community, we aim to enable contributions and adaptations of the project. All hackathon resources, documentation, and developed code will be publicly accessible to promote learning and innovation. Our commitment to open source ensures ongoing value beyond the event, with updates and engagement encouraged through clear contribution guidelines and active community involvement.

[METADATA] Horizons

Hackathons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We will host the "Catalyst for Change: Project Catalyst Awareness Hackathon for West African Developers," a two-month online event designed to raise awareness and empower local developers. Limited awareness of Project Catalyst resources among West African developers hinders participation, so we will offer hands-on coding sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to foster engagement. The hackathon will feature multiple tracks focused on smart contracts, decentralized applications, and user interface design, with bounties available for completing specific challenges. Targeting developers and students across West Africa, we will measure our impact through participant feedback and project submissions, ultimately strengthening the Cardano ecosystem.

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

The "Catalyst for Change: Project Catalyst Awareness Hackathon" will significantly enhance the Cardano community by increasing awareness and participation among West African developers. By empowering local talent with skills and resources, we will stimulate innovation and foster a more inclusive ecosystem.

Measuring Impact: We will evaluate success through quantitative metrics, such as the number of participants, projects submitted, and engagement levels during the event. Qualitative feedback will be collected via surveys and interviews to assess participant experiences and identify areas for improvement.

Sharing Outputs: All projects developed during the hackathon will be showcased on social media platforms and GitHub repositories. We will also organize a follow-up webinar to highlight successful projects and share insights, thereby extending the reach and impact of the hackathon within the Cardano community.

[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?

My team and I have extensive experience in organizing tech events and hackathons, with each member having participated in similar initiatives. This background provides us with a strong foundation for successfully delivering this project.

To ensure trust and accountability, we will implement a transparent budget tracking system and provide regular financial updates to stakeholders. A dedicated team will oversee funds and resources, ensuring responsible management throughout the project lifecycle.

We will validate feasibility through pre-event surveys to gauge interest and participation, alongside a clear timeline and action plan to guide our execution.

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

A: Milestone Outputs

• A detailed document that includes:
• Event Overview: Name, date, location (virtual or in-person), and duration.
• Themes: Clearly defined themes with descriptions explaining their significance and expected outcomes.
• Hackathon Format: Schedule of events, activities (like workshops and networking sessions), and judging criteria for submissions.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The structure document must be comprehensive, clearly outlining all components of the hackathon.
• Each theme should be relevant and resonate with potential participants, encouraging diverse project ideas.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• The finalized document is shared in a collaborative platform (e.g., Google Drive) with version history showing the creation process.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Online Registration Platform: Set up a user-friendly registration system (e.g., Google Forms, Eventbrite) to capture participant details, including name, contact information, skill sets, and interests.
• Team Formation Mechanism: Create an online platform or forum (e.g., Slack, Discord, or a dedicated web page) to facilitate team formation, where participants can post their profiles and search for team members based on skills and interests.
• Promotional Materials for Registration: Develop materials (e.g., social media posts, email templates) to inform potential participants about registration, team formation, and the importance of cross-discipline collaboration.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• At least 20 teams must be registered, ensuring diverse representation across disciplines (e.g., developers, designers, business strategists, etc.).
• The registration platform should capture data reflecting participants' backgrounds and skills, showing a mix of disciplines in each team.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Registration data, including participant profiles, stored in a shared document or database, showcasing a variety of disciplines and skills represented.
• Screenshots or reports from the team formation platform displaying active discussions and successful team formations, including profiles of members from different disciplines collaborating.
• Promotional materials distributed across social media channels and documented engagement metrics (likes, shares, and comments) to gauge interest and reach.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Hackathon Event Execution: Successfully host the hackathon over the designated duration, ensuring all logistics and resources are in place.
• Resource Provision: Provide participants with necessary resources, including:
• Access to tools and technologies relevant to their projects.
• Guidelines and documentation related to Project Catalyst and other pertinent technologies.
• Mentorship and Support: Arrange for mentors to be available throughout the event to assist teams with guidance and expertise. This may include:
• A mentorship schedule outlining availability and areas of expertise.
• Contact methods for mentors (e.g., chat channels, video calls).
• Workshops and Presentations: Organize sessions that cover Project Catalyst and relevant technologies. This includes:
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions led by experts on specific technologies or methodologies.
• Presentations: Scheduled talks or demonstrations about Project Catalyst's goals, impact, and how to utilize it effectively in projects.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The hackathon must be successfully completed, with all participating teams presenting their projects by the end of the event.
• Feedback from participants regarding the resources, mentorship, and workshops should indicate satisfaction and relevance.
• Attendance records for workshops and presentations should show active participation and engagement from teams.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• A comprehensive event report documenting the hackathon, including:
• Attendance records for the hackathon, workshops, and mentorship sessions.
• Feedback forms collected from participants about the resources, mentorship, and workshops.
• Video recordings or summaries of team presentations, showcasing the outcomes of their projects.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive Hackathon Report: A detailed document summarizing:
• Outcomes: Overview of the projects developed, including descriptions and any notable innovations.
• Participant Feedback: Analysis of feedback collected from participants, highlighting their experiences, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improvement.
• Lessons Learned: Insights gained from the event, including what worked well, challenges faced, and recommendations for future hackathons.
• Highlight Video: A professionally edited video that captures:
• Key moments from the hackathon, including workshops, mentorship sessions, and team presentations.
• Testimonials from participants, mentors, and organizers discussing the event's impact and value.
• Visuals that convey the energy and creativity of the participants and projects.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The comprehensive report must be thorough and well-organized, covering all required aspects of the hackathon outcomes and participant experiences.
• The highlight video should be engaging, providing a clear narrative of the event and its impact, suitable for sharing on social media and with stakeholders.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• The final report is shared in a collaborative space, such as Google Drive, with a clear version history to demonstrate the compilation process.
• Copies of participant feedback forms and a summary of key insights are included in the report as appendices.
• The highlight video is uploaded to relevant platforms (e.g., YouTube, social media channels) with links included in the report for easy access.
• Documentation of distribution to stakeholders and participants, including email notifications or links to the report and video.

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

Project Team

1. Anokye James Yaw

• Role: Project Lead
• Responsibilities: Overall project management, planning, and execution. Coordination of promotional activities and team engagement.
• LinkedIn: Anokye James Yaw

1. Essel Jimmy Kodwo

• Role: Event Logistics Manager
• Responsibilities: Coordinating logistics for the hackathon, including venue selection, equipment setup, and on-site management.
• LinkedIn: Essel Jimmy Kodwo

1. Emmanuel Adzi-Tay

• Role: Marketing Specialist
• Responsibilities: Developing marketing strategies to promote the hackathon and engage participants through social media and other channels.
• LinkedIn: Emmanuel Adzi-Tay

1. Lawrence Keklem Yevudza

• Role: Technical Support
• Responsibilities: Providing technical assistance to participants during the hackathon and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• LinkedIn: Lawrence Keklem Yevudza

Additional Recruitment

If additional team members are needed, we will seek individuals with the following skills:

• Technical Mentors: Expertise in software development, blockchain technology, and Project Catalyst.
• Marketing Specialists: Experience in digital marketing and community outreach to enhance participant engagement.
• Event Coordinators: Strong organizational skills for managing logistics and on-site operations during the hackathon.

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

Milestone 1: Project Planning and Marketing

Duration: 1 month

Cost: 8,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Project Lead (Anokye James Yaw): 1 month × 3,000 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• Marketing Specialist (Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Event Logistics Manager (Essel Jimmy Kodwo): 1 month × 1,500 ADA/month = 1,000 ADA
• Operations:
• Marketing Materials (Digital Graphics, Social Media Ads): 500 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 500 ADA

Total for Milestone 1: 7,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Online Platform Setup

Duration: 1 month

Cost: 12,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Event Logistics Manager (Essel Jimmy Kodwo): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Technical Support (Lawrence Keklem Yevudza): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Project Lead (Anokye James Yaw): 1 month × 3,500 ADA/month = 2,500 ADA
• Marketing Specialist (Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 1 month × 2,500 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• Platform Costs:
• Software Licenses (for collaboration tools like Slack, Trello): 1,000 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 500 ADA

Total for Milestone 2: 11,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Hackathon Execution and Support

Duration: 2 days

Cost: 14,500 ADA (increased to include prizes)

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Project Lead (Anokye James Yaw): 2 days × 1,500 ADA/day = 3,000 ADA
• Event Logistics Manager (Essel Jimmy Kodwo): 2 days × 1,000 ADA/day = 2,000 ADA
• Technical Support (Lawrence Keklem Yevudza): 2 days × 1,000 ADA/day = 2,000 ADA
• Technical Mentors: 2 days × 1,000 ADA/day = 2,000 ADA
• Participant Support:
• Prizes for Winners and Runner-Ups: 4,000 ADA (2,500 ADA for the winner, 1,500 ADA for the runner-up)
• Virtual Swag (E-Gift Cards or Prizes): 1,500 ADA

Total for Milestone 3: 14,500 ADA

Milestone 4: Post-Hackathon Evaluation and Reporting

Duration: 1 month

Cost: 8,000 ADA

Cost Breakdown:

• Personnel:
• Project Lead (Anokye James Yaw): 1 month × 3,000 ADA/month = 3,000 ADA
• Data Analyst (Lawrence Keklem Yevudza): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Marketing Specialist (Emmanuel Adzi-Tay): 1 month × 2,000 ADA/month = 2,000 ADA
• Event Logistics Manager (Essel Jimmy Kodwo): 1 month × 1,000 ADA/month = 1,000 ADA
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Impact Assessment Report: 500 ADA

Total for Milestone 4: 7,500 ADA

Additional Details

Total Project Cost: 40,000 ADA (after including prizes)

Third-Party Products and Services:

• Webinar/Conference Hosting Platform: Covers costs for hosting the online hackathon.
• Software Licenses: Expenses for collaboration tools to facilitate team communication and project management.
• Digital Marketing Tools: Costs related to marketing materials for promoting the event.
• Prizes for Winners and Runner-Ups: Allocated funds to reward the top participants.

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

The costs of the project are determined by industry rates of developers and fit with normal earnings in the capital city of our country.The Catalyst for Change: Project Catalyst Awareness Hackathon for West African Developers has been designed to deliver exceptional value for the Cardano ecosystem. Here's how the project's costs reflect this value:

• Competitive Compensation:
• Personnel costs are aligned with industry standards, ensuring we attract skilled professionals. For example, the average salary for project managers in the region ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 ADA per month, ensuring we leverage local talent effectively.
• Structured Resource Allocation:
• The budget is divided into clear milestones, allowing continuous assessment and effective fund utilization. The 40,000 ADA request reflects necessary activities to increase awareness and engagement in the Cardano ecosystem.
• Focused Community Engagement:
• A significant portion of the budget is allocated to targeted marketing strategies and participant incentives, enhancing developer engagement and community building, which are critical for Cardano's growth.
• Long-Term Ecosystem Impact:
• The hackathon promotes skill development and collaboration among West African developers, fostering a sustainable environment that can lead to increased innovation and adoption of Cardano.