Empowering Rural Innovators with Plutus: Smart Contract Education for the Next Generation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sunday Dominic

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[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)

Provide rural students with Plutus training, enabling them to develop smart contracts and leverage decentralized applications, fostering participation in the blockchain economy.

[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

Project will be fully open sourced

[METADATA] Horizons

Learn to Earn

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

The problem we are solving is the significant lack of exposure to smart contract development in rural areas. Plutus, the smart contract language for Cardano, is a crucial skill for the future of decentralized applications (dApps), yet rural students are entirely disconnected from this technological trend. Without access to Plutus education, 5,000 talented students in these areas are unable to develop solutions that could directly address challenges in their communities using blockchain technology.

Our solution is to deliver specialized Plutus education through a structured, hands-on program designed to train 5,000 rural students over 12 months. The program will introduce students to the fundamentals of blockchain, decentralized applications, and smart contract development using Plutus. Each cohort will engage in practical projects, where students design and implement smart contracts tailored to real-world rural problems, such as creating decentralized markets or local governance systems.

Engagement:

We will partner with local schools, community leaders, and rural tech hubs to recruit students. The engagement will focus on creating future blockchain developers from rural areas, providing them with a foundational skill set that can grow into careers in blockchain and decentralized technologies.

Impact:

We will measure our success through the number of students who successfully complete Plutus-based projects, deploy real-world smart contracts, and engage with the broader Cardano community. By teaching 5,000 students, we will significantly increase the pool of Plutus developers contributing to the Cardano ecosystem, particularly from underserved areas.

Unique Aspects:

Plutus is a powerful tool for building decentralized applications, and by focusing on training students from rural areas, we are introducing fresh perspectives and solutions to the blockchain space. These students, once equipped with Plutus skills, will contribute to the diversity and innovation of the Cardano ecosystem, creating local dApps that reflect the unique needs of their communities.

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

Proposed Solution:

The problem we are solving is the significant lack of exposure to smart contract development in rural areas. Plutus, the smart contract language for Cardano, is a crucial skill for the future of decentralized applications (dApps), yet rural students are entirely disconnected from this technological trend. Without access to Plutus education, 5,000 talented students in these areas are unable to develop solutions that could directly address challenges in their communities using blockchain technology.

Our solution is to deliver specialized Plutus education through a structured, hands-on program designed to train 5,000 rural students over 12 months. The program will introduce students to the fundamentals of blockchain, decentralized applications, and smart contract development using Plutus. Each cohort will engage in practical projects, where students design and implement smart contracts tailored to real-world rural problems, such as creating decentralized markets or local governance systems.

Engagement:

We will partner with local schools, community leaders, and rural tech hubs to recruit students. The engagement will focus on creating future blockchain developers from rural areas, providing them with a foundational skill set that can grow into careers in blockchain and decentralized technologies.

Impact:

We will measure our success through the number of students who successfully complete Plutus-based projects, deploy real-world smart contracts, and engage with the broader Cardano community. By teaching 5,000 students, we will significantly increase the pool of Plutus developers contributing to the Cardano ecosystem, particularly from underserved areas.

Unique Aspects:

Plutus is a powerful tool for building decentralized applications, and by focusing on training students from rural areas, we are introducing fresh perspectives and solutions to the blockchain space. These students, once equipped with Plutus skills, will contribute to the diversity and innovation of the Cardano ecosystem, creating local dApps that reflect the unique needs of their communities.

[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 to Deliver:

12 Miles has demonstrated its capability to deliver high-quality educational programs, having successfully trained over 20,000 students in rural areas, fostering skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Our track record includes notable achievements, such as guiding students from rural backgrounds to victory in national competitions, showcasing their potential when given access to advanced technological education.

Additionally, our collaboration with RemoStars, a recognized organization with expertise in tech education, enhances our program's credibility. RemoStars has a proven model for engaging rural communities and providing robust support systems for students, ensuring that the educational experience is both practical and impactful.

Validation of Feasibility:

We will validate our approach through several key steps:

1. Curriculum Development: Partner with experienced educators and industry experts to create a tailored Plutus curriculum that meets the needs of rural students.
2. Pilot Programs: Implement pilot programs in select rural areas to refine our approach based on feedback from students and educators.
3. Partnerships: Leverage partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and tech hubs to ensure that the program is accessible and relevant to students.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management:

To ensure the responsible management of funds, we will:

• Establish a transparent budget plan that allocates funds to specific line items, including curriculum development, training materials, and logistics.
• Implement regular financial audits and reporting to track expenditures and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Engage community stakeholders in oversight committees to foster transparency and accountability throughout the project's lifespan.

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

Milestone 1: Curriculum Development and Pilot Program (Months 1-3)

• Activities:
• Research & Design: Conduct surveys and focus groups with educators and rural community leaders to identify learning needs and preferences.
• Curriculum Creation: Develop a comprehensive Plutus curriculum that includes beginner to advanced levels, with hands-on projects to reinforce learning.
• Material Preparation: Create instructional materials such as worksheets, online resources, and interactive software tools.
• Pilot Program: Select three rural schools to implement the pilot program, train local educators, and gather initial feedback.
• Expected Outcomes:
• Complete Plutus curriculum tailored for rural students.
• Successful pilot implementation in three schools.
• Initial feedback report with suggested improvements.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Conduct at least three pilot sessions with participation from at least 100 students.
• Collect feedback from students and educators indicating at least 75% satisfaction.
• Estimated Budget: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Training Implementation and Student Engagement (Months 4-8)

• Activities:
• Full Program Launch: Roll out the Plutus curriculum to 5,000 students across multiple rural schools.
• Interactive Workshops: Organize hands-on workshops led by experienced instructors, focusing on real-world applications of Plutus in blockchain projects.
• Hackathon Event: Host a hackathon at the end of Month 6 where students can showcase their projects developed using the Plutus curriculum, fostering creativity and teamwork.
• Progress Monitoring: Implement regular assessments (quizzes, projects) to track student progress and engagement.
• Community Outreach: Conduct sessions to engage parents and community members, showcasing student projects to foster local support.
• Expected Outcomes:
• Training delivered to 5,000 students with documented progress.
• Increased community awareness and support for the program.
• Successful hackathon with at least 50 projects submitted.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• At least 80% of students demonstrate proficiency in Plutus concepts by completing assessments.
• 75% of participating parents report increased interest in technology education for their children.
• Hackathon results reviewed and winners recognized.
• Estimated Budget: 30,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Community Feedback and Program Assessment (Months 9-11)

• Activities:
• Feedback Collection: Use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather comprehensive feedback from students, teachers, and community members.
• Impact Analysis: Analyze data collected from assessments and feedback to evaluate the program's effectiveness in improving knowledge and skills.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Host community meetings to present findings and gather insights for program improvement.
• Expected Outcomes:
• Comprehensive report detailing student performance, engagement levels, and community impact.
• Clear recommendations for future iterations of the program.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• A final report summarizing findings is submitted to stakeholders.
• Agreement reached with community leaders on next steps for program enhancement.
• Estimated Budget: 10,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Community Feedback and Program Assessment (Months 9-11)

• Activities:
• Feedback Collection: Use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather comprehensive feedback from students, teachers, and community members.
• Impact Analysis: Analyze data collected from assessments and feedback to evaluate the program's effectiveness in improving knowledge and skills.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Host community meetings to present findings and gather insights for program improvement.
• Expected Outcomes:
• Comprehensive report detailing student performance, engagement levels, and community impact.
• Clear recommendations for future iterations of the program.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• A final report summarizing findings is submitted to stakeholders.
• Agreement reached with community leaders on next steps for program enhancement.
• Estimated Budget: 10,000 ADA

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

Team Members & Roles

Sunday Dominic – Project Manager https://12miles.com.ng/

• Role: As the founder of 12 Miles, i will oversee the entire project, ensuring all deliverables are met on time and within budget. Responsibilities include managing project timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.

Ese Williams – Marketing and Communications Specialist

• LinkedIn Profile: Ese Williams' LinkedIn URL
• Role: Ese will manage all marketing and communication efforts, including outreach, public relations, and digital presence. Her goal is to maximize visibility and engagement with the target rural communities.

Alabi Ayomide – Curriculum Developer https://12miles.com.ng/

• Role: Alabi will be responsible for designing the blockchain and Plutus curriculum, tailoring it to meet the needs of rural students while ensuring the material is engaging and comprehensive.

Matti Victoria – Community Engagement Lead https://12miles.com.ng/

• Role: Jane will manage all community outreach efforts, coordinating meetings and events with local schools and communities. She will also ensure effective communication with stakeholders throughout the project.

Planned Recruitment

To ensure smooth project execution, we plan to recruit additional team members with the following skills:

• 5 more Blockchain Developer: Someone proficient in Cardano blockchain development, particularly with expertise in Plutus, to assist with technical aspects of the curriculum and hackathon.
• Data Analyst: Responsible for tracking and analyzing project outcomes, helping to measure the success of the program and report back to stakeholders.

We have already engaged with the core team members from both 12 Miles and Remostart, confirming their availability and willingness to support the project. Our team is well-prepared to take on their respective roles and execute the project within the proposed timelines.

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

Total Budget: 70,000 ADA

For this proposal, we allocate 15,000 ADA for curriculum development, which includes materials and resources essential for teaching Plutus. Workshops and training sessions will cost around 15,000 ADA, covering venue rentals, materials, and facilitator fees. We plan to organize a hackathon with an estimated cost of 15,000 ADA, which will go toward prizes, venue costs, and promotional materials.

Community engagement efforts will require 7,000 ADA for marketing materials and local outreach initiatives. Additionally, we budget 3,000 ADA for data analysis tools, including software licenses for evaluation. Comprehensive reporting and documentation tools will account for 3,000 ADA. Project management software and tools will cost about 2,000 ADA.

We also include 7,000 ADA for miscellaneous expenses, which will cover unexpected costs and travel. Finally, a contingency fund of 5,000 ADA will be reserved for any unforeseen expenses that may arise during the project.

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

The total budget of 70,000 ADA for this project represents a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem by providing Plutus education to 5,000 rural students. The cost breakdown is carefully designed to ensure each component contributes to a comprehensive learning experience. The budget reflects current market rates for educational materials, workshop facilitation, and venue rentals, which are aligned with the average wages for educators and facilitators in the region.

The allocation for curriculum development and workshops is proportional to typical freelance rates in the educational industry, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively for high-quality training. The planned hackathon will not only stimulate innovation but also enhance the visibility of Cardano within the community, attracting further interest and investment.

This project will deliver substantial long-term value to the Cardano ecosystem by fostering a skilled workforce proficient in blockchain technologies, ultimately driving adoption and innovation within the Cardano network.