Integrating Cardano Blockchain Education into Addis Ababa University: Building a Foundation for Blockchain Innovation in Ethiopia

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

FIRAOL GEZAHEGN & NATANIEM SEYOUM

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

77490

[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)

Introduce a Cardano focused blockchain at Addis Ababa University theoretical and practical training to empower students with skills for blockchain innovation and real world applications in Ethiopia.

[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

the project’s outputs will be fully open source. All educational materials, curriculum content, workshops, and smart contract examples will be openly shared on platforms like GitHub, enabling global access and collaboration. This will encourage contributions from the community, adaptation for other universities, and ongoing development of blockchain education initiatives.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to create a comprehensive, Cardano-focused blockchain curriculum at Addis Ababa University. This program will combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to equip students with essential skills for blockchain development, focusing on the Cardano ecosystem.

Key Components of the Solution:

Curriculum Design:

 

l Basic Blockchain Concepts: Introduce students to the fundamentals of blockchain, covering consensus mechanisms (proof-of-work and proof-of-stake), decentralization, and cryptography.

l Cardano-Specific Modules: Detailed focus on the Cardano network, its architecture, native token (ADA), Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus, and unique features like Plutus for smart contracts and Project Catalyst for governance.

l Blockchain Use Cases: Explore real-world applications, with emphasis on use cases relevant to Ethiopia and Africa, such as digital identity systems, supply chains, and fintech solutions.

Practical Training:

 

l Hands-On Labs: Students will engage in practical workshops to create and deploy smart contracts on Cardano using Plutus and Marlowe.

l Hackathons and Challenges: Organize hackathons to encourage student innovation in building decentralized applications (dApps) that address local challenges.

Partnerships and Mentorships:

 

l Collaborate with IOHK, the Cardano Foundation, and local blockchain firms to provide guest lectures, mentorships, and internships.

l Facilitate student engagement in global Cardano initiatives such as Project Catalyst for funding and support of entrepreneurial projects.

Research and Development:

l Encourage research on topics like blockchain governance, scalability, and security. Focus on how blockchain can be applied in education, healthcare, and public services in Ethiopia.

By offering an open-source curriculum, we will promote accessibility and adaptability, enabling other universities and institutions across Ethiopia and Africa to benefit from the program. This initiative will cultivate a new generation of blockchain developers and entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

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

This project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by expanding blockchain education and fostering a new generation of Cardano developers and innovators in Ethiopia. Here’s how:

Increased Adoption and Use of Cardano: By teaching students about the Cardano ecosystem, the project will create a pool of skilled developers and entrepreneurs capable of building decentralized applications (dApps) and solutions on the Cardano blockchain. This will drive real-world use cases, especially in emerging markets like Ethiopia, boosting Cardano's adoption.

Global Knowledge Sharing: Since all educational materials and resources will be open-source, the project will serve as a model that can be replicated by universities and institutions worldwide. This open-access approach will encourage knowledge sharing, cross-border collaboration, and further development of the Cardano ecosystem.

Contributions to Cardano Governance: The curriculum includes training in decentralized governance through Project Catalyst. Students will be encouraged to participate in Cardano’s governance and submit proposals for funding, enhancing the diversity of perspectives within the Cardano community and contributing to its long-term sustainability.

Solving Real-World Problems: The focus on local use cases, such as digital identity, supply chain transparency, and financial inclusion, will lead to solutions that demonstrate Cardano’s practical utility. Successful implementations in Ethiopia could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, showcasing Cardano as a transformative technology for emerging economies.

Strengthening the African Cardano Ecosystem: This project will solidify Cardano’s presence in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where it already has ongoing initiatives. By equipping local developers with Cardano-specific skills, the community will see increased activity from the region, expanding the ecosystem's diversity and reach.

 

In sum, the project will contribute to Cardano’s global growth by fostering education, development, and real-world applications, all while cultivating a more inclusive and innovative 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?

We have a well-structured plan, relevant expertise, and a collaborative approach to ensure that the project is delivered with high levels of trust and accountability. Here's how we will achieve that:

1. Team Expertise and Track Record

· Experienced Educators and Blockchain Experts: Our team includes experienced educators with a background in curriculum development and blockchain specialists with in-depth knowledge of the Cardano ecosystem. We are also partnering with local professionals familiar with the Ethiopian education system.

· Previous Successes: Team members have prior experience working on blockchain-related projects and developing open-source educational materials, giving us confidence in executing this initiative effectively.

2. Collaboration with Established Institutions

· Partnership with Addis Ababa University: We will work closely with Addis Ababa University to ensure that the curriculum aligns with the institution’s academic standards and local needs. Engaging with university leadership, faculty, and students will ensure the curriculum is relevant and impactful.

· Support from Cardano Ecosystem Players: By partnering with IOHK, the Cardano Foundation, and other key stakeholders, we’ll access resources, mentorship, and technical support to maintain high standards in both content and delivery.

3. Feasibility Validation

· Pilot Program: We will start with a pilot program, offering the course to a small group of students. This initial phase will help us test the curriculum, gather feedback, and make adjustments before scaling it to larger student cohorts.

· Local Adaptation: To ensure the approach is locally feasible, we will conduct workshops and meetings with local industry stakeholders and government bodies to understand specific challenges and opportunities that Cardano can address in Ethiopia.

· Feedback Mechanisms: Regular surveys and student assessments will provide ongoing feedback on the curriculum’s effectiveness. We will also seek input from blockchain experts and industry professionals to ensure the content remains up-to-date and practical.

4. Accountability Measures

· Transparency and Open-Source Commitment: All resources, materials, and code developed will be open-source, ensuring full transparency. This approach allows for community oversight and contributions, building trust within the wider Cardano and blockchain communities.

· Clear Milestones and Reporting: We will set clear milestones for each phase of the project and provide regular progress reports to stakeholders. These reports will include key metrics such as student enrollment, engagement, and post-course success rates (e.g., participation in blockchain projects or initiatives).

· Student Success Tracking: We will track students’ post-course outcomes, such as participation in Cardano projects, submission of proposals to Project Catalyst, and entrepreneurial ventures. This will help measure the long-term impact of the program.

5. Scalability Plan

· Scale-Up Strategy: Following the successful pilot, we plan to scale the program across multiple departments and even to other universities in Ethiopia. We will also explore partnerships with blockchain initiatives in other African countries, ensuring the feasibility of expanding the curriculum to a broader audience.

In conclusion, our combination of expertise, strategic partnerships, and a methodical, open-source approach ensures that the project is both feasible and accountable. The use of feedback loops and collaboration with local and global stakeholders further strengthens its potential for success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

1. Project Kickoff and Curriculum Development (Months 1-4)

• Finalize Partnerships: Secure collaborations with Addis Ababa University, IOHK, and local blockchain stakeholders.
• Recruit Team Members: Hire educators, curriculum developers, and blockchain experts.
• Develop Curriculum: Create educational modules covering blockchain fundamentals, Cardano features, and local use cases, ensuring alignment with Ethiopian challenges.
• Open-Source Materials: Prepare open-source course materials and coding examples for public access.

 Pilot Program Launch (Month 5)

• Pilot Enrollment: Select and enroll students from Addis Ababa University for the pilot program.
• Course Delivery: Begin teaching using a blend of lectures, workshops, and real-world projects.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Collect input from students, faculty, and industry partners through surveys and focus groups.

 Program Evaluation and Refinement (Months 6-7)

• Evaluate Pilot Results: Assess student engagement and learning outcomes based on feedback and assessments.
• Refine Curriculum: Adjust course materials and teaching methods based on pilot feedback.
• Plan for Scale: Prepare to expand the curriculum for a larger student cohort.

Full Program Rollout and Community Building (Months 8-10)

• Expand Enrollment: Open the program to a broader group of students across different faculties.
• Introduce Advanced Topics: Include topics like Plutus and Marlowe for smart contracts and host hackathons.
• Build Industry Partnerships: Establish internships and mentorships with local businesses and encourage participation in the global Cardano ecosystem.

Final Report, Sustainability, and Open-Source Dissemination (Months 11-12)

• Track Student Success: Monitor student involvement in blockchain initiatives and contributions to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Publish Final Report: Share insights, results, and lessons learned with the Cardano community.
• Distribute Open-Source Content: Ensure all materials and project documentation are shared on public repositories like GitHub for ongoing access and development.

we need only 4 milestone

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

Here is the breakdown of the project team and their roles:

1. Project Lead / Coordinator

Role: Responsible for overall project management, coordination between stakeholders, and ensuring that all milestones are met on time. They will oversee the implementation of the curriculum, manage communication with Addis Ababa University, IOHK, and other partners, and ensure the project remains aligned with its goals.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Lead project planning and execution

o Ensure timely delivery of curriculum materials

o Manage partnerships and external relations

o Oversee pilot program and scaling efforts

o Monitor project budget and resources

2. Curriculum Developer

Role: A specialist in blockchain technology and education, responsible for designing the curriculum. They will create educational materials, develop hands-on exercises, and adapt the content to meet local needs and Cardano-specific requirements.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Design blockchain fundamentals and Cardano-focused modules

o Create instructional materials (lecture slides, assignments, coding exercises)

o Adapt content to Ethiopian context, including local use cases

o Ensure curriculum remains up-to-date with the latest in blockchain and Cardano development

3. Blockchain Expert / Cardano Specialist

Role: Provides technical expertise on the Cardano ecosystem, including ADA, Plutus, Marlowe, and Project Catalyst. This team member will conduct advanced workshops, mentor students, and ensure that the program teaches cutting-edge blockchain skills.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Teach Cardano-specific modules, including smart contracts, dApps, and governance

o Offer technical guidance for practical exercises and hackathons

o Help students with real-world projects using Cardano

o Ensure curriculum accuracy and technical depth

4. Local University Liaison / Academic Advisor

Role: A faculty member or administrator from Addis Ababa University who ensures the curriculum meets academic standards and is tailored to local students’ needs. They will coordinate with the university to support student recruitment, logistics, and evaluation.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Act as the main point of contact with Addis Ababa University

o Help align the program with the university’s academic requirements

o Facilitate student enrollment, class scheduling, and integration with the university’s resources

o Provide feedback on student engagement and curriculum relevance

5. Workshop Facilitator / Instructor

Role: Delivers hands-on workshops, guiding students through practical blockchain development exercises, smart contract deployment, and dApp creation. They will play a crucial role in hackathons and ensure students gain real-world skills.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Lead practical sessions and hands-on workshops

o Assist students with coding projects and smart contract development

o Organize and manage hackathons and student competitions

o Provide support during lab exercises and real-world blockchain projects

6. Mentorship Coordinator / Industry Liaison

Role: Establishes partnerships with local businesses, blockchain companies, and government organizations to create internship opportunities, mentorships, and potential career paths for students.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Develop relationships with local and international industry partners

o Organize internships and real-world project opportunities for students

o Coordinate mentorship programs with blockchain professionals

o Facilitate collaboration between students and businesses working on blockchain solutions in Ethiopia

7. Evaluation and Feedback Specialist

Role: Responsible for monitoring and evaluating the program’s effectiveness. They will design student assessments, gather feedback, and ensure continuous improvement in curriculum delivery.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Collect feedback from students and faculty on the curriculum and workshops

o Design and administer assessments to measure learning outcomes

o Analyze data on student performance and project impact

o Suggest adjustments and improvements to the curriculum and teaching methods

8. Open-Source Developer / Documentation Manager

Role: Ensures that all educational materials, code, and project outputs are published as open-source. They will manage the public repositories and document the project’s progress for future use by other institutions.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Maintain a public GitHub repository with all course materials and code

o Ensure all project outputs are open-source and well-documented

o Regularly update and improve open-source resources based on feedback

o Coordinate with the blockchain community for contributions and collaboration

9. Administrative and Logistics Support

Role: Handles logistical tasks such as organizing workshops, managing student registration, coordinating events, and ensuring smooth operation of the program.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Assist with day-to-day operations of the program

o Coordinate scheduling and venue logistics for classes and events

o Manage communication with students, faculty, and partners

o Ensure timely execution of program activities and student support

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

Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for the proposed Cardano blockchain education program at Addis Ababa University. This budget covers personnel, materials, events, and other essential resources necessary for successful implementation.

1. Personnel Costs

· Project Lead / Coordinator :

o Salary: $1,200/month x 12 months = $14,400

· Curriculum Developer :

o Salary: $1,000/month x 6 months = $6,000

· Blockchain Expert / Cardano Specialist :

o Salary: $1,200/month x 6 months = $7,200

· Local University Liaison / Academic Advisor :

o Salary: $800/month x 12 months = $9,600

· Workshop Facilitator / Instructor :

o Salary: $1,000/month x 6 months = $6,000

· Mentorship Coordinator / Industry Liaison :

o Salary: $800/month x 6 months = $4,800

· Evaluation and Feedback Specialist :

o Salary: $800/month x 6 months = $4,800

· Open-Source Developer / Documentation Manager :

o Salary: $800/month x 6 months = $4,800

· Administrative and Logistics Support :

o Salary: $500/month x 12 months = $6,000

Total Personnel Costs: $58,800

2. Curriculum Development Costs

· Curriculum Design and Development:

o Materials (books, licenses): $2,000

o Software licenses (for development tools): $1,000

· Open-Source Platform Setup:

o GitHub setup and maintenance: $500

Total Curriculum Development Costs: $3,500

3. Training and Workshop Costs

· Workshops and Hackathons:

o Venue rental (3 events, $300/event): $900

o Equipment rental (computers, projectors, etc.): $1,000

o Refreshments for participants (3 events, $200/event): $600

· Materials for Workshops:

o Handouts, workbooks, coding examples: $500

Total Training and Workshop Costs: $3,100

4. Marketing and Outreach Costs

· Promotional Materials:

o Flyers, posters, and online advertising: $800

· Networking Events:

o Costs for local industry networking events: $1,000

Total Marketing and Outreach Costs: $1,800

5. Evaluation and Assessment Costs

· Assessment Tools:

o Development and licensing of assessment tools: $1,000

· Feedback Surveys and Analysis:

o Online survey tools and data analysis: $500

Total Evaluation and Assessment Costs: $1,500

6. Miscellaneous Costs

· Travel Expenses:

o For meetings with stakeholders and industry partners: $1,500

· Contingency Fund:

o 10% of total budget for unexpected expenses: $7,290

Total Miscellaneous Costs: $8,790

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

The proposed project represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several key ways:

1. Strategic Investment in Education

· Building Human Capital: The project focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to develop and innovate on the Cardano platform. By investing in education, we cultivate a skilled workforce that can contribute to the growth and adoption of Cardano in Ethiopia and beyond, ultimately leading to a more vibrant ecosystem.

· Long-term Benefits: The education provided will not only benefit the participants but also have a ripple effect on the local economy and industries. Students can create dApps and solutions tailored to local needs, showcasing Cardano’s versatility and attracting further interest and investment in the ecosystem.

2. Open Source and Community Engagement

· Open-Source Resources: The commitment to open-source educational materials ensures that resources are available not just to Addis Ababa University but also to other institutions and developers around the world. This will facilitate widespread adoption of Cardano education and encourage contributions from the global community.

· Fostering Community Growth: By engaging students in Cardano governance and projects (e.g., Project Catalyst), we encourage them to become active members of the Cardano community. This helps create a diverse network of contributors and advocates for Cardano, enhancing its overall strength and reach.

3. Leveraging Local Context for Global Solutions

· Addressing Real-World Challenges: The program focuses on developing blockchain solutions that address local issues in Ethiopia, such as financial inclusion, supply chain transparency, and digital identity. Successful implementations will serve as case studies for how Cardano can solve real-world problems, promoting its capabilities globally.

· Market Expansion: By establishing a presence in Ethiopia, the project helps to expand the Cardano ecosystem into new markets in Africa, where there is a growing interest in blockchain technology. This expansion can lead to new partnerships, use cases, and increased adoption of Cardano in the region.

4. Cost Efficiency

· High Return on Investment: The total project budget of $77,490 is a relatively small investment compared to the potential impact on the Cardano ecosystem. Educating a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs can yield significant returns through the development of innovative projects and solutions that use Cardano, increasing demand for its technology and services.

· Scalable Model: The project is designed to be scalable and replicable in other universities and countries, which can lead to lower costs per student in the long run. As the curriculum and resources are refined and shared, the cost of implementation will decrease while the potential reach and impact will grow.

5. Enhanced Visibility and Credibility

· Promoting Cardano’s Reputation: By partnering with a reputable institution like Addis Ababa University and focusing on meaningful educational initiatives, the project will enhance Cardano’s visibility and credibility in the African continent. It positions Cardano as a leader in blockchain education and development, attracting more interest from academia, industry, and government.

Conclusion

In summary, the project offers substantial value for money by strategically investing in education, fostering community engagement, addressing real-world challenges, and expanding Cardano’s reach into new markets. The long-term benefits of creating a skilled workforce and generating innovative solutions will significantly outweigh the initial costs, reinforcing Cardano’s position as a transformative blockchain platform.