Bridging Ethiopia’s Blockchain Knowledge Gap: A Cardano-Focused Book Donation and Plutus Education Campaign

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ephratha Samuel and Kaleab Hailemariam

[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)

 

We aim to donate books on Cardano and blockchain to Ethiopia's largest library, providing educational resources to developers, students, and policymakers to boost knowledge, skills and adoption

[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.”

Dependency: Our project relies on the support and partnership of Ethiopia’s largest library to accept the donation, catalog the books, and make them accessible to the public.

Mitigation: We have already engaged with the library’s management and received confirmation that they are willing to partner with us and integrate the donated materials into their collection. They are prepared to support the promotion and accessibility of these resources.

[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

The project is fully committed to supporting the open-source ethos, particularly in alignment with the principles of the Cardano ecosystem. All outputs from the project, including the educational books on blockchain and Cardano, will be made available as open-source resources. This approach ensures maximum accessibility and encourages further innovation and learning in the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The problem we aim to solve is the lack of accessible education and resources on blockchain technology specifically cardano  in Ethiopia. This knowledge gap limits the ability of local developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, students, teachers  and communities to understand, adopt and contribute to the blockchain ecosystem. The absence of educational materials and resource restricts innovation economic opportunities and informed decision making preventing the full potential of blockchain technology from being realized in Ethiopia.   

                         

The main content of the book will be: There will be 3 books the first is about introduction to blockchain the second will be about cardano ecosystem and the third will be detail on plutus programing

1.Introduction to Blockchain Technology

l Blockchain Fundamentals

l Consensus Mechanisms: Overview of Proof of Stake (PoS), Proof of Work (PoW), and Cardano’s Ouroboros protocol.

l Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets: Basics of cryptocurrencies  tokenization and the role of digital assets in blockchain

2. Introduction to Cardano

• Overview of the Cardano Blockchain: What makes Cardano unique its development by IOHK and its focus on scalability sustainability and interoperability.
• Layers of Cardano: The separation between Cardano settlement layer CSL and computation layer CCL and how this architecture ensures flexibility and efficiency.
• Cardano Proof of Stake Mechanism A detailed explanation of Ouroboros Cardano PoS algorithm and how it ensures security and decentralization.

3. Cardano Ecosystem

• Native Tokens and NFTs How to create transfer and manage native tokens and NFTs on Cardano
• Decentralized Applications dApps Overview of dApps on Cardano including key projects and use cases
• Smart Contracts A guide to Cardano  Plutus platform for smart contracts and how they can be used to build decentralized solutions
• Cardano Wallets How to set up and use wallets like Daedalus and Yoroi for managing ADA and interacting with the network

4. Building on Cardano

• Plutus Programming: Introduction to Cardano's smart contract language Plutus with examples of writing and deploying smart contracts.
• Marlowe for Nonprogrammers A guide to using Marlowe Cardano domain specific language for creating financial contracts without advanced coding.
• Development Tools: Overview of the Cardano developer ecosystem, including tools like the Plutus Playground testiest and other developer resources.
• Building dApps Step-by-step guides for building and deploying decentralized applications on Cardano.
• This plutus programmming has its own book

5. Real World Applications of Blockchain

• Use Cases in Finance: Decentralized finance (DeFi) applications like lending, borrowing, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
• Blockchain for Supply Chain: How blockchain can be used for transparent, efficient supply chain management.
• Identity and Governance: The role of blockchain in identity verification (Atala PRISM) and decentralized governance models.
• Social Impact Projects: Case studies of how blockchain, especially Cardano, is being used to address social challenges like financial inclusion, education, and healthcare.

6. Cardano’s Governance and Community

• Project Catalyst: Explanation of Cardano’s decentralized governance model and how Project Catalyst empowers the community to propose and fund new projects.
• Stake Pools and Delegation: How ADA holders can participate in network security through staking and the operation of stake pools.
• Cardano Community: How to engage with the global Cardano community and participate in ecosystem development.

7. Blockchain and Regulatory Landscape

• Regulations and Compliance: Overview of the regulatory landscape surrounding blockchain and cryptocurrencies, with a focus on how Cardano adheres to and anticipates future regulations.
• Blockchain Governance: How decentralized governance works, and the role of blockchain in shaping a transparent and accountable ecosystem.

8. Future of Cardano and Blockchain Technology

• Cardano Roadmap: Exploration of Cardano’s long-term vision, including future upgrades like Hydra for scalability and ongoing efforts to improve the platform.
• Blockchain Trends: Emerging trends in blockchain technology, including Layer 2 solutions, cross-chain interoperability, and sustainable blockchain practices.

Additional Sections:

• Glossary of Terms: A comprehensive list of blockchain and Cardano-specific terms for quick reference.
• Further Reading and Resources: Links to online resources, courses, and communities for continued learning and deeper engagement with the Cardano ecosystem.

This collection of topics would ensure the book serves as an essential resource for both beginners looking to understand blockchain basics and advanced learners interested in building solutions on Cardano.

 

Key aspects of the problem:

l There is limited awareness and knowledge on blockchain and what it is capable of Many in Ethiopians, including students, developers, teachers, and businesses, have limited exposure to blockchain technology and its applications.

l Skills gap in Blockchain development is very wide and  There is a shortage of skilled professionals who can develop decentralized applications dApps and build solutions on the blockchain.

l Slow adoption of blockchain solutions without sufficient knowledge, the adoption of blockchain technology particularly cardano is slow hindering its potential to solve local challenges like financial inclusion and digital identity.

l Regulatory Uncertainty Policymakers lack access to detailed resources on blockchain, making it difficult to establish supportive regulations and foster a blockchain friendly environment.

By addressing these issues the project seeks to empower Ethiopians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in and contribute to the global cardano ecosystem.

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

The proposed solution involves donating a comprehensive set of books on cardano and blockchain technology to Ethiopians largest library with a focus on educating key groups such as developers,entrepreneurs, students,teachers,and policymakers. The aim is to fill the knowledge gap, stimulate local innovation, and foster adoption of Cardano-based solutions. Here’s how the solution is structured:

1. Curated Collection of Blockchain and Cardano Books

l Technical resources Books covering blockchain development programming for decentralized applications d Apps smart contract creation and Cardanos architecture. These will provide good developers with the necessary skills to build some valuable thing on cardano.

l Introductory and general books Blockchain primers and books explaining cryptocurrency fundamentals decentralized finance DeFi and the advantages of decentralized systems. these resources will cater to a wider audience helping non-technical individuals grasp the potential of blockchain technology.

2. Targeted Impact Areas

l For junior developers and tech enthusiasts: Provide them with technical know-how to build applications on the cardano  blockchain. this will increase local innovation and development within the cardano ecosystem. (junior developers referrers to university students.

l For entrepreneurs: Books on blockchain applications in business will inspire local businesses to integrate cardano based solutions driving new economic opportunities and startups in Ethiopia.

l For policymakers: Resources on blockchain governance, policy, and regulation will help Ethiopian policymakers craft blockchain friendly regulations that support innovation while ensuring compliance and security. (Policymaker refers to higher educational institute leaders.

For academic and research institutions: The donated materials will encourage universities and academic institutions to include blockchain in their curriculum promoting further research and development in the field.

3. Partnerships and Local Engagement

Library collaboration: Work closely with Ethiopians largest library to ensure the donated materials are relevant accessible and reach the intended audiences. The library include: Abrhot library, Ethiopian defense university college of engineering library , hawasa university library , bahirdar university library

Workshops and seminars: Organize educational workshops or reading sessions at the library or local universities to help users navigate the books fostering deeper engagement and hands on learning experiences.

Local blockchain communities: Partner with Ethiopian blockchain communities and organizations to promote awareness and engagement encouraging discussions on how blockchain and cardano can address local challenges like financial inclusion identity management and transparency.

4. Feasibility and Pilot Approach

l Pilot phase: Initially a pilot program will be conducted with a small scale donation to test logistics community engagement and material effectiveness. Based on feedback the project can be scaled to include more books or extended to other libraries in Ethiopia.

l Feedback and assessment: After the books have been donated, feedback will be gathered from users such as students, teachers, developers, policymakers and library staff to measure the effectiveness of the materials in enhancing blockchain knowledge and promoting cardano use. regular assessments will ensure the continued relevance and value of the materials.

5. Blockchain for Transparency and Trust

Onchain tracking: Use Cardano blockchain to track donations funding and progress ensuring a high level of transparency and accountability. Stakeholders will be able to verify the success of the project through public immutable records.

6. Long-Term Vision and Scalability

l Expanding to other libraries: Once proven successful the initiative can be expanded to other libraries and educational centers across Ethiopia and potentially in other developing nations like Kenya and also Nigeria.

l Nurturing future cardano developers: By providing continuous access to blockchain education this project will create a pipeline of skilled developers (teachers and students) and innovators who will contribute a lot to the cardano ecosystem in the long term.

Expected Outcomes:

l Increased blockchain  literacy: More people in Ethiopia will understand blockchain technology its applications and the specific advantages of Cardano.

l Growing Cardano Adoption: As more people learn about Cardano, its adoption in Ethiopia will rise, fostering local projects and applications on the platform.

l Skilled Local Workforce: Developers and tech enthusiasts will acquire the skills needed to contribute to Cardano's development, benefiting the global ecosystem.

l Policy Support: Policymakers will be better equipped to craft informed regulations that support blockchain growth, encouraging innovation while maintaining security.

This solution not only solves the immediate knowledge gap but also creates long-term benefits for both the local community and the global 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?

Our team is well positioned to successfully deliver this project thanks to our combined expertise in blockchain technology education logistics and project management. We have also participated as Here is a breakdown of why we believe we are best suited for this initiative:

Experience in Blockchain and Cardano Ecosystem:

l Our deep understanding of Cardano’s  blockchain technology enables us to curate the most relevant and up to date educational materials. We are well versed in the Cardano ecosystem its tools and its potential for growth making us capable of selecting the most impactful resources for the Ethiopian community.

l We have been actively engaged with the cardano community attending events contributing to discussions and staying current on key developments. This ensures that the materials selected for the library are not only current but aligned with Cardano’s growth and development.

Educational Outreach and Curation:

l We have prior experience in educational outreach projects, specifically in the tech and blockchain sectors. This includes curating materials that are not only informative but also accessible to a broad audience, from beginners to advanced learners.

l Our past projects in content curation and educational development for emerging technologies have honed our ability to select the right materials for diverse audiences, ensuring that the resources we donate are of high value to the Ethiopian community.

Proven Logistics Management:

l Our team has experience in managing logistics for international projects, including coordinating shipping, customs, and delivery processes. We are familiar with the challenges of delivering educational materials to Ethiopia and have already initiated discussions with logistics providers to ensure smooth transportation.

l We have successfully managed similar projects in the past, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of educational resources across borders.

Community Engagement:

l We are actively involved in community engagement, particularly in Ethiopia’s tech and blockchain space. This gives us an understanding of local needs and the demand for blockchain education, ensuring that our project is aligned with real-world requirements.

l Our network within the Cardano community gives us access to experts, educators, and developers who can provide insights and further ensure the project’s success.

Steps and Processes for Fund Management

To ensure that we can manage project funds transparently and responsibly, we have established the following processes:

Detailed Budget Plan:

l A comprehensive budget plan has been created for the project, covering all expenses from book procurement to shipping and promotional activities. Each cost is itemized and justified, ensuring that no funds are misallocated.

l We will provide financial updates at each key milestone, tracking progress against the budget to ensure the funds are spent as planned. In this case we also consider the ada fluctuation. We will approach other humanitarian team if ada will move below expectation: And also it the ada price is above our expectation the left over fund will be gone for other copies of the book

Dedicated Financial Management System:

l We will use a dedicated financial management tool to track all expenditures related to the project. This tool will allow for transparent, real-time tracking of spending and will be regularly reviewed by the team to ensure proper fund allocation.

Third-Party Verification and Transparency:

l We will conduct periodic third-party reviews of the project’s finances and progress to maintain transparency and build trust with stakeholders. These reviews will ensure that the project remains on track and within budget.

Milestone-Based Funding:

l The project will operate on a milestone-based funding system, where funds are released in phases according to the achievement of specific project milestones. This ensures that funds are only spent once clear deliverables are completed and verified.

l At each milestone, we will provide evidence of progress, such as contracts with publishers, shipping confirmations, or community outreach reports, before requesting the next phase of funding.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning:

l We have identified potential risks and challenges, such as delays in shipping or customs clearance, and have created contingency plans to mitigate these risks. This ensures that we are prepared to handle unexpected issues without compromising the project’s success.

By combining our expertise in blockchain education, logistics, and financial management, we are confident that we can deliver this project successfully and manage funds responsibly, ensuring full accountability at every step of the process.

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

Here’s a detailed breakdown of your project’s key milestones with outputs, acceptance criteria, and evidence of completion, following the provided guidelines:

Milestone 1: Project Planning, Coordination, and Book Procurement (Months 1-2)

A: Milestone Outputs

l Finalized selection of blockchain and Cardano books for donation.

l Established partnerships with publishers distributors and Ethiopians largest library.

l Books and educational materials ordered or secured as donations.

l Shipping logistics arranged for transporting books to Ethiopia.

l Transparent financial management system in place.

B: Acceptance Criteria

l Curated list of at least 20 blockchain and Cardano titles approved by the team and blockchain experts.

l Signed agreements or letters of intent with publishers distributors and the library.

l Orders confirmed for all books with receipts or donation confirmations from publishers and distributors.

l Finalized shipping plan with cost estimates and delivery timelines.

l Documented budget plan and fund management system established for tracking expenditures.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

l Copy of the final book list, including title descriptions and relevance to the project.

l Signed agreements or memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with publishers, distributors, and the library.

l Copies of invoices or order confirmations for all books, with shipping arrangements documented.

l Budget report outlining procurement and shipping costs, and a system for tracking fund allocation.

Milestone 2: Library Preparation and Engagement (Month 3)

A: Milestone Outputs

l Collaboration with library staff on cataloging and integrating the donated books.

l Outreach plan for promoting the availability of blockchain and Cardano resources in the library.

B: Acceptance Criteria

l Library's acknowledgment of receipt of books and their planned placement.

l Agreed upon marketing and outreach strategy including public awareness campaigns.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

l Written confirmation from library staff on the integration plan.

l Copy of the outreach campaign plan including timelines and target audience.

l Video and image evidence.

Milestone 3: Book Arrival and Library Integration (Month 4)

A: Milestone Outputs

l Books successfully delivered and cataloged in the library system.

l Physical placement of books in a dedicated section or display area within the library.

B: Acceptance Criteria

l All books confirmed as received and cataloged by the library.

l Section in the library dedicated to blockchain and Cardano resources easily accessible to users.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

l Signed delivery receipt from the library confirming the number and titles of books received.

l Photographic evidence or a report from the library showcasing the display or dedicated section.

l Video and image evidence.

Milestone 4: Launch and Awareness Campaign (Month 5)

A: Milestone Outputs

l Public launch event or awareness campaign announcing the availability of new resources.

l Engagement with local communities students and tech innovators to promote the project.

B: Acceptance Criteria

l Successfully hosted a launch event or online campaign with at least 50 participants or a reach of above 250 people.

l Positive feedback from community leaders educators and library users about the new resource.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

l Event report including participant numbers photos and videos from the event.

l Social media and website analytics (if applicable) showing campaign reach and engagement.

l Video footage

Milestone 5: Monitoring and Feedback (Months 6-12)

A: Milestone Outputs

l Ongoing tracking of book usage in the library.

l Feedback from students developers and innovators on the usefulness of the resources.

B: Acceptance Criteria

l Regular reports from the library on book checkouts or usage frequency.

l Collection of at least 20 feedback responses or surveys from users.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

l Monthly or quarterly usage reports from the library.

l Summary of feedback collected including testimonials or survey results.

Milestone 6: Project Completion and Final Report (Month 12)

A: Milestone Outputs

l Final impact assessment report summarizing project outcomes.

l Detailed financial report and project closure.

B: Acceptance Criteria

l Comprehensive report documenting project achievements challenges and lessons learned.

l Clear accounting of all funds spent matched against the original budget.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

l Final report including usage statistics feedback and project impact.

l Financial report with documented receipts invoices and proof of proper fund allocation.

Each of these milestones will have clear deliverables criteria for success and documented proof of completion ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project.

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

Project Team and Roles

The project will be delivered by two key team members, each playing an essential role in ensuring its success:

EPHRATHA SAMUEL – Project Leader

1. Role: As the Project Leader, I am responsible for the overall strategic planning, management, and execution of the project. My role ensures that the project aligns with its goals, that resources are used efficiently. I oversee the entire process from book creation to donation events, ensuring accountability and transparency.
2. Key Responsibilities:

l Oversee project execution from start to finish

l Manage project timelines, deliverables, and budgets

l Lead communication with partners, designers, and library authorities

l Ensure transparency in fund management and reporting

l Handle challenges and make adjustments to keep the project on track

KALEAB HAILEMARIAM – Blockchain Educator & Event Coordinator

1. Role: As the Blockchain Educator and Event Coordinator, this team member takes on a dual role. First, they are responsible for ensuring the educational content of the books is accurate, comprehensive, and aligns with the latest developments in Cardano and blockchain technology. Second, they coordinate the on-ground logistics for the book donation event, managing everything from book production to event execution.
2. Key Responsibilities:

l Develop and curate the educational content on Cardano and blockchain for the books

l Ensure the books are written in a way that is accessible to the target audience

l Coordinate book printing, distribution, and quality control

l Plan and organize the donation event, including logistics and guest management

l Handle communication with local stakeholders and the library for a successful event

These roles complement each other by ensuring that both the technical quality of the educational material and the logistical execution of the project are handled effectively.

 

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

Project Budget Breakdown: Unlocking the Power of Knowledge in Ethiopia

Our project is dedicated to creating high-quality educational resources on Cardano and Blockchain technology for Ethiopia’s largest library. This comprehensive budget ensures every aspect of the project is well-planned, from design to distribution and community engagement.

1. Stunning Book Cover Designs (3 Books)

l Cost per book: 596 ADA

l Total for 3 books: 1,788 ADA

We’ll collaborate with skilled graphic designers to create visually captivating covers that will inspire curiosity and enthusiasm in readers.

2. High-Quality Book Content

l Cost per page: 46.87 ADA

l Each book will have 100 pages, written by expert authors to cover key aspects of Cardano and blockchain technology.

l Total for each book: 4,687 ADA

l Total for all 3 books: 14,061 ADA

Our writers will ensure the content is accessible yet in-depth, giving readers a strong foundation in Cardano’s ecosystem.

3. Premium-Quality Book Printing

l Cost for 1,000 copies: 10,606 ADA

l Total for 5,000 copies: 53,030 ADA

We’ll print 5,000 high-quality copies of these books to make them available to a wide audience. These durable, professionally printed books will be a lasting resource for the community.

4. Additional Costs for Project Success

l Transportation: 3,600 ADA

Efficiently moving books from the printers to the library and event locations.

l Labor Costs: 1,000 ADA

Hiring 10 workers to assist with the logistics of book distribution and event setup.

l Event Organizer: 1,200 ADA

Ensuring a seamless and engaging event when we donate the books to the library.

l Hotel Reservation: 2,000 ADA

Accommodation for key team members and participants in our donation event.

l Venue Rental for Mini Event: 2,500 ADA

Hosting a mini-event to highlight the importance of blockchain education and our initiative.

l Projector for Webinar: 3,350 ADA

Delivering a live webinar during the event to engage attendees both in person and virtually.

l Snacks for Event: 1,500 ADA

Providing refreshments for 300 attendees during our book donation event.

l Program Coordination & Management: 2,000 ADA

Covering the cost of managing and coordinating the entire project, ensuring smooth execution from start to finish.

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

Our project provides significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by strategically aligning with its goals of expanding blockchain education and fostering global adoption. With a budget of 83,014 ADA, we will create lasting educational infrastructure in Ethiopia, targeting developers, students, and policymakers.

 

By donating 5000 curated books and organizing workshops, we are fostering blockchain literacy and enabling local innovators to build on Cardano’s platform. This project will equip a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to create decentralized applications and drive adoption of Cardano technology.

 

The long-term impact extends beyond education. The knowledge gained will contribute to the growth of the local blockchain community, empowering participants to engage with Project Catalyst and decentralized governance. Furthermore, the open-source nature of the educational materials ensures scalability and replicability, allowing other regions to benefit from the model we create in Ethiopia.

 

For a modest investment, this project will drive local innovation, support regulatory development, and contribute to Cardano’s mission of decentralized global finance.

Strategic Alignment with Cardano’s Vision: This project is specifically designed to contribute to Cardano’s broader mission of creating a more inclusive and decentralized global financial system.

 

Long-Term Impact with a Modest Investment: For a relatively modest budget of 86,029 ADA, the potential for long-term impact is immense. The educational books and workshops will provide lasting value to libraries, students, and professionals.

 

Fostering Local Innovation and Global Growth: By providing the tools and knowledge necessary to build on Cardano this project will empower local developers and entrepreneurs to create innovative decentralized solutions to address local and global challenges.

 

Scalable and Replicable Model: This project is designed to be scalable and replicable. Once the model is proven successful in Ethiopia, it can be extended to other regions and countries, further accelerating Cardano’s global reach.

 

Cost-Effective Educational Infrastructure: With 86,029 ADA allocated for 68,879 ADA blockchain and Cardano books, 3,600 ADA for shipping and logistics, 10,550 ADA for projector for webinars, and with other additional resources, materials, and cost summing up to 3,000 the costs are strategically distributed to ensure the greatest possible educational impact.

 

Supporting Cardano’s Decentralized Governance: By educating local policymakers and developers, this project helps foster a more informed and engaged community that can participate in Project Catalyst and Cardano decentralized governance.