Unlocking the Future: Cardano Revolution in Ethiopian Classrooms!

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Abenezer Brhanu

[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)

To address this gap, we propose launching monthly networking events in Adama bringing together government officials, tech entrepreneurs, blockchain developers and community leaders to raise awareness.

[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

Open Source Declaration: Yes, this project will be open source throughout its lifecycle. An open-source repository will be created to ensure transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders.

License: We intend to use the MIT License, which allows for free use, modification, and distribution of the project outputs. This license is widely recognized and encourages collaboration within the community.

Relevance to Open Source Status: Making the project open source will allow others in the Cardano ecosystem to contribute, adapt, and improve the materials generated from our networking events, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared knowledge. It will also provide transparency regarding how funds are used and how the project is implemented.

Open Source Elements: All educational materials, recordings of sessions, and any software or tools developed as part of the project will be available in the open-source repository. This includes:

• Presentation slides and workshop materials
• Recorded sessions with subtitles in multiple languages
• Any digital tools or applications created for the project

By engaging the community in this way, we aim to enhance understanding of blockchain technology and its potential applications in Ethiopia.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception:

In Adama, Ethiopia, only 15% of the youth understand blockchain technology, limiting access to its economic benefits.

Approach:

We propose interactive networking events to educate key stakeholders—government officials, business leaders, developers, and students—about Cardano’s potential and applications.

Engagement:

The project will engage:

• Government Officials: To discuss supportive policies.
• Business Leaders: To explore blockchain integration.
• Developers: To drive local innovation.
• Students: To promote education in blockchain.

Impact Measurement:

Success will be tracked through:

• Attendance Rates: Targeting 100 participants per event.
• Engagement Levels: Monitoring Q&A interactions.
• Surveys: Assessing knowledge gains post-events.
• Online Reach: Measuring views of recorded sessions.

Uniqueness:

This project uniquely focuses on community involvement, tailoring education to local needs and fostering collaboration.

Beneficiaries:

The youth and community leaders in Adama will gain valuable insights, empowering them for economic development.

Importance to Cardano:

By raising awareness and understanding of Cardano, this initiative promotes its adoption and strengthens the ecosystem in new markets.

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

Value to Cardano Community:

Our project will enhance awareness and understanding of Cardano’s blockchain solutions among key stakeholders in Adama, Ethiopia. By facilitating direct engagement and education, we aim to foster local adoption of Cardano technology, leading to broader economic opportunities and innovation.

Measuring Impact:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• Attendance Rates: Track the number of participants at each event, aiming for a minimum of 100 attendees.
• Surveys: Conduct pre- and post-event surveys to quantify knowledge gained among participants, particularly focusing on the youth and community leaders.
• Online Engagement: Measure views and interactions with recorded sessions on platforms like YouTube.

1. Qualitative Metrics:

• Feedback Forms: Collect participant feedback on the relevance and effectiveness of the sessions.
• Case Studies: Develop success stories from attendees who implement Cardano solutions in their projects or businesses.

Sharing Outputs:

Outputs will be shared through multiple channels:

• YouTube: Recorded sessions will be made available with subtitles in local languages to ensure accessibility.
• Social Media: Regular updates on events and participant testimonials will be shared on platforms like Twitter and Facebook to reach a broader audience.
• Community Engagement: Follow-up workshops and networking sessions will be organized to maintain momentum and encourage collaboration among attendees.

[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?

Existing Capabilities:

I possess a solid background in project management, community engagement, and blockchain technology. My experience includes organizing educational events and workshops focused on emerging technologies, which equips me with the necessary skills to lead this project effectively. Additionally, my familiarity with the Cardano ecosystem enhances my understanding of its unique potential and the community's needs.

Feasibility Validation:

To validate the feasibility of this project, I will:

1. Engage Stakeholders: Prior to the project launch, I will engage with local government officials, business leaders, and community members to assess their interest and commitment to participate in the events.
2. Pilot Workshops: Conduct smaller pilot workshops to gather feedback and refine the approach based on real-world interactions and outcomes.
3. Budget Review: Collaborate with local partners to review and optimize the proposed budget, ensuring costs align with local economic conditions and funding expectations.

Trust and Fund Management:

1. Transparent Budgeting: A detailed budget breakdown will be shared with stakeholders, ensuring transparency in how funds will be allocated and spent.
2. Regular Reporting: I will establish a reporting schedule to update stakeholders on financial expenditures and project progress, maintaining accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Community Feedback Mechanism: Implement a feedback mechanism to gather community input on project execution, fostering an environment of openness and collaboration.

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

Project Kick-off and Community Engagement

• Outputs: Organize an initial community meeting and stakeholder engagement session.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least 50 community members and stakeholders participate; feedback collected on project goals and expectations.
• Evidence of Completion: Attendance records, feedback forms, and a summary report of the session.

 Educational Workshop Planning and Promotion

• Outputs: Develop a detailed curriculum and promotional materials for the workshops.
• Acceptance Criteria: Curriculum approved by local education experts; promotional materials distributed via social media and local channels.
• Evidence of Completion: Approved curriculum document and distribution logs of promotional materials.

Conduct Educational Workshops

• Outputs: Execute a series of educational workshops in selected high schools.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least 200 students participate, with a satisfaction rate of 80% or higher based on post-workshop surveys.
• Evidence of Completion: Attendance records, survey results, and photos or videos from the workshops.

Impact Assessment and Reporting

• Outputs: Analyze workshop outcomes and community feedback; prepare an impact report.
• Acceptance Criteria: Comprehensive report detailing student engagement, knowledge gained, and community responses.
• Evidence of Completion: Published impact report and presentation of findings to stakeholders.

 Final Project Sustainability Planning

• Outputs: Develop a sustainability plan to continue the educational initiatives beyond the project funding period.
• Acceptance Criteria: A detailed sustainability plan created, outlining potential partnerships, funding sources, and ongoing engagement strategies.
• Evidence of Completion: Completed sustainability plan document shared with stakeholders.

Project Close-out Report and Video

• Outputs: Final project report summarizing all activities, outcomes, and future recommendations, along with a highlight video.
• Acceptance Criteria: All project objectives met, and report and video shared with the community and stakeholders.
• Evidence of Completion: Final report document and video upload link.

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

• Project Lead: Abenezer Brhanu
• Role: Overall project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication with funding bodies.
• LinkedIn Profile: Axsumawe LinkedIn
• Blockchain Educator: Henok
• Develops and delivers educational content and workshops focused on Cardano technology and blockchain fundamentals, tailored to various skill levels.

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

Venue Rent: ₳300 (includes accessibility considerations)

Speaker Fees: ₳500 (for qualified keynote speakers)

Catering: ₳200 (light refreshments for attendees)

Marketing: ₳300 (social media ads, posters, and outreach materials)

Videography: ₳150 (to record sessions for online access)

Miscellaneous (including translation services, print materials, etc.): ₳250

Total Budget for One Event: ₳2,200

Requested Funding: ₳30,000

The additional budget will cover unforeseen expenses such as last-minute venue changes, additional materials, or increased catering costs.

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

The proposed budget for the project, totaling ₳30,000 for the first event, is structured to ensure that each dollar contributes to building awareness and understanding of Cardano in Adama, Ethiopia. The breakdown of costs reflects strategic investments in key areas that will maximize impact:

1. Venue Rent (₳300): This amount ensures a centrally located and accessible venue, fostering participation from a diverse audience, including government officials and local leaders.
2. Speaker Fees (₳500): Inviting qualified experts from the Cardano community adds credibility and depth to the educational sessions, helping attendees gain valuable insights.
3. Catering (₳200): Providing light refreshments encourages networking and enhances the overall experience, which is crucial for community engagement.
4. Marketing (₳300): Effective outreach through social media and printed materials will increase event visibility, ensuring a larger and more diverse turnout.
5. Videography (₳150): Recording sessions allows for future accessibility, reaching individuals who could not attend in person, thereby amplifying the impact.
6. Miscellaneous (₳250): This buffer accommodates unforeseen expenses, ensuring smooth execution of the event.

Cost Decision Context

The costs have been determined based on:

• Local Market Research: We've assessed typical rates for venues, speaker fees, and services in Ethiopia, ensuring our budget aligns with local economic conditions.
• Average Wages: The proposed budget reflects the average earnings of individuals in similar roles within the community, ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Comparative Analysis: We benchmarked our costs against similar educational initiatives in the region, confirming that our budget is competitive and reasonable.

Supporting Evidence for Value for Money

• Potential Economic Impact: By educating community leaders and youth about Cardano, the project not only addresses the current knowledge gap but also fosters future economic development through potential blockchain applications in education, finance, and supply chains.
• Long-term Engagement: The monthly events create a sustainable model for ongoing dialogue and learning, maximizing the return on the initial investment.
• Inclusivity Efforts: By implementing translation services in multiple languages, the project ensures that the information is accessible to a broad audience, enhancing community buy-in and fostering a more informed populace.

Conclusion

Overall, the costs associated with this project represent a sound investment in the Cardano ecosystem, aiming to create lasting benefits for the community in Adama. By bridging the knowledge gap around blockchain technology, we enhance the potential for innovation and economic growth, aligning with Cardano's mission of financial inclusion and empowerment.