Cardano Learn-to-Earn: Blockchain-Powered Educational Incentives

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

gashaw taye

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

abbblybelay@gmail.com,tasietigabu@gmail.com,gashaw.taye.amogne@gmail.com

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

8

[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)

will create a platform that rewards users with ADA for completing educational courses, motivating learners to gain skills and empowering communities with financial incentives tied to education.

[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.”

Our project relies on Cardano's blockchain infrastructure for secure transactions and smart contracts to handle rewards. Additionally, partnerships with educational content providers and platform integration are crucial for delivering high-quality learning materials. However, the platform itself is designed to function independently once these elements are integrated.

[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

Yes, the core platform of Cardano Learn-to-Earn will be fully open source. This includes the smart contracts, backend systems, and frontend interface, allowing the community to inspect, contribute, and enhance the platform. By being open source, we aim to foster transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring the system evolves with input from the broader Cardano ecosystem.

[METADATA] Horizons

Learn to Earn

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We aim to create Cardano Learn-to-Earn, a platform that rewards learners with ADA for completing educational courses. The problem we are solving is the lack of motivation and financial barriers preventing people, especially in underserved communities, from accessing education. Traditional education platforms don't provide enough incentives, and many learners are disconnected from the financial benefits that education can bring.

Approach:

Our solution leverages Cardano's blockchain to offer financial rewards in ADA for completing courses. Learners can sign up, choose educational tracks, and earn ADA upon course completion. This creates a direct link between learning and financial empowerment, motivating individuals to continuously improve their skills while providing them with economic opportunities.

Engagement:

The platform will engage:

• Learners who want to improve their skills and earn rewards.
• Educators who will provide course content and receive ADA for hosting it.
• Underserved communities who struggle to access traditional education due to financial and geographical constraints.

Impact:

To demonstrate impact, we will track:

• Completion rates: How many users complete courses compared to traditional e-learning platforms.
• Skills acquired: Certification or credentialing that proves users gained practical, in-demand skills.
• Financial incentives: The amount of ADA earned and its use as a tool for economic upliftment.

Unique Aspects:

Our solution is unique because it combines blockchain technology, education, and financial incentives in one system. It is important to Cardano as it showcases the potential of blockchain-powered social good, creating an ecosystem where learning leads to real-world financial benefits. It can also help drive adoption of ADA as more people, especially from underserved regions, engage with the ecosystem for both learning and earning.

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

Cardano Learn-to-Earn will have a significant impact on the broader Cardano ecosystem by driving increased ADA adoption, expanding the community through education, and creating new economic opportunities. By linking education and financial rewards, we empower individuals, especially in underserved regions, to engage with Cardano’s blockchain technology, promoting both financial inclusion and learning accessibility. This project also reinforces Cardano’s role as a tool for social good.

Measurement of Impact:

We will measure impact through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

1. Number of learners enrolled: Tracking the total and regional breakdown of users on the platform.
2. Course completion rates: Measuring how many users successfully complete courses and receive ADA rewards.
3. Amount of ADA distributed: Recording the total ADA distributed as rewards and how it's used by learners.
4. Skill acquisition: Certification data will track the skills learned, with an emphasis on blockchain-related and digital economy skills.
5. User satisfaction and feedback: Collecting user feedback to understand the qualitative impact of the learning experience and economic benefits.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Reports and analytics on platform success, such as user growth, ADA distribution, and course completion rates, will be published regularly and shared with the Cardano community.
• We will open source the platform, making our codebase available for developers to use, modify, and improve.
• Educational content providers will be invited to share their courses, creating a collaborative ecosystem that supports a variety of learning experiences and skills.
• Regular updates will be shared through Cardano forums, social media, and community calls to ensure transparency and keep the community informed about the progress and outcomes.

[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?

Our team brings a combination of blockchain development expertise, educational technology experience, and a strong understanding of Cardano's ecosystem. We have successfully completed blockchain-based projects before and have a deep technical understanding of how to leverage smart contracts, security protocols, and decentralized applications (dApps) to build robust platforms.

Additionally, our experience in educational platforms ensures we can design courses that provide value and incentivize learning effectively.

Demonstrating Feasibility:

1. Technical Feasibility:

• We will build the platform on Cardano’s blockchain, utilizing Plutus smart contracts for secure ADA distribution and Atala PRISM for decentralized identity management.
• A prototype will be developed in the early phases to test key features like user enrollment, course completion, and reward distribution. Feedback from initial users will guide improvements.

1. Validation through Pilot Program:

• We will run a pilot program with a small group of learners and educators to test the platform’s functionality, user experience, and reward system.
• The pilot will include metrics like user satisfaction, ADA reward efficiency, and course content value. This data will validate our approach and inform scaling.

Managing Funds:

We have established transparent financial management processes to ensure funds are used responsibly. Our approach includes:

• Detailed budgeting: We will allocate funds clearly across development, testing, and marketing.
• Regular financial reporting: The community will receive updates on how funds are spent, ensuring transparency.
• Milestone-based funding: Funds will be released based on achieving key milestones, like completing the prototype, running the pilot, and platform launch.
• External auditing: We will work with a third-party auditor to review fund usage and report back to the community.

With these capabilities, processes, and transparency measures in place, we are confident in delivering the Cardano Learn-to-Earn platform successfully and with accountability.

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

Milestone 1: Project Initialization & Team Formation

Acceptance Criteria:

• Assemble a core development team with expertise in blockchain and educational technology.
• Establish a project plan with timelines, roles, and responsibilities.
• Create a comprehensive project repository on GitHub for open-source development.

Completion Date: Month 1

Milestone 2: Prototype Development

Acceptance Criteria:

• Develop a minimum viable product (MVP) of the platform with core functionalities:
• User registration and authentication using Cardano wallets.
• Course catalog and selection feature.
• Basic reward distribution mechanism using smart contracts.
• Conduct internal testing to ensure functionality and user experience.

Completion Date: Month 3

Here are the key milestones for the Cardano Learn-to-Earn project, structured to ensure successful completion and effective tracking of progress:

Milestone 1: Project Initialization & Team Formation

Acceptance Criteria:

• Assemble a core development team with expertise in blockchain and educational technology.
• Establish a project plan with timelines, roles, and responsibilities.
• Create a comprehensive project repository on GitHub for open-source development.

Completion Date: Month 1

Milestone 2: Prototype Development

Acceptance Criteria:

• Develop a minimum viable product (MVP) of the platform with core functionalities:
• User registration and authentication using Cardano wallets.
• Course catalog and selection feature.
• Basic reward distribution mechanism using smart contracts.
• Conduct internal testing to ensure functionality and user experience.

Completion Date: Month 3

Milestone 3: Pilot Program Launch

Acceptance Criteria:

• Launch a pilot program with selected learners and educators to test the platform.
• Gather qualitative and quantitative feedback on user experience, course effectiveness, and reward distribution.
• Analyze pilot results and refine the platform based on feedback.

Completion Date: Month 5

Milestone 4: Full Platform Launch

Acceptance Criteria:

• Implement feedback from the pilot program into the final platform.
• Launch the fully functional Cardano Learn-to-Earn platform to the public.
• Engage educational content providers to populate the platform with courses.

Completion Date: Month 7

Milestone 5: Marketing and Community Engagement

Acceptance Criteria:

• Execute a marketing strategy to promote the platform within the Cardano community and beyond.
• Establish partnerships with educational institutions and organizations to increase course offerings.
• Measure community engagement through user enrollment and interaction metrics.

Completion Date: Month 9

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video

Acceptance Criteria:

• Compile a comprehensive project close-out report detailing accomplishments, lessons learned, and future recommendations.
• Produce a video summarizing the project journey, showcasing user testimonials, and highlighting the impact on the community.
• Share the report and video with the Cardano community and stakeholders.

Completion Date: Month 10

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

1. Gashaw taye

• Role: Project Lead / Blockchain Developer
• Responsibilities: Overseeing the entire project, managing development, coordinating the team, and ensuring milestones are met. Designing and implementing smart contracts and blockchain integration.

1. Hilina mulugeta

• Role: Educational Content Specialist
• Responsibilities: Curating and developing educational content for the platform, collaborating with educators to ensure high-quality course offerings, and assessing course effectiveness.

1. Abebe belay

• Role: UI/UX Designer
• Responsibilities: Designing the user interface and user experience for the platform, ensuring it is intuitive and engaging for learners. Conducting user testing and incorporating feedback into the design.

1. kalab mulugeta

• Role: Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist
• Responsibilities: Developing and executing marketing strategies to promote the platform, engaging with the Cardano community, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions.

Recruitment Needs:

If we plan to recruit additional team members, we will look for individuals with the following skills:

• Blockchain Developers: Proficiency in Cardano’s Plutus language and experience with smart contract development.
• Educational Technologists: Expertise in online learning methodologies and instructional design.
• Software Testers: Experience in quality assurance to test platform functionality and user experience thoroughly.
• Community Managers: Strong communication skills and experience engaging with online communities, especially in the blockchain space.

Engagement and Communication:

We have engaged with relevant members of the Cardano community through channels like Discord and Telegram to discuss the project, gather feedback, and gauge interest from potential collaborators and educational partners. Our team members have established connections within the Cardano ecosystem, ensuring we have access to resources and support. We will maintain open lines of communication throughout the project to facilitate collaboration and address any challenges that arise.

The roles, responsibilities, and recruitment plans demonstrate our commitment to delivering the Cardano Learn-to-Earn project successfully, with a clear understanding of the skills needed for effective execution.

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

Budget Breakdown

• Personnel Costs:
• Project Lead / Developer: 50,000 ADA (Salary for 6 months)
• Educational Content Specialist: 40,000 ADA (Salary for 6 months)
• UI/UX Designer: 20,000 ADA (Salary for 4 months)
• Marketing Specialist: 15,000 ADA (Salary for 4 months)
• Data Analyst: 12,000 ADA (Salary for 4 months)
• Total Personnel Costs: 137,000 ADA
• Development Costs:
• Software Licenses: 5,000 ADA (Design and development tools)
• Hosting: 2,500 ADA (Cloud services for 12 months)
• Total Development Costs: 7,500 ADA
• Marketing & Community Engagement:
• Marketing Materials: 3,000 ADA (Online ads and promotions)
• Engagement Events: 2,000 ADA (Webinars and workshops)
• Total Marketing Costs: 5,000 ADA
• Management & Reporting:
• Project Management Tools: 1,000 ADA (Subscriptions for management tools)
• Documentation: 1,000 ADA (Project reports and documentation)
• Total Management Costs: 2,000 ADA
• Contingency Fund:
• 10% for unforeseen costs: 10,000 ADA
• Grand Total: 161,500 ADA

Third-Party Services:

• Software Licenses: Necessary tools for development.
• Cloud Hosting: Services from AWS or DigitalOcean.
• Code Auditing: Estimated at 2,000 ADA.

Funding Request:

• Seeking 100,000 ADA from Catalyst, with potential additional funding from partnerships and grants.

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

The proposed budget for the Cardano Learn-to-Earn project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. High-Quality Personnel:

• The project involves hiring skilled professionals, including a Project Lead, Educational Content Specialist, UI/UX Designer, Marketing Specialist, and Data Analyst.
• Salaries are aligned with industry standards, reflecting typical rates in the blockchain and education sectors. For example, the average salary for blockchain developers in our region ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 ADA per month, ensuring we attract top talent.

1. Comprehensive Development:

• The budget covers essential software licenses and hosting services, ensuring a robust platform that can scale as user engagement grows.
• The inclusion of code auditing services will enhance security and reliability, aligning with Cardano’s commitment to a secure ecosystem.

1. Impactful Marketing and Community Engagement:

• Allocating funds for marketing and community engagement activities will help maximize outreach and adoption of the platform.
• Hosting webinars and workshops will create educational opportunities that foster community growth and awareness of Cardano’s capabilities.

1. Transparent Management and Reporting:

• Project management tools and documentation costs will ensure effective tracking of progress and accountability.
• Regular reporting will keep stakeholders informed, demonstrating how funds are utilized and the value generated.

1. Long-Term Sustainability:

• By investing in a platform that incentivizes learning, we aim to cultivate a knowledgeable user base that can contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.
• The educational incentives will promote blockchain literacy, enhancing community participation and potentially increasing the number of Cardano users.

Cost Determination

• Costs have been determined based on:
• Market research of average salaries for similar roles within the blockchain and education sectors.
• Quotes and estimates from service providers for software licenses and cloud hosting.
• Historical data from previous projects in the Cardano ecosystem, which has shown the importance of investing in quality resources for successful outcomes.

In summary, the Cardano Learn-to-Earn project is positioned to deliver substantial value for money by leveraging skilled professionals, ensuring a secure and scalable platform, and fostering community engagement, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and growth of the Cardano ecosystem.