Cardano Academy: YouTube Blockchain Education in Amharic

[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)

YouTube channel offering clear, localized Amharic tutorials on blockchain and Cardano, empowering Ethiopian learners to understand and engage with decentralized technology and digital assets.

[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

The YouTube channel project focused on teaching Cardano and blockchain technology in Amharic will adopt an open-source approach for its outputs, ensuring transparency, collaboration, and community involvement. Here are the key aspects of the open-source status:

1. Content Accessibility:

· All educational videos produced will be freely available on YouTube, allowing anyone to access, share, and learn from the content without restrictions. This ensures that the information is not only localized but also widely disseminated to anyone interested in learning about blockchain and Cardano.

2. Open Educational Resources (OER):

· Alongside video content, we will create supplementary materials such as scripts, study guides, and infographics that will be shared openly. These resources will be accessible for anyone to use, adapt, and redistribute under a Creative Commons license, fostering further educational opportunities in the community.

3. Community Contributions:

· The project will encourage community members to contribute to the content by suggesting topics, providing feedback, and participating in collaborative initiatives. This could include guest appearances in videos, content co-creation, and sharing personal experiences with Cardano. By doing so, the project will evolve based on community needs and interests.

4. Transparency in Operations:

· The project will maintain transparency regarding funding and resource allocation. This could involve publishing regular updates on expenses and project milestones to the community, demonstrating accountability and trustworthiness in managing the resources.

5. Collaboration with Developers:

· If any tools, applications, or scripts are developed as part of the educational content, they will be released as open-source software on platforms like GitHub. This would allow developers to contribute, improve, and adapt the code for their purposes, fostering innovation and collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem.

6. Long-term Educational Impact:

· By adopting an open-source ethos, the project aims to create a sustainable educational ecosystem where individuals can continuously learn, share, and contribute. The materials will remain relevant and adaptable as the blockchain landscape evolves.

7. Feedback and Iteration:

· The project will implement mechanisms for gathering feedback on the educational content, allowing for iterative improvements and updates based on viewer engagement and community input. This responsiveness will ensure that the resources remain up-to-date and relevant.

Conclusion:

Overall, the open-source status of the project outputs is integral to its mission of providing accessible education, fostering community engagement, and promoting collaboration. By leveraging open-source principles, the project aims to empower individuals in the Amharic-speaking community to take an active role in the Cardano ecosystem, encouraging innovation and participation in the blockchain space.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The proposed solution is to develop a dedicated YouTube channel that delivers comprehensive Cardano and blockchain education in Amharic, focusing on bridging the knowledge gap in the Ethiopian and broader Amharic-speaking communities. The channel will serve as a reliable source for understanding blockchain technology, the Cardano ecosystem, and its various use cases, providing accessible and localized education to a region with significant untapped potential in blockchain adoption.

Key Features and Approach:

Educational Video Content:

1. The channel will create step-by-step video tutorials covering blockchain basics, how decentralized systems work, and how Cardano operates within the blockchain space. These tutorials will break down complex concepts into digestible, easy-to-understand segments for beginners and those unfamiliar with the technology.

2. Topics will range from fundamental blockchain concepts to practical guides on Cardano-specific use cases, such as staking, managing wallets, interacting with decentralized applications (dApps), NFTs, and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) on the Cardano network.

Amharic Language Delivery:

1. By delivering content in Amharic, the project eliminates language barriers that currently hinder access to blockchain knowledge for millions of potential users and developers. The content will be tailored to local context, ensuring cultural relevance and ease of understanding.

2. Using local examples and real-life analogies will make the educational process more relatable and effective for the audience.

Interactive Community Engagement:

1. The channel will foster active engagement through Q&A sessions, live streams, and direct interaction with viewers via comments and social media. This will allow viewers to ask questions, clarify doubts, and participate in the learning process, creating a more collaborative and interactive learning environment.

2. Regular interaction will also help shape future content, ensuring it remains relevant to the audience's needs and concerns.

Content Variety and Regular Posting:

1. The channel will have a consistent schedule of content release (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly), covering a variety of topics to maintain the audience’s interest and ensure comprehensive coverage of the blockchain and Cardano ecosystem.

2. Beyond tutorials, the channel will feature interviews with blockchain experts, Cardano developers, and stakeholders in the ecosystem, as well as news updates about important developments in Cardano and the global blockchain landscape.

Promotion of Cardano Ecosystem Participation:

1. The content will emphasize the practical benefits of using the Cardano network, such as how to participate in staking and delegating ADA to stake pools, voting in governance processes through Project Catalyst, and using decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols built on Cardano.

2. This will enable users to actively participate in the Cardano network, making them contributors to decentralization, furthering the security of the network, and benefiting from its economic opportunities.

Long-term Impact and Sustainability:

1. The educational content created will have long-term value, as videos remain available indefinitely on YouTube, allowing future users to access and benefit from the material long after the project’s initial phase.

2. By creating a self-sustaining community, the project aims to continue growing beyond its initial 12-month timeline, potentially evolving into a larger educational hub for blockchain and Cardano in the region.

Outcome:

The channel will:

· Empower individuals with the knowledge to engage with Cardano’s technology.

· Boost Cardano adoption in Ethiopia and other Amharic-speaking regions by providing the local population with the skills needed to participate in and contribute to the ecosystem.

· Support local blockchain development, potentially encouraging developers to create applications on Cardano tailored to local needs.

· Contribute to Cardano’s global mission of fostering decentralization and financial inclusion by providing education to underserved populations.

By leveraging YouTube as an educational platform, this project can scale rapidly and cost-effectively, reaching thousands of users and positioning Cardano as a leading blockchain platform in Ethiopia and the wider Amharic-speaking world.

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

The positive impact of this project on the wider Cardano community will be significant, especially in terms of growth, inclusion, and education:

• Broader Adoption in Ethiopia: By making Cardano and blockchain concepts accessible in Amharic, the project will help onboard a new demographic of users, increasing adoption of Cardano in Ethiopia and other Amharic-speaking communities.
• Empowering New Developers and Users: The educational content will inspire and empower more individuals to become blockchain developers, ADA stakers, or active users within the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to the growth of dApps and decentralized solutions.
• Increasing Network Participation: Tutorials on staking, using wallets, and engaging with decentralized finance (DeFi) will help new users participate in Cardano’s network, strengthening decentralization and security through a more diverse set of participants.
• Community Diversity: The channel will promote inclusivity by bridging the language gap and enabling Amharic speakers to participate more actively in the global blockchain space. This diversity will enrich the Cardano community with new perspectives and innovative ideas.
• Strengthening Cardano’s Mission: By fostering educational outreach and inclusion, this project supports Cardano’s goal of promoting financial empowerment and accessibility, particularly in emerging markets like Ethiopia.

In summary, the project will boost the number of knowledgeable Cardano users, strengthen the community, and contribute to the ecosystem's growth and long-term sustainability.

[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?

I believe we are well-suited to deliver this project due to my unique combination of technical knowledge, communication skills, and commitment to transparency. Here's why:

1. Technical Expertise in Blockchain and Cardano

· I possess a strong understanding of blockchain technology, decentralized systems, and Cardano's ecosystem. This allows me to provide accurate and clear educational content tailored to Amharic speakers.

· I stay updated with the latest developments in blockchain and Cardano, ensuring that the information provided is current and relevant.

2. Experience in Content Creation and Education

· I have experience simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences, ensuring clear communication and ease of understanding. This is critical for breaking down technical blockchain concepts into digestible lessons in Amharic.

· I have previously worked on scriptwriting for educational content, which demonstrates my ability to plan, structure, and deliver instructional material effectively.

3. Fluency in Amharic and Cultural Sensitivity

· My fluency in Amharic allows me to create localized content that resonates with Ethiopian audiences. This includes using culturally appropriate analogies and examples to make the content more relatable.

4. Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

· Transparent Budgeting: I will provide detailed, public reports on how funds are allocated, ensuring every expense aligns with the project's goals. This includes cost breakdowns for video production, equipment, software, and outreach.

· Feedback and Validation: I plan to continuously gather feedback from the community, using it to validate and adjust the project. This will ensure ongoing accountability and transparency.

· Collaboration with Experts: I will seek partnerships with blockchain experts and educators to ensure content accuracy and maintain a high level of trust.

Processes to Manage Funds Properly:

Budget Planning: I will outline a clear and realistic budget from the start, covering all project needs such as video production, equipment, content research, and marketing.

Regular Financial Updates: I will commit to providing regular financial updates to stakeholders, detailing how funds are being used, and adjusting where necessary to ensure proper use.

Use of Transparent Tools: I plan to use trusted financial management tools to track and report all expenses and will share these reports publicly to maintain trust with the Cardano community.

Project Milestones: Funds will be allocated based on clear milestones, such as content creation, community outreach, and feedback sessions, ensuring that resources are only used as the project progresses according to plan.

In summary, my technical skills, communication expertise, commitment to transparency, and structured processes for managing funds position me well to deliver this project with high trust and accountability.

 

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

Milestone 1: Preparation and Planning (Month 1)

Milestone Outputs:

• Completed research and detailed content outline for the channel.
• Created branding materials (logo, channel banner, intro/outro animations).
• YouTube channel setup with descriptions, tags, and SEO optimization.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Research results are documented with sources.
• The content outline includes at least 10 video topics with a defined content calendar for the first 3 months.
• Branding materials are visible on the YouTube channel.
• The YouTube channel is live, optimized with relevant keywords and tags.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• A research document or presentation showing findings and content outlines.
• Screenshots of the channel’s branding and setup, including logo, banner, and descriptions.
• A shared link to the live YouTube channel.

Milestone 2: Pilot Video Production and Launch (Month 2)

Milestone Outputs:

• Creation of 3-5 pilot educational videos on blockchain basics and Cardano fundamentals.
• Community feedback gathered after the launch of pilot videos.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Each video is 5-10 minutes long, covers a specific topic, and is presented in Amharic.
• Videos are uploaded to the channel, and the community is notified (via social media).
• At least 50 views and 5 comments/feedback pieces per video within the first month.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Video links showing the uploaded content on YouTube.
• Analytics reports demonstrating view count and community engagement.
• Screenshots of feedback from the community (comments, social media, etc.).

Milestone 3: Content Expansion and Engagement (Months 3-6)

Milestone Outputs:

• Regular production of 6-9 new videos covering intermediate topics (e.g., staking, smart contracts, NFTs).
• Interactive Q&A session with viewers.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A minimum of 2 videos uploaded per month, with consistent content quality.
• At least one live or pre-recorded Q&A session with 20+ live viewers or 10+ engagement points (comments/questions).
• Videos reach a total of 500 cumulative views by the end of this period.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Links to newly uploaded videos.
• A recording of the Q&A session or live stream.
• Analytics screenshots showing view counts and engagement levels (comments, likes, shares)

Milestone 4: Community Building and Marketing (Months 4-7)

Milestone Outputs:

• Social media campaigns on Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram to promote the channel.
• Collaboration with at least 2 influencers or blockchain experts.

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least 3 social media posts per week promoting content.
• Collaboration results in shared content or guest appearances in videos or live sessions.
• Channel reaches 500+ subscribers by the end of Month 7.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Screenshots and links to social media posts and campaigns.
• Documentation of collaborations (video links, social media mentions, guest appearances).
• Subscriber count screenshot from YouTube analytics.

Milestone 5: Monetization and Sustainability Plan (Months 8-9)

Milestone Outputs:

• Reached YouTube monetization requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours).
• Establish additional funding streams (crowdfunding options like Patreon or ADA donations).

Acceptance Criteria:

• Channel has enabled YouTube monetization features.
• Crowdfunding page is live and promoted to the audience.
• Earned first income from ads or crowdfunding sources.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• YouTube Studio screenshot showing monetization enabled.
• Links to crowdfunding pages (e.g., Patreon or direct donation addresses).
• Reports or screenshots of income from YouTube ads or donations.

Final Milestone: Evaluation and Feedback (Months 10-12)

Milestone Outputs:

• Conducted community surveys and feedback collection on the channel’s educational impact.
• Expanded content focus to include advanced topics based on feedback.
• Public progress report for the Cardano community.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A survey report with at least 50 responses from the community.
• Creation of at least 3 advanced-topic videos based on community requests.
• A publicly accessible report detailing the project’s progress, financial transparency, and educational impact.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Survey results and feedback summary.
• Links to newly uploaded advanced-topic videos.
• A copy or link to the public project report.

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

Here’s an outline of the key team members and their roles in the YouTube channel project focused on teaching Cardano and blockchain technology in Amharic:

1. Project Lead and Content Creator

· Role: Responsible for overseeing the entire project, including planning, content creation, and coordination with the rest of the team.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Researching Cardano and blockchain topics.

o Scriptwriting and narrating videos.

o Managing the YouTube channel and community.

· Experience: Familiar with blockchain technology and Cardano ecosystem. Proven track record in content creation and project management.

2. Video Editor

· Role: Manages video production, including editing and adding visuals, animations, and subtitles.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Editing raw video content into polished, engaging educational videos.

o Creating intro/outro animations and motion graphics.

o Ensuring videos meet technical and quality standards.

· Experience: Professional video editing experience with proficiency in software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools.

3. Graphic Designer

· Role: Designs visuals and graphics for branding, thumbnails, and animations to make the channel visually appealing.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Creating thumbnails, banners, and channel branding.

o Designing any educational infographics or visual aids to complement video content.

· Experience: Skilled in graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva.

4. Blockchain Consultant

· Role: Provides technical expertise and ensures the accuracy of the educational content on blockchain and Cardano.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Consulting on complex blockchain topics and breaking them down for educational videos.

o Reviewing content scripts for accuracy.

o Offering insights into advanced Cardano use cases.

· Experience: Deep knowledge of Cardano’s technology and blockchain fundamentals.

5. Social Media Manager

· Role: Manages the channel’s presence across social media platforms, helping to grow the audience and engage with the community.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Creating and scheduling social media posts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram.

o Engaging with the audience and promoting videos.

o Collaborating with influencers for outreach and visibility.

· Experience: Proficient in social media marketing with experience growing online communities.

6. Community Engagement Coordinator

· Role: Focuses on building and maintaining a strong relationship with the audience, including responding to comments, organizing Q&A sessions, and gathering feedback.

· Key Responsibilities:

o Monitoring and moderating comments on videos.

o Organizing live Q&A sessions and community engagement activities.

o Collecting and analyzing audience feedback to improve future content.

· Experience: Experienced in community management and audience engagement, with a good understanding of educational content.

This team structure ensures that all aspects of the project, from content creation to audience engagement, are handled professionally to achieve the best results for the Cardano community.

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

Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for the proposed work and resources for your YouTube project. This budget is designed to cover all key areas for a 12 month period and includes a range of expenses necessary to produce high-quality educational content and grow the channel.

1. Video Production Equipment and Setup:

· Camera: 15,000 ADA (For high-quality video recording)

· Microphone & Audio Setup: 5,000 ADA (For clear audio in videos)

· Lighting Equipment: 3,000 ADA (For proper video lighting)

· Tripod/Stands: 1,000 ADA (For stable video recording)

· Video Editing Software: 2,000 ADA (Annual subscription to Adobe Premiere Pro or similar software)

Total for Equipment and Setup: 26,000 ADA

2. Content Creation and Research:

· Scriptwriting: 8,000 ADA (For research and writing video scripts)

· Research and Consultation: 4,000 ADA (Consulting with blockchain experts for accuracy)

Total for Content Creation: 12,000 ADA

3. Video Editing and Production:

· Video Editing (per video): 303 ADA x 24 videos = 7,272 ADA (Cost to hire a professional editor or outsource editing)

· Graphics/Animations: 6,000 ADA (For creating custom animations or intro/outro)

Total for Editing and Production: 13,272 ADA

4. Marketing and Community Engagement:

· Social Media Campaigns: 10,000 ADA (Paid ads on Twitter, Facebook, Telegram to promote content)

· Influencer Collaborations: 4,000 ADA (Payment for influencer collaborations to promote the channel)

· Community Engagement (Q&A Sessions, Livestreams): 3,000 ADA (For engagement-related activities)

Total for Marketing and Community: 17,000 ADA

5. Miscellaneous and Operational Costs:

· Channel Management (12 months): 5,000 ADA (Time spent managing the YouTube channel, responding to comments, managing uploads)

· Contingency: 5,000 ADA (For unexpected costs like equipment repairs or additional resources)

Total for Miscellaneous: 10,000 ADA

Overall Total:

· Equipment and Setup: 26,000 ADA

· Content Creation: 12,000 ADA

· Video Editing and Production: 13,272 ADA

· Marketing and Community: 17,000 ADA

· Miscellaneous: 10,000 ADA

Grand Total: 78,272 ADA

This cost breakdown reflects the essential resources required for high-quality educational content creation, targeted community engagement, and efficient channel management over the course of 12 months.

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

The bottom line of this project is appealing in terms of Cardano ecosystem spend:

1.The marketplace: Adoption on a Larger Scale in an Empty Market

In offering localized content in Amharic, the project will engage millions of Ethiopians and others who speak Amharic but do not have clear and relevant access to blockchain-oriented education. This helps to dilate the number of users sticks to it as well as developers leading Cardano's adaptability in a sustainable expanding market.

2.Long-term Educational Impact:

This content will be created and maintained forever making it a pool of knowledge useful for learning. The transformation lasts longer and ensures that the initial investment receives a higher return after the project ends.

3.Further Invigorating Network Participation

It also introduced practical use cases to the community, such as staking, DeFi and usage of wallet directly increasing this way the number of participants in the Cardano network. This is a part of decentralization and security.

4.Affordable Digital Outreach

This is because YouTube is a free platform offering scalability at extremely low costs. They have minimal long run costs to get content to large numbers of students (very low cost per user acquisition compared to traditional educational model).

5.Gain the power of community with:

Grows a self sustaining community from active engagement comments, Q&A sessions and influencer empower the channel to engage with its viewers as an online community. This growth driven by the community eliminates the need for ongoing outside control and protection and indeed all factors that really matters eventually locking value.

6.Catalyzing Local Development:

Whether that mean developers, or entrepreneurs in Ethiopia to learn about blockchain and Cardano, While the experience of developing superb dApps in Africa may attract great talent and more investment towards Cardano ecosystem.

Ultimately though, well-deployed funds will result in a significant net value to be added with respect to both Cardano's global adoption and sustainable community expansion.