Digital Course on Idea Generation for Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Lewi Getachew

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[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)

We will create a digital training course that teaches idea generation and proposal writing tailored for Cardano, empowering individuals to effectively contribute and innovate within the ecosystem.

[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, our project does not have any dependencies on other organizations or technical resources. It is fully self-contained and designed for independent execution.

[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

Our project will be fully open source throughout its entire lifecycle. We intend to use the MIT License, which allows anyone to freely use, modify, and distribute the course materials. An open-source repository will be created on GitHub to host all training content, including videos, quizzes, and supplementary materials. This transparency will encourage collaboration and continuous improvement from the community. All outputs will be accessible to everyone, promoting knowledge sharing and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.

[METADATA] Horizons

Training

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We perceive the problem of limited idea generation and proposal writing skills among potential Cardano contributors as a significant barrier to innovation and community engagement. Many individuals possess great ideas but struggle to articulate them effectively in a proposal format. Our approach is to create a comprehensive digital training course that empowers participants to develop these essential skills, fostering a more vibrant and active Cardano ecosystem.

This course will engage a diverse audience, including aspiring developers, entrepreneurs, and community members interested in contributing to Cardano projects. By utilizing interactive content—such as video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums—we will create an engaging learning experience that caters to various learning styles.

What makes our solution unique is its open-source nature, allowing for ongoing contributions and improvements from the community. Participants will not only gain practical skills but also become part of a collaborative effort to enhance the Cardano ecosystem. We will demonstrate our impact by tracking enrollment numbers, participant feedback, and the quality of proposals generated as a result of the training.

Ultimately, this initiative is crucial for Cardano as it promotes inclusivity, creativity, and innovation within the community. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to contribute effectively, we will drive the development of diverse projects that enrich the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Our project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by empowering individuals with the skills to generate innovative ideas and write compelling proposals. This will lead to increased participation in the ecosystem, driving a more diverse range of projects that enhance Cardano's overall growth and sustainability.

To measure impact, we will use both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, we will track enrollment numbers, completion rates, and the number of proposals submitted by course participants. Qualitatively, we will gather feedback through surveys and interviews to assess participants’ confidence in their skills before and after the course, as well as the quality of their proposals.

We intend to share our outputs through an open-source repository on GitHub, where all course materials will be accessible to the community. Additionally, we will host webinars and live Q&A sessions to engage participants and gather insights. The outcomes, including success stories and improvements in proposal quality, will be shared through community forums, social media channels, and Cardano-focused events to ensure broad visibility and encourage ongoing participation.

By equipping community members with the necessary tools to contribute effectively, we will not only enhance individual capabilities but also foster a collaborative environment that drives innovation and progress within the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

As the main applicant, I, Lewi Getachew, have extensive experience in digital training, having successfully developed and delivered numerous online courses that empower learners with practical skills. My background in instructional design and community engagement positions me well to lead this project effectively. 

My co-proposer, Yonatan, is a highly skilled web developer known for his ability to create robust online platforms, ensuring a seamless learning experience for participants. Additionally, our other co-proposer, [Co-Proposer Name], brings valuable insights as an entrepreneur and software engineer, enhancing our team's capability to address both technical and business aspects of the course.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will begin with a thorough needs assessment within the Cardano community to understand specific learning requirements. This will guide our course content and structure, ensuring relevance and engagement. We will also establish a project timeline with clear milestones and deliverables, allowing us to track progress and make adjustments as necessary.

To demonstrate trust and accountability in managing funds, we will implement the following steps:

1. Transparent Budgeting: We will provide a detailed budget breakdown, ensuring all expenses are clearly outlined and justifie

  

1. Regular Reporting: We will schedule bi-monthly progress reports to stakeholders and community members, detailing how funds are being utilized and the project's progres

1. Financial Oversight: We will designate a financial officer within our team to oversee budget management, ensuring that funds are spent responsibly and in alignment with project goal

1. Community Engagement: We will actively involve the Cardano community in project updates and decisions, fostering transparency and trus

By combining our diverse expertise and implementing these trust-building measures, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project successfully and responsibly, ultimately benefiting the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Course Design and Development (Months 1-3)

A: Milestone Outputs

• Completed course outline and detailed lesson plans for all modules.
• Initial drafts of course materials, including video scripts, quizzes, and supplementary resources.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Approval of the course outline and lesson plans by project team and selected community experts.
• Positive feedback from at least 10 community members on the initial drafts of the materials.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Documented feedback from experts and community members.
• A final version of the course outline and lesson plans submitted in the open-source repository.

 Content Creation and Platform Setup (Months 4-6)

A: Milestone Outputs

• Finalized video lectures, quizzes, and supplementary materials uploaded to the chosen online training platform.
• A user-friendly interface for course access and navigation.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Course materials must be accessible and functional on the platform, with at least 3 interactive modules available for enrollment.
• A minimum of 50 participants signed up for the course prior to launch.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Screenshots or videos demonstrating course functionality on the platform.
• Enrollment data showing the number of participants.

 Launch and Community Engagement (Months 7-8)

A: Milestone Outputs

• Official launch of the training course, including promotional activities and live Q&A sessions.
• A comprehensive report summarizing participant feedback and engagement metrics.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• At least 200 participants enrolled within the first month post-launch.
• Collection of feedback from at least 75% of participants, with a minimum average rating of 4 out of 5 on course quality.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Enrollment statistics and participant feedback summaries.
• Recordings or transcripts from live Q&A sessions and promotional materials shared within the community.

Project Review and Impact Assessment (End of Month 8)

A: Milestone Outputs

• A detailed project review document that includes an assessment of outcomes against initial goals.
• Recommendations for future courses or follow-up projects based on participant feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of the project review document and sharing it with the Cardano community.
• Positive reception and constructive feedback on the report from community members.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Published project review document in the open-source repository.
• Documentation of community discussions or feedback regarding the report

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

1. Lewi (Main Applicant)

• Role: Project Lead & Content Creator
• Responsibilities: Oversee the entire project, design the course content, and facilitate community engagement. Ensure the course meets the educational needs of participants.
• LinkedIn Profile: [https://zw.linkedin.com/in/lewis-honye-008]

2. Yonatan (Co-Proposer)

Role: Technical Specialist

• Responsibilities: Develop and manage the online training platform, ensuring a seamless user experience and technical functionality. Provide support for any technical issues that arise during course delivery.
• LinkedIn Profile: [https://et.linkedin.com/in/yonatan-shewarega-510958165]

3. [Girum] (Co-Proposer)

• Role: Entrepreneur & Software Engineer
• Responsibilities: Contribute to course content from an entrepreneurial perspective and assist with technical aspects of platform setup. Support marketing strategies to reach a wider audience.
• LinkedIn Profile: [https://et.linkedin.com/in/girum-tirfe-545ba180 ]

Additional Team Recruitment

We plan to recruit additional team members with the following skills:

• Instructional Designer: To enhance the course structure and ensure engaging learning experiences.
• Marketing Specialist: To develop and execute promotional strategies that effectively reach target audiences within the Cardano community.
• Community Manager: To facilitate engagement and support participants throughout the course.

These roles are crucial for delivering a high-quality training course and maximizing community impact.

Engagement and Communication

We have already engaged with the relevant members of our team and have established communication channels. We are active in Cardano’s technical group channels on Discord and Telegram, ensuring we remain connected with the community and can gather valuable insights and support as needed.

We have discussed our project with potential recruits and received positive feedback regarding their interest in participating. This proactive engagement reinforces our project’s feasibility and the readiness of our team to move forward.

Proof of Engagement

All team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities, and we have obtained their consent to include their names and profiles in this proposal. We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the project.

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

Total Proposal Request: 120,000 ADA

Content Creation: 60,000 ADA

• Course Development: 
• Instructional design and content writing (40,000 ADA)
• Video production (scripts, filming, editing) (20,000 ADA)

Platform Development: 30,000 ADA

• Learning Management System (LMS): 
• Subscription to a suitable LMS (e.g., Teachable, Thinkific) for 8 months (10,000 ADA)
• Custom development and technical support by Yonatan for platform setup (20,000 ADA)

Marketing and Outreach: 20,000 ADA

• Promotional Activities:
• Social media advertising and promotions (10,000 ADA)
• Community engagement events (webinars, Q&A sessions) (5,000 ADA)
• Graphic design for marketing materials (5,000 ADA)

Miscellaneous Expenses: 10,000 ADA

• Project Management Tools: 
• Subscription to tools like Trello or Asana for project tracking (2,000 ADA)
• Documentation and Reporting: 
• Costs associated with creating reports and project documentation (3,000 ADA)
• Community Engagement Materials: 
• Printed materials or swag for community events (5,000 ADA)

Third-Party Products/Services

• Learning Management System: Subscription for the LMS platform will facilitate course delivery.
• Video Production Services: If we opt for external video production services, this could be an additional cost within the video production budget.
• Marketing Services: Possible engagement of a freelance marketing specialist to assist with outreach efforts.

Alternative Funding Sources

Currently, our project is designed to be fully funded through the proposal request. However, we are open to exploring sponsorship opportunities within the Cardano community and potential partnerships with educational organizations that share our vision.

Fund Management

We will implement robust financial management practices to ensure responsible fund usage, including:

• Regular budget reviews to track spending against planned costs.
• Transparent reporting to the community on fund allocation and project progress.

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

The total cost of 120,000 ADA for our project represents a significant value for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

Comprehensive Skill Development: The funds will support the creation of a high-quality, comprehensive digital training course that equips individuals with essential skills in idea generation and proposal writin

Expertise and Experience: Our budget reflects the expertise of our team member

Market Comparisons: The budget allocations align with typical freelance rates and market prices for similar project

Long-Term Impact: The training course is designed to be open source, allowing it to be continuously updated and improved by the communit

Community Engagement: The funds allocated for marketing and outreach will enhance visibility and participation in the course, ensuring that a diverse range of community members can benefit from the trainin

By investing in this project, the Cardano community will see a substantial return on investment through enhanced participation, increased proposal quality, and a stronger, more skilled community of contributors. Our commitment to transparency and accountability in managing these funds further ensures that every ADA spent contributes meaningfully to the ecosystem's growth and sustainability.