Cardano Education Platform: Blockchain & Crypto by Ashewa

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tewodros Sintayehu Teshome

[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)

11

[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 create an e-learning platform through Ashewa, offering accessible courses on Cardano, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and data science to empower individuals, especially in underserved regions.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[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.”

1. Ashewa's existing e-learning platform infrastructure.
2. Necessary licenses and permissions for integrating blockchain tools.

This identifies the key external factors, including the platform, software, and required licenses. If there are any specific third-party tools or partnerships you're using, you can add them. Let me know if you'd like to refine it further!

[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 open source. We intend to use the MIT License for all educational content and blockchain-related code. The repository will be available on GitHub, and core components like course content, blockchain integration tools, and learning simulations will be open source. Proprietary infrastructure elements, such as Ashewa’s platform, will remain closed-source but compatible with open-source tools.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution (Expanded for Open Development)

We are solving the issue of limited access to quality open-source education and development tools in the fields of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and data science, particularly in developing regions. Our solution is to create an open-source e-learning platform through Ashewa, focused on teaching these subjects in a structured and scalable way. What sets this project apart is the focus on building open-source blockchain development frameworks and tools alongside the educational content, allowing learners and developers to not only study but also actively contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.

Through this platform, we will offer courses and tutorials on various blockchain topics, from cryptocurrency fundamentals to advanced concepts like smart contract development on Cardano’s Plutus platform. The educational content will be paired with open-source code repositories and development frameworks that users can access, customize, and improve upon. This approach ensures that the platform grows through community collaboration and remains adaptable to the ever-evolving needs of the blockchain space.

Reasons for Approach

We are approaching this problem with an open-source model to foster innovation, collaboration, and decentralization within the blockchain community, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem. Here’s why this approach is important

• Scalability and Accessibility: By making our platform and development tools open source, we provide global access to resources that can be freely shared, adapted, and extended. This removes barriers to entry, especially for learners and developers in developing regions where access to proprietary software and educational tools can be prohibitive.
• Community-Driven Innovation: Open-source projects thrive through community contributions. By providing frameworks for developing decentralized applications (DApps) on Cardano, we create opportunities for developers around the world to build upon and improve the platform, fostering innovation and expanding Cardano’s developer ecosystem.
• Continuous Improvement: An open-source project encourages ongoing development and enhancement by allowing external contributors to propose changes, fix bugs, and add new features. This will ensure that the platform and tools remain relevant and up-to-date as the blockchain industry evolves.
• Decentralization in Education: By decentralizing the development of educational tools and learning frameworks, we align with Cardano’s broader mission of creating decentralized solutions for global problems, particularly financial inclusion and empowerment.

Project Engagement

Our project will engage two primary groups

1. Learners: Individuals from developing regions, particularly in Africa, who have limited access to quality blockchain education. These learners will benefit from structured courses on Cardano and blockchain technologies. The open-source model ensures they not only learn from static materials but also have access to live blockchain environments and development frameworks they can interact with.
2. Developers: Blockchain developers and technical enthusiasts globally will be drawn to the platform because of its open-source nature. They can use, contribute to, and modify the blockchain development tools and frameworks, thus participating in a decentralized, collaborative project that promotes innovation in the Cardano ecosystem.

By catering to both learners and developers, the platform will facilitate a collaborative environment where education and innovation work hand in hand to grow Cardano’s reach.

Proving Impact

We will measure the success and impact of the project using a variety of metrics, both quantitative and qualitative

• Open-Source Contributions:
• Number of contributions made to the platform’s open-source repositories.
• Number of developers actively using or improving the blockchain tools.
• Number of features or improvements proposed and integrated by the community.
• Course Enrollments and Completions:
• Total number of users who enroll in and complete blockchain, cryptocurrency, and data science courses.
• Completion rates and certification numbers for advanced Cardano development bootcamps.
• Developer Community Engagement:
• Measure participation in community forums, GitHub discussions, and development channels like Discord or Telegram.
• Count the number of developers who contribute to creating decentralized applications (DApps) using the tools provided by the platform.
• Projects and Decentralized Applications (DApps):
• Number of Cardano-based DApps and blockchain solutions developed by platform users.
• Case studies showcasing successful real-world applications developed through the platform, particularly those solving specific problems within the Cardano ecosystem.

These metrics will allow us to track the tangible outcomes of the platform, from the growth of Cardano’s developer community to the creation of impactful blockchain projects.

Unique Solution & Cardano’s Importance

Our solution is unique because it combines education with open-source blockchain development tools. By focusing on Cardano, we are not just creating learners; we are creating

contributors. Here’s why this matters

• Building Cardano’s Developer Ecosystem: Our platform will directly support the growth of Cardano’s ecosystem by educating and enabling the next generation of blockchain developers. These developers will have access to open-source Cardano development frameworks, allowing them to create decentralized applications (DApps), smart contracts, and blockchain-based solutions that contribute to Cardano’s mission.
• Fostering Innovation: Open development is a catalyst for innovation. By making the development tools open-source, we create an environment where developers can experiment, innovate, and build new solutions on top of Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure. This fosters a thriving ecosystem where new ideas can emerge, helping Cardano stay at the forefront of blockchain technology.
• Empowering Underserved Communities: Our platform will focus on regions that are often overlooked in the global blockchain conversation, particularly in Africa. By providing open access to blockchain education and development tools, we empower these communities to innovate and participate in the global blockchain economy. This directly aligns with Cardano’s vision of financial inclusion and empowerment through decentralization.
• Sustainability through Open-Source Development: Open-source projects are inherently sustainable because they rely on community contributions and continuous improvement. By building an open-source platform, we ensure that the tools and frameworks developed will evolve over time, adapting to the changing needs of the Cardano ecosystem and its global community.

open-source educational platform with a focus on blockchain development tools, our project will contribute to Cardano's long-term growth and innovation. It will not only educate the next generation of developers but also give them the tools to actively participate in and contribute to the ecosystem, ensuring that Cardano continues to thrive as a decentralized platform for financial and technological innovation.

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

Key Strengths

1. Educating Future Cardano Innovators:

• You clearly articulate how the platform will create a pipeline of skilled developers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who understand Cardano’s core technologies like Plutus smart contracts and the Ouroboros consensus mechanism. This ties directly into the broader mission of expanding Cardano’s global reach and developer base.

1. Fostering Community Growth:

• The focus on underserved regions and the potential for blockchain technology to solve problems like financial inclusion is a powerful impact statement. This aligns with Cardano’s core values and helps position the project as a way to bring new, previously overlooked contributors into the ecosystem.

1. Supporting the Cardano Developer Base:

• By offering bootcamps and certifications specifically targeting Cardano development skills, you're ensuring that learners are equipped to build on Cardano. This helps expand the pool of DApp developers, directly contributing to the ecosystem’s growth. Highlighting the link between education and practical, real-world DApp development strengthens your case for long-term value creation.

Measuring Impact

The blend of quantitative and qualitative metrics shows a comprehensive approach to assessing the project's success. The metrics you listed provide clear, measurable outcomes:

• Quantitative: Number of course enrollments, certifications issued, and projects developed are solid indicators of platform success and community engagement.
• Qualitative: Testimonials and case studies add depth, showing how the platform influences learners’ careers and contributions to Cardano. This allows for a more personal and human perspective on the impact.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Open Source Sharing
• This directly reinforces the Open Development focus by emphasizing that key educational materials, tutorials, and development frameworks will be shared on GitHub. It’s an important aspect that aligns with the idea of fostering a collaborative, decentralized approach to education and development.

• Community Engagement:
• Hosting webinars, hackathons, and live Q&A sessions for the Cardano community not only keeps learners engaged but also connects them to the wider blockchain ecosystem. This approach fosters continuous learning and community interaction.

• Partnerships:
• Offering internships and mentorship opportunities strengthens the connection between education and real-world application. Partnerships with Cardano developer communities and companies will make the learning experience practical and help learners transition into professional roles within the Cardano ecosystem.

This section captures the essence of how the project will create long-term value for Cardano by focusing on education, open-source collaboration, and community building. It aligns well with both the Open Development & Infrastructure category and the broader goals of 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?

Capability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

Our team is well-equipped to deliver this project due to our extensive background in e-learning, blockchain, and cryptocurrency education, along with proven experience in project management. Ashewa Technology has successfully delivered multiple large-scale e-learning solutions across various sectors, and FanosCrypto has built a solid reputation within the crypto education community, especially in Africa, where our combined reach and expertise will make a significant impact.

Our technical team includes blockchain experts, developers, and educational content creators with deep knowledge of the Cardano ecosystem. We've developed curriculum materials, interactive learning tools, and digital platforms that have successfully educated thousands of users.

Feasibility Validation We have already validated the feasibility of our approach by leveraging Ashewa’s existing infrastructure and integrating additional tools such as Azure Cognitive Services for AI-powered learning pathways. The platform has been tested at scale, ensuring it can handle the demand for cryptocurrency and blockchain courses.

We will continue to validate feasibility through:

• Pilot Programs: We will conduct pilot programs with a small group of learners to gather feedback on course content and user experience.
• Feedback Loops: Continuous feedback from learners, including surveys and user testing, will guide improvements before full launch.
• Partnerships with Blockchain Experts: We are collaborating with industry experts to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, particularly in the areas of Cardano-specific technology.

Steps to Ensure Accountability and Proper Fund Management

1. Transparent Budgeting: We will maintain transparent accounting, providing regular budget reports and updates on fund allocation to the community. All financial transactions will be documented and shared with stakeholders.
2. Milestone-Based Funding: Funds will be released and utilized in phases, aligned with project milestones, ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and tied to progress.
3. Regular Progress Reports: We will deliver regular progress reports to the Cardano community and Project Catalyst, detailing the project’s advancement, challenges, and adjustments. This transparency ensures accountability at every stage.
4. Third-Party Auditing: If needed, we will engage third-party auditors to review the financial management and overall progress of the project, further ensuring responsible handling of resources.

With our team’s proven track record and rigorous financial processes, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust, transparency, and success.

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

Content Creation and Curriculum Development (Months 1-3)

• Description: Develop cryptocurrency, blockchain, and data science course content, including videos, e-books, and interactive labs.
• Acceptance Criteria: Complete the creation of beginner, intermediate, and advanced modules covering Cardano, cryptocurrency fundamentals, blockchain technology, and data science.
• Deliverables: 20+ course videos, supporting materials, and quizzes ready for platform integration.

Platform Integration and Beta Testing (Months 4-5)

• Description: Integrate the course content into Ashewa’s e-learning platform, powered by Azure’s AI-driven learning recommendations. Conduct beta testing with a pilot group of users.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful integration of all content into the platform with initial feedback from 100+ pilot users.
• Deliverables: Platform enhancements completed, feedback collected, and adjustments made based on beta testing results.

 Full Launch and Community Engagement (Months 6-8)

• Description: Full-scale launch of the platform to the public, with marketing efforts aimed at reaching learners globally, particularly in underserved regions.
• Acceptance Criteria: Achieve at least 1,000 course enrollments, and host live events or webinars to engage with the community.
• Deliverables: Platform fully operational with active learners and community participation.

Developer Bootcamp and Certification Program (Months 9-10)

• Description: Roll out an intensive bootcamp for aspiring blockchain developers focused on Cardano, offering hands-on experience with smart contracts, Plutus, and DApp development.
• Acceptance Criteria: 50+ participants complete the bootcamp and receive certifications.
• Deliverables: Bootcamp materials, live sessions, and certificates issued to graduates

Project Close-out Report and Final Video (Month 11)

• Description: Compile a final report and video summarizing project outcomes, including the impact on the Cardano community, lessons learned, and future plans.
• Acceptance Criteria: Submit the final report and video to Project Catalyst, demonstrating project success and completion.
• Deliverables: Close-out report, final video, and future recommendations.

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

Project Team and Roles

Tewodros Sintayehu Teshome (Project Lead)

• Role: Overall project management, strategic planning, and community outreach.
• Responsibilities: Tewodros is a crypto community creator and influencer, playing a crucial role in guiding the project from concept to completion. He will oversee marketing, partnerships, and ensure that ADA adoption is promoted effectively through the Ashewa e-commerce platform. With a deep understanding of the crypto space, he will lead community engagement and drive educational content around ADA.

Dejene Hailu Ayele (Co-Founder, Ashewa Tech)

• Role: Technical lead and platform integration expert.
• Responsibilities: Dejene is a higher official and co-founder at Ashewa Tech, leading the technical aspects of the integration of ADA payments into the e-commerce platform. His experience in building scalable platforms will ensure the seamless technical implementation of the blockchain-related aspects of the project.
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejene-hailu/

1. Daniel Bekele – Chief Executive Officer
2. Role: Daniel will provide strategic oversight for the project, ensuring it aligns with Ashewa Tech's broader educational goals and managing high-level partnerships for expanding the e-learning platform.
3. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/seifu-admassu-4138a8b9/
4. Feleke Feyissa – Chief Technology Officer
5. Role: Feleke will support the technical integration of blockchain tools into the platform and ensure the infrastructure required for the bootcamp is optimized for seamless user experiences.
6. Seifu Admasu – Chief of Staff
7. Role: Seifu will coordinate team communication and manage internal operations to ensure that project timelines are met, making sure all departments are aligned.
8. Birhanu Hailu – Sales Division Manager
9. Role: Birhanu will lead the efforts to expand partnerships with institutions, governments, and corporate entities interested in using the platform for blockchain education and professional development.
10. Mohamed Siraj – Chief Marketing Officer
11. Role: Mohamed will collaborate with the marketing team to create outreach strategies that target global learners, focusing particularly on underrepresented regions, while also increasing brand awareness.
12. Kasse Assefa – Resource Mobilization Manager
13. Role: Kasse will handle the project's resource management and allocation, ensuring that the e-learning platform has the financial and logistical resources necessary to scale as the project grows.
14. Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasse-assefa-lakew-b85264202/
15. Dawit Wale – E-commerce G/Manager
16. Role: Dawit will ensure smooth integration of the platform's payment systems, enabling students to pay using various payment options, including cryptocurrencies.
17. Million Abay – Finance Manager
18. Role: Million will oversee the project's finances, ensuring efficient use of funds and compliance with financial regulations, while also managing the platform’s payment systems.
19. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/million-abay-398307316/
20. Tewabe AlemaYehu – Human Resource Manager
21. Role: Tewabe will manage the recruitment of additional team members, including blockchain educators, content creators, and technical support staff, ensuring the project has the necessary expertise as it scales.
22. Belete Dagnachew – Hybrid E-learning G/Manager
23. Role: Belete will lead the creation of learning materials for blockchain courses, ensuring that the content is interactive, engaging, and accessible to learners at all levels.

Additional Key Roles:

• Blockchain Developers
• Role: A team of developers will focus on creating blockchain bootcamp courses, smart contract simulations, and Cardano-specific tutorials. These developers will provide technical expertise for hands-on training modules.
• Content Creators
• Role: Educational content creators will design and produce high-quality video lessons, quizzes, and interactive materials for the e-learning platform. They will ensure that the content is engaging and accessible for learners at all levels.
• Marketing Specialists
• Role: Marketing experts will lead outreach strategies, including social media campaigns, paid advertising, and email marketing, to attract learners globally, with a particular focus on underserved regions.
• Community Moderators
• Role: Moderators will manage the online learning community, providing support to learners and facilitating discussions in forums and Q&A sessions.

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

Here’s a detailed Budget & Costs breakdown for your proposal, based on the total funding request of 175,000 ADA:

Budget Breakdown

1. Content Creation (25,000 ADA)

• Video Production: 15,000 ADA
• This includes costs for recording, editing, and producing high-quality educational videos for the platform, covering both beginner and advanced blockchain, cryptocurrency, and data science topics.
• E-book and Tutorial Development: 5,000 ADA
• Creation of written educational materials, such as e-books, quizzes, and interactive labs.
• Interactive Labs: 5,000 ADA
• Development of blockchain simulations and smart contract execution environments to offer hands-on learning experiences.

2. Platform Integration and Development (45,000 ADA)

• Ashewa E-Learning Platform Enhancements: 25,000 ADA
• Integration of course content and development of AI-powered adaptive learning pathways, utilizing Azure Cognitive Services.
• Blockchain Tools & Simulations Development: 15,000 ADA
• Development of blockchain-specific tools, such as Cardano blockchain explorers and interactive blockchain use-case simulations.
• Software Licenses and Hosting: 5,000 ADA
• Costs for software licenses, server hosting, and necessary third-party tools to ensure platform performance and scalability.

3. Marketing and Community Engagement (30,000 ADA)

• Digital Marketing Campaigns: 15,000 ADA
• Paid ads, email marketing, and social media outreach to promote the platform and attract learners.
• Community Events and Webinars: 10,000 ADA
• Hosting live sessions, webinars, and Q&A events featuring blockchain experts and Cardano developers.
• Community Moderation and Support: 5,000 ADA
• Costs for moderators to manage the online learning community and provide support to learners.

4. Team Salaries and Professional Services (60,000 ADA)

• Salaries for Core Team (Tewodros Sintayehu, Dejene Hailu, Blockchain Developers, Content Creators): 50,000 ADA
• Payment for the core team members who will manage the project, create educational content, and develop the platform.
• Legal, Accounting, and Auditing Services: 10,000 ADA
• Professional services to ensure proper financial management, legal compliance, and third-party auditing of project funds.

5. Project Management and Reporting (15,000 ADA)

• Project Management: 10,000 ADA
• Ongoing project oversight to ensure that the milestones are met and resources are properly allocated.
• Reporting and Documentation: 5,000 ADA
• Regular progress reports to the Cardano community, including milestone updates, financial reporting, and the final project close-out report and video.

6. Contingency and Miscellaneous (5,000 ADA)

• Set aside for unforeseen costs, ensuring the project can adjust to any unexpected needs or challenges.

Total Requested Funds: 175,000 ADA

Additional Sources of Funding

• We are exploring partnerships with educational institutions and blockchain organizations for additional funding if needed. We also plan to generate revenue through paid advanced courses and certifications after the platform’s launch.

This budget breakdown reflects all aspects of the project and ensures proper resource allocation across content creation, platform development, marketing, and management. Let me know if you'd like to adjust any of the cost allocations!

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

Value for Money

The total cost of 175,000 ADA represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem, as it focuses on creating a scalable, high-impact e-learning platform that educates individuals about blockchain, cryptocurrency, and data science—key growth areas for the Cardano community. Here's how we justify the costs and ensure value for money

1. Strategic Investment in Education

• Empowering the Cardano Community: By providing structured educational content and certification programs, we will help foster a new generation of Cardano developers, users, and advocates. This long-term investment will lead to more innovation within the ecosystem, benefiting the community through the creation of decentralized applications (DApps), new use cases, and increased Cardano adoption.
• Global Reach in Underserved Regions: The platform will target developing regions, which often have limited access to quality blockchain education. This approach aligns with Cardano's mission to provide financial inclusion and decentralized solutions to underserved populations.

2. Cost Efficiency

• Content Creation and Platform Development: The bulk of the budget is allocated to creating high-quality educational content (videos, e-books, interactive labs) and developing the Ashewa platform. These costs reflect industry-standard rates for video production, software development, and platform integration, ensuring that the content is engaging and technically robust.
• Marketing and Community Engagement: The allocated 30,000 ADA for marketing and community outreach is designed to maximize the platform’s impact by attracting a large number of learners, particularly in regions where blockchain education is scarce. This will ensure the project reaches its intended audience and creates lasting value within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Professional Services: Legal, accounting, and auditing services (10,000 ADA) are necessary to maintain proper financial management and transparency, which is critical for a project of this scale.

3. Justification of Costs

• Market-Standard Rates: The budget for core team salaries (60,000 ADA) is proportional to the average freelance and professional rates for blockchain developers, content creators, and project managers in our region. We have benchmarked these costs against similar e-learning platforms and blockchain development projects, ensuring that they reflect fair compensation while remaining cost-effective.
• Platform Integration Costs: The costs for platform enhancements and Azure integration (45,000 ADA) reflect the typical costs for building a scalable, AI-powered e-learning platform, especially when integrating blockchain tools and simulations.

4. Long-Term Value Creation

• Sustainability: Once the platform is built, it will be self-sustaining through future course offerings, certifications, and partnerships with blockchain organizations. This ensures that the initial investment creates a lasting educational infrastructure that continues to benefit the Cardano community.

• Revenue Generation: After the platform launch, we plan to introduce paid advanced courses and certifications, which will generate revenue to fund further platform enhancements and expand the course offerings. This reduces future funding needs and ensures the project’s sustainability.

In conclusion, the costs are proportional to the scope and scale of the project and represent excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. By educating individuals and empowering them to contribute to the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors, this project aligns with Cardano's long-term goals of building an inclusive, decentralized financial system.