Empowering Blockchain Education in Ethiopia: Enhancing Cardano Awareness Through a Telegram Mini App and Reward-Based Learning

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Amanuel Elias

[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

Henos Tefera

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

3

[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)

Expand ADA in Ethiopia by educating and rewarding Telegram users through a mini app that integrates Blockchain & Cardano tutorials, points collection, and social tasks, all in Amharic.

[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

We intend to release the project under the MIT License or choosealicense, which ensures broad permissions for users to freely use, modify, and distribute the code. The entire source code of the Telegram mini app will be hosted in a public GitHub repository. This will include the app's interface core functionality and user engagement features. By maintaining open-source availability throughout the project’s lifecycle, we aim to encourage community collaboration and further development to extend the impact beyond our initial scope. 

[METADATA] Horizons

Learn to Earn

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

With a population of over 110 million, 45% internet access, and Telegram’s immense popularity in Ethiopia, we aim to create a mini app on Telegram designed for the Ethiopian community. This app will introduce Blockchain basics and ADA, provide daily content on blockchain topics in Amharic, and allow users to farm points by completing social tasks, watching educational videos, and engaging with community activities.

The app will run a 3-month cycle where users collect points by engaging with educational content, videos, and social media tasks related to Blockchain and Cardano. These points will accumulate toward a prize pool, encouraging sustained interaction. Videos will be hosted on YouTube, with additional informational articles posted on a dedicated Telegram channel. The points-based structure, together with the Amharic language materials, ensures that more users learn about Cardano, creating both a blockchain-educated and engaged user base.

So, Our solution will focus on building a user-friendly, interactive Telegram mini app that combines learning with gaming to drive Cardano's adoption in Ethiopia.

• User Engagement: The app will allow users to farm points daily through engaging activities like watching YouTube videos about blockchain (in Amharic), completing tasks related to blockchain education, and participating in social challenges. Over the span of three months, users will accumulate points, and the highest earners will share in a prize pool of 23000 ADA.
• Educational Content: The content will be crafted in Amharic to ensure it resonates with the local population. Videos and articles will explain the basics of blockchain, Cardano's unique approach, and its potential for solving real-world problems, particularly in Africa. By addressing topics like decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, and Cardano’s role in Africa's digital future, the content will raise awareness and help users understand how they can benefit from blockchain technologies.
• Blockchain Awareness and ADA Promotion: Through regular participation and completion of tasks, users will not only learn about blockchain but will be incentivized to use ADA for the first time. We aim to onboard new ADA holders in Ethiopia, which aligns with Cardano's long-term goal of expanding its reach across Africa.
• Scalability: The app will support Cardano's long-term scalability efforts, as it will encourage interaction from a largely untapped demographic in Africa. The project will foster a new wave of developers and blockchain enthusiasts, setting the stage for future decentralized applications and use cases tailored to the African market.
• Impact on the Cardano Ecosystem: By spreading awareness, we will help meet the Cardano Foundation's goal of establishing blockchain governance across the African continent. This project will also showcase how dApps can be integrated into real-life social media platforms, offering Cardano a stronger foothold in Africa’s tech landscape. 

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

This initiative will contribute significantly to Cardano's presence and adoption in Ethiopia and support Cardano Foundation’s mission of sustainable blockchain governance in Africa. The anticipated impact includes:

• Blockchain Education: We aim to educate over 10,000 users about Cardano and blockchain technology within three months through Amharic videos and articles, ensuring that the local population can easily understand complex concepts.
• Increased ADA Adoption: By reaching Ethiopia’s youth and tech-savvy population, this project aims to onboard at least 1,000 new ADA holders, building a strong foundation for further Cardano projects in the country.
• Community Building: The app will create a new community of blockchain enthusiasts, developers, and ADA users in Ethiopia. Telegram's chat functionality will enable direct engagement, allowing users to discuss what they’ve learned, exchange ideas, and collaborate on potential blockchain applications.
• Ecosystem Expansion: The project is expected to contribute significantly to Cardano’s expansion goals in Africa, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other African countries. By educating and empowering users, it will drive adoption of dApps and facilitate a smoother introduction of blockchain into Ethiopia's digital infrastructure.
• Social Impact: This initiative will help demystify blockchain, showing how it can solve real-world problems in areas like finance, governance, and education, thus encouraging its use in more practical applications throughout Ethiopia. 

[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?

The feasibility of this project is anchored on three key elements: Team Expertise, Project Execution Strategy and Market Opportunity.

Team Expertise and Capabilities

The success of this project is grounded in the diverse and complementary skills of the team. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that directly contributes to the project’s goals:

• Blockchain Expertise: With two Cardano Blockchain Certified Associates (CBCA) on the team, including Amanuel Elias and Suraphel Desalegn, the technical foundation of the project is robust. These certifications ensure that the team has in-depth knowledge of blockchain architecture, smart contract development, and decentralized solutions key components of this project.
• Web and Application Development: Henos Tefera is an experienced React and Web Developer. His expertise in developing responsive and user-friendly applications ensures the platform we create will provide a seamless user experience. With hands-on experience in JavaScript, Python, and web frameworks, Henos is well-equipped to manage the technical challenges of building and deploying a fully functional decentralized application (dApp).
• Project Management and Leadership: Suraphel Desalegn’s background in business management and project coordination provides the team with strong leadership, ensuring that the project is executed on time, within scope, and under budget. His experience in leading projects in the blockchain and tech sectors guarantees effective oversight and risk management.

Together, this combination of technical expertise and management skills makes the team more than capable of delivering high-quality results.

Project Execution Strategy

The project has been designed with clear milestones and deliverables that align with the overarching goals of fostering blockchain adoption and education in Ethiopia. Our execution strategy is based on:

• Phased Implementation: The project will be executed in phases, starting with blockchain awareness campains including videos, followed by blockchain related tasks, Each phase has clearly defined milestones to track progress and ensure that objectives are met in a timely manner.
• Strategic Partnerships: We have already initiated discussions with fanos crypto and other Ethiopian crypto communities to support our project. These partnerships not only provide access to participants but also amplify our efforts through institutional backing and promotion. Additionally, their involvement ensures credibility and increases the project's visibility among members and professionals.
• Targeted Community Outreach: We will focus on reaching communities with high interest in technology and innovation through these communities. The project aims to empower the growing community build blockchain solutions, creating a ripple effect of blockchain adoption across Ethiopia.

Market Opportunity and Demand

Ethiopia presents a unique and growing market for blockchain technology, making it an ideal location for this project. Several key factors contribute to the project's feasibility:

• Government Interest and Investment in Blockchain: Ethiopia’s government has already shown interest in blockchain, notably through its partnership with IOHK (Input Output Hong Kong) and Cardano to implement blockchain technology in sectors such as education and agriculture. This interest creates a fertile environment for blockchain-based initiatives.
• Rising Demand for Tech Education: Ethiopia's youth population is increasingly turning towards technology and digital solutions, driven by a growing interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. Our project addresses this demand by providing specialized blockchain training and workshops that will equip participants with in-demand skills.
• Untapped Potential for Decentralized Solutions: Blockchain solutions have the potential to address real-world challenges in sectors such as finance, supply chain, and identity management. By training developers and innovators in blockchain technology, we aim to lay the groundwork for future decentralized solutions tailored to Ethiopia’s needs.

this project is both technically feasible and strategically sound. It is backed by a skilled team, addresses a clear market need, and includes a detailed plan for sustainability and risk management. The combination of educational outreach, technical development, and community engagement positions this project as a catalyst for blockchain adoption and innovation in Ethiopia.

Partnerships: The project is backed by Fanos Crypto, Ethiopia's leading cryptocurrency community, providing a solid support base and outreach channels for impactful delivery. Fanos Crypto has over 50,000 telegram members, led by a team of experts who are deeply engaged in the blockchain community for more than 5 years. With such strong community backing, this project is well-positioned to reach a large audience and foster engagement.

https://t.me/FanosCryptoChannel

In General - The project is highly feasible due to the combination of Ethiopia’s widespread use of Telegram and the growing popularity of mini apps. The educational focus on blockchain and Cardano will ensure users find value in their interactions, while the prize pool offers a tangible incentive to participate. The support from Fanos Crypto and other communities will further enhance visibility and reach, while the project leverages existing local preferences for platforms like Telegram to ensure user engagement and success in addition to the team's capability.  

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

M1: Launch and Awareness (1st Month)

• Finalize mini app structure and user interface
• Develop and release 3 educational videos in Amharic
• Broadcast the first Telegram awareness session

Deliverables:

• Functional Telegram mini app prototype
• Educational video content uploaded to YouTube
• Host and recorded Telegram Q&A community session 

M2: Community Engagement and Scaling (2nd Month)

• Develop leaderboard feature to track user points
• Organize blockchain-related tasks to encourage participation
• Release additional 10 educational videos on blockchain use cases and cardano

Deliverables:

• Working leaderboard and task system
• Community engagement report
• New video content released 

M3: Finalization and Reporting (3rd Month)

• Release additional 5 educational videos focusing on cardano
• Final prize pool distribution and wrap-up tasks
• Collect user feedback to improve future iterations
• Submit project report and record the last Telegram session

Deliverables:

• New YouTube video released
• Prize pool distributed based on points
• Full project report and recorded final session

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

Our team is well-positioned to deliver this project with integrity, community engagement, and measurable outcomes:

• Amanuel Elias:

Role: Project Lead (Overseeing the strategic direction, partnerships, and outreach within the Ethiopian community)

• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate
• Community Leader in Ethiopia
• Advocate for blockchain education
• Dedicated to building a knowledgeable future

A Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate with years of experience in the crypto space. Holds a verified certificate from Udacity in Android Development and Data Analysis. Has been actively engaged in the blockchain ecosystem and the Cardano community through various projects over the years.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanuel-elias-858113235

• Henos Tefera:

Role: Technical Developer (Overseeing technical aspects, including app development and integration)

• React Developer and Web Developer
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Expected 2025)
• Proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python
• Tech enthusiast | Pursuing CCNA certification
• Focused on creating innovative web solutions

A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student at ArbaMinch University, expected to graduate in August 2025. proficient in Python and web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). Also currently pursuing certifications in CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

• Surafel Desalegn

Role: Content Specialist and project coordinator (Creating educational videos and written content, with experience in producing accessible Amharic content and ensuring the project is executed on time, within scope, and under budget.)

• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate(CBCA)
• Experienced Project Manager with a degree in Business Management
• Passionate about blockchain education
• Committed to driving crypto awareness in Ethiopia

A Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate(CBCA) with several years of experience in the space. Has been actively involved in the blockchain industry contributing to the ecosystem and engaging in community-driven projects, holds a graduate degree on Business Management.

www.linkedin.com/in/ surafel-405714191

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

Budget Breakdown

1. Prize Pool: ₳ 22,886

• Purpose: Incentivizing participation and rewarding users for completing educational tasks, watching videos, and engaging in blockchain and Cardano-related activities.
• Details:
• Main Competition Prizes: ₳ 20,000 distributed among the top three performers based on engagement metrics (e.g., points collected).
• Minor Rewards: ₳ 2,886 allocated to participants who demonstrate consistent engagement throughout the 3-month cycle (e.g., weekly top performers, outstanding contributions in discussions).

2. Personnel Costs: ₳ 17,165

• Purpose: Covering salaries and compensation for the team involved in developing, managing, and delivering the project.
• Details:
• Technical Developer (Henos Tefera): ₳ 6,000 allocated for development and integration of the Telegram mini app, building the leaderboard, and ensuring platform functionality.
• Project Lead (Amanuel Elias): ₳ 5,000 for overseeing the entire project, including strategy, partnerships, and community outreach.
• Content Specialist (Surfel Desalegn): ₳ 4,500 for creating educational content (videos, written materials) and managing content distribution.
• Support Staff: ₳ 1,665 for administrative support, event coordination, and assistance during live sessions.

3. Infrastructure and Software: ₳ 5,722

• Purpose: Supporting the technical infrastructure needed to host the app, manage content, and run the project.
• Details:
• Server Costs: ₳ 2,000 for hosting the Telegram mini app and leaderboard.
• Software Tools: ₳ 1,200 for licenses, tools, and subscriptions required for app development, including IDEs, design tools, and testing environments.
• Cloud Services: ₳ 1,000 for cloud storage and bandwidth for hosting educational videos and resources.
• Miscellaneous IT Costs: ₳ 1,522 for any unforeseen software or infrastructure needs during the project lifecycle.

4. Marketing and Community Engagement: ₳ 2,860

• Purpose: Promoting the project to a wide audience through targeted marketing campaigns across Telegram, social media, and crypto communities.
• Details:
• Telegram Promotions: ₳ 500 for boosting posts, engaging with influencers, and creating awareness within the Telegram ecosystem.
• Social Media Campaigns: ₳ 300 for running ads on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to promote the app.
• Community Engagement: ₳ 500 for organizing online events (Q&As, live streams) with crypto experts to drive engagement.
• Content Production: ₳ 560 for the creation of promotional videos, and infographics to enhance the visibility of the project.

5. Contingency Fund: ₳ 2,860

• Purpose: Reserved for unforeseen expenses that may arise during the project.
• Details:
• Buffer for Unexpected Costs: ₳ 1,000 allocated for any potential technical setbacks (e.g., software failures, additional server costs) or extended marketing needs to maintain the project’s momentum.

Total Budget Requested: ₳ 51,428

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

Our project offers exceptional value for money for several reasons:

Cost-Effective Marketing: Leveraging the popularity of Telegram in Ethiopia ensures a large reach at a low cost, increasing awareness about ADA and Blockchain without significant marketing expenditure.

Long-Term Growth: The mini app and educational videos will continue to serve as Blockchain learning tools beyond the project's timeline, contributing to the ecosystem in the long run.

Community Engagement: Through the integration of a prize pool, daily tasks, and leaderboard features, we incentivize engagement and promote active learning, which will foster a growing base of ADA advocates in Ethiopia

Long-Term Community Impact: This initiative introduces a low-cost, high-engagement model for blockchain education that could be replicated across similar markets in Africa. By using Telegram, the app aligns with Ethiopia’s digital preferences, ensuring ongoing community engagement.

Cost-Effective Outreach: Collaborating with existing crypto communities like Fanos Crypto helps ensure the funds are used for educational purposes, rather than redundant outreach costs, which adds to the project’s sustainability and reach.