CARDANO CLUBS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MEDIA UNIVERSITIES IN GHANA.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

NARTEY ISAAC BOHYEBA

[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 propose creating Cardano Clubs in some IT and Media universities in Ghana to train students in blockchain development and journalism, to help continuous community growth in the Cardano 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 dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project focuses on education and events, specifically introducing blockchain technology to universities in Ghana. Since the core deliverables involve educational content, workshops, and events rather than software development or code-based outputs, it is not considered open source.

While some materials, such as presentations or educational resources, may be shared publicly for reference or adaptation, they are not open-source in the software sense because they do not involve source code that can be modified and redistributed. The event organization, content delivery, and educational processes will not follow an open-source development model.

In summary, the project outputs do not meet the criteria for open-source classification as they focus on non-software educational activities and events.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We propose the establishment of Cardano Clubs in Information Technology Universities and Media and Communication Universities to create sustained engagement and foster a culture of continuous learning and development around the Cardano ecosystem.

1. Formation of Cardano Clubs in Information Technology Universities

• Objective: To onboard students from IT programs into the Cardano ecosystem as developers.
• Activities:
• Workshops and Training Sessions: Regular workshops to train students on Haskell, Plutus, and other Cardano-specific tools and languages.
• Hackathons and Developer Challenges: Organize hackathons where students can develop projects on the Cardano blockchain, encouraging hands-on learning.
• Mentorship Programs: Pair students with mentors from the Cardano community for guidance and project development.
• Access to Cardano Developer Programs: Provide opportunities for students to join official Cardano developer programs, such as Project Catalyst.

1. Formation of Cardano Clubs in Media and Communication Universities

• Objective: To empower media students to report on blockchain and crypto news and fill the gap in Ghana’s media landscape.
• Activities:
• Workshops on Blockchain and Crypto Journalism: Train students on the basics of blockchain, crypto, and the Cardano ecosystem with a focus on responsible and accurate journalism.
• Creation of a Student-Led Media Platform: Establish a student-run blog or digital publication where participants can regularly report on blockchain and crypto news.
• Collaboration with Cardano Media Channels: Establish partnerships with Cardano-affiliated media outlets to provide internship opportunities for media students.
• Social Media Campaigns: Run social media campaigns to promote blockchain awareness and drive engagement with crypto news in the general public.

Sustainability of Clubs

Unlike one-time seminars, these clubs will have a continuous presence in universities as long as students are enrolled. The clubs will be managed by student leaders, with oversight from faculty advisors and support from the Cardano community. This ensures that the clubs remain active and vibrant, even after the initial participants graduate.

• Leadership Structure: Each club will have a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, elected annually from among the members.
• Partnerships: Partnerships with industry players, Cardano Foundation, and Project Catalyst will provide ongoing support, ensuring the sustainability of the clubs.
• Funding: Seek funding through grants from the Cardano Foundation, local tech firms, and government agencies focused on innovation and education.

Expected Outcomes

1. Increased Developer Talent: The clubs will create a steady flow of skilled developers who are well-versed in the Cardano ecosystem and can contribute to blockchain project
2. Media Coverage: The media clubs will generate regular reports and articles on blockchain and crypto, contributing to blockchain literacy and awareness in Ghana
3. Opportunities for Students: Participants will have access to internships, training programs, and other opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem
4. Blockchain Adoption: With continuous engagement, more students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead blockchain projects and innovation
5. Community Growth: The clubs will serve as incubators for local Cardano communities, leading to the formation of larger, regional Cardano groups that contribute to the global ecosystem.

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

The establishment of Cardano Clubs in Information Technology and Media and Communication Universities promises to have a transformative impact on both the local student community and the broader Cardano ecosystem. By providing students with the opportunity to engage deeply with blockchain technology, particularly within the Cardano framework, we will cultivate a new generation of skilled developers and informed media professionals. This initiative not only aims to onboard IT students into the Cardano ecosystem but also empowers media students to become knowledgeable voices in the realm of blockchain and cryptocurrency. This dual approach ensures that various aspects of the Cardano community are addressed and promoted.

For IT students, the clubs will offer a structured environment for continuous learning through workshops, hackathons, and mentorship programs. Regular training on languages and tools specific to Cardano, such as Haskell and Plutus, will equip students with the technical skills necessary to excel in the blockchain space. Hackathons and developer challenges will encourage hands-on application of their knowledge, fostering creativity and innovation. As students work on real projects, they will contribute to the Cardano ecosystem and help expand its developer talent pool. This influx of new developers will not only strengthen Cardano's position in the blockchain market but also contribute to the growth of decentralized applications and services that enhance user experience and drive adoption.

The impact extends to media and communication students as well, as the clubs will address the critical need for accurate and responsible reporting on blockchain and cryptocurrency. Through targeted workshops and the creation of a student-led media platform, participants will learn how to effectively communicate complex blockchain concepts to the public. This initiative aims to fill the existing gap in Ghana’s media landscape regarding blockchain coverage. By collaborating with established Cardano media channels, students will gain practical experience through internships, further enhancing their skills and career prospects. Consequently, the media clubs will help elevate public discourse on blockchain technology and promote greater understanding and acceptance within the general populace. We will measure the impact of this project through:

1. Pre- and Post-Assessment Surveys

• Purpose: To gauge the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of students before and after their participation in club activities.
• Metrics:
• Knowledge of blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem.
• Confidence in using relevant programming languages (e.g., Haskell, Plutus).
• Understanding of responsible journalism in the context of blockchain reporting.

2. Participation and Engagement Metrics

• Purpose: To track the level of student involvement in club activities.
• Metrics:
• Number of students enrolled in each club.
• Attendance rates at workshops, training sessions, hackathons, and other events.
• Engagement levels on social media platforms (likes, shares, comments).

3. Project Outputs and Deliverables

• Purpose: To measure the tangible results produced by club activities.
• Metrics:
• Number of hackathons organized and projects developed by students.
• Quantity and quality of articles or reports generated by media students.
• Creation of student-led media platforms and their reach.

4. Skill Development and Employment Opportunities

• Purpose: To assess how well the project prepares students for careers in the blockchain and media sectors.
• Metrics:
• Number of students securing internships or job placements in the blockchain industry.
• Feedback from employers regarding the preparedness of students.
• Follow-up surveys to track alumni career progress.

5. Community and Network Growth

• Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the clubs on local and regional blockchain communities.
• Metrics:
• Number of collaborations or partnerships formed with local tech firms, Cardano Foundation, or other organizations.
• Growth of local Cardano community groups as a result of club activities.
• Feedback from community stakeholders on the clubs' contributions to the ecosystem.

6. Feedback and Testimonials

• Purpose: To gather qualitative data on participants’ experiences.
• Metrics:
• Testimonials from club members, faculty advisors, and industry mentors regarding the effectiveness and impact of the clubs.
• Regular feedback sessions with students to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation Reports

• Purpose: To compile and analyze data systematically.
• Metrics:
• Regular evaluation reports summarizing findings from surveys, engagement metrics, and feedback.
• Adjustments made to programs based on evaluation insights, ensuring continual improvements.

[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 upcoming initiative to introduce blockchain technology to IT and Media and Communication Universities in Ghana is well-positioned for success, thanks to the experienced and capable leadership of the team. Nartey Isaac Bohyeba, a final-year media and communication student at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, one of the most prestigious Media and Communication universities in Ghana will spearhead the project. With five years of experience in blockchain technology and significant involvement in the Cardano ecosystem since Fund 8, our project lead is well-prepared to lead this initiative. His previous roles as a Level 1 community reviewer and a Level 2 moderator in the previous fund further showcase his expertise and dedication to the blockchain space. His combination of media communication skills and blockchain knowledge makes him an ideal leader for an outreach program of this nature. The team also includes Selorm Coffie, a final-year student at the Ghana Communication Technology University, one of the country’s leading IT institutions. Selorm's proficiency in Information Technology with skills in programming, networking, data communication and blockchain technology, along with his involvement in the Cardano blockchain since Fund 11, enhances the technical capability of the team. His academic background in information technology, coupled with practical blockchain experience, ensures that the program will provide comprehensive technical knowledge and promote innovation among the students. Together, Nartey and Selorm bring a blend of media, communication, programming, and blockchain expertise, making them a strong team to deliver this program. In addition, partnerships with experts in both the media and IT fields will be formed to boost our capability. We will also involve local organizations such as LANEF, renowned for their expertise in event management, further enhance the reliability and support for the initiative. LANEF’s experience in organizing large-scale technology-driven events will ensure that the program is well-structured, engaging, and effectively reaches the intended audience. To ensure transparency and trust, the project leaders will implement clear reporting systems, regular progress updates, and engagement sessions with stakeholders. This approach will not only establish trust with participants and partners but also ensure that all objectives are met within the established timeline and scope, ensuring the successful implementation of the project.

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

Milestone 1: Project Launch and Initial Awareness Campaign (Month 1-3)

• Goal: Create awareness about the project among Media and IT students across targeted universities in Ghana.
• Activities:
• Partner with universities to identify key stakeholders (lecturers, student leaders, and organizations) for the project.
• Conduct an online/offline awareness campaign to introduce the project’s objectives and benefits to the students.
• Organize a virtual or physical launch event with guest speakers from the Cardano community and blockchain experts to explain the importance of blockchain education for IT and media.
• Open registration for students interested in the educational program and blockchain clubs.

Key Deliverables:

• Partnership agreements with at least 5 universities.
• Launch event with a minimum of 200 participants.
• Social media campaign reaching at least 5,000 students.

Milestone 2: Curriculum Development and Training Sessions (Month 4-6)

• Goal: Develop and implement educational content tailored to IT and media students on blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem.
• Activities:
• Design a comprehensive curriculum focusing on two tracks:
• IT Students: Introduction to blockchain development, smart contracts, Cardano tools (Haskell and Plutus), and decentralized application development.
• Media Students: Blockchain literacy, cryptocurrency journalism, ethical reporting on emerging technologies, and creating content around the Cardano ecosystem.
• Conduct a series of online and in-person workshops and webinars led by blockchain experts.
• Create and distribute educational materials, including articles, videos, and infographics, focusing on blockchain and Cardano.

Key Deliverables:

• Completion of blockchain education curriculum tailored to both IT and media students.
• Successful completion of 6 training workshops (3 for IT students and 3 for media students).
• Certification of at least 300 participants who complete the training.

Milestone 3: Hands-On Projects, Hackathons, and Content Creation (Month 7-9)

• Goal: Provide students with practical experience by engaging them in hands-on blockchain projects, content creation, and hackathons.
• Activities:
• Organize a Blockchain Hackathon for IT students, where they can develop decentralized applications (dApps) using Cardano tools and present innovative solutions.
• Encourage Media Students to create blogs, video reports, podcasts, and social media campaigns focused on blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem.
• Set up a peer-review and mentoring system where experienced blockchain developers and journalists provide feedback on students' work.
• Award prizes and incentives to top-performing teams and students to encourage participation and creativity.

Key Deliverables:

• At least 10 blockchain-based projects or dApps developed by IT students.
• Media content (blogs, reports, and videos) generated by 50 media students and published on student platforms and social media.
• Successful completion of a 2-day hackathon with participation from at least 100 IT students.
• Prize distribution to top 3 projects from both IT and media tracks.

Milestone 4: Community Building and Ecosystem Integration (Month 10-12)

• Goal: Establish blockchain clubs in universities and integrate students into the Cardano ecosystem for long-term engagement.
• Activities:
• Formalize the creation of Blockchain Clubs in the participating universities to ensure continued engagement with the Cardano ecosystem.
• Connect top-performing students with Cardano Developer Programs (e.g., Plutus Pioneer) or media internships with blockchain-focused outlets.
• Host quarterly meetups and panel discussions to foster collaboration between IT and media students and build a supportive community.
• Develop partnerships with the Cardano community and Ghana’s blockchain industry to provide internship, funding, and career opportunities for students.

Key Deliverables:

• Establishment of blockchain clubs in at least 5 universities.
• Integration of 50+ students into ongoing Cardano developer programs or media internships.
• Regular quarterly meetups with an attendance of 100+ students per session.
• Strong partnerships with blockchain organizations and media outlets for internship and project opportunities.

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

Nartey Isaac Bohyeba – Team Lead

Nartey Isaac Bohyeba is a final-year Media and Communication student at the Ghana Institute of Journalism with five years of experience in blockchain technology. He has been deeply involved in the Cardano ecosystem since Fund 8 and is a recognized Level 1 community reviewer and Level 2 moderator in previous Catalyst funds. As the Team Lead, Isaac will oversee the overall direction of the project, ensuring successful collaboration between universities, students, and the Cardano community. He will also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and maintaining communication with key partners.

Selorm Coffie – Co-Proposer

Selorm Coffie is a final-year student at the Ghana Communication Technology University who already has a diploma in Information Technology. With extensive expertise in programming and blockchain technology, Selorm has been involved with the Cardano blockchain since Fund 11. As Co-Proposer, Selorm will lead the development of the blockchain education curriculum for IT students, organizing hackathons, and ensuring students gain hands-on experience through projects. He will also provide technical support for any challenges related to blockchain development and training sessions.

Maame Akua Angela Dwamena – Head of LANEF

Maame Akua Angela is the head of LANEF, an organization renowned for its expertise in event management and organizing large-scale events across diverse sectors. Her role will be pivotal in coordinating and executing the logistics of workshops, hackathons, and the launch event. Maame will ensure that events run smoothly, from securing venues to managing guest speakers and participants. LANEF’s experience will be crucial in maximizing student engagement and ensuring the program's success.

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

Project Management & Administration ($3,000)

• Project Coordinator (part-time): $2,400 (Monthly stipend of $200 x 12 months)
• Administrative Expenses: $600 (communication, paperwork, supplies)
• Miscellaneous Costs: $300 (unexpected project-related expenses)

Educational Materials ($4,000)

• Cardano Blockchain Guide (digital and print material): $1,500
• Blockchain Educational Content (video tutorials, webinars): $1,500
• Design and Printing for Flyers/Posters: $800
• Miscellaneous Educational Tools: $200 (certificates, prizes, etc.)

Workshops & Training Sessions ($4,000)

• Speakers/Trainers Honorarium: $2,000 (for external experts, mentors)
• Workshop Venue (if physical): $1,200 (rent or setup fees in universities)
• Workshop Supplies: $800 (e.g., projectors, handouts, refreshments)

University Clubs Creation & Support ($3,000)

• Initial Setup Costs for Clubs (registration, materials): $1,200
• Promotional Campaign (online and offline): $1,000
• Club Activities Fund: $800 (for each university club to use towards activities/events related to Cardano)

Online Platforms & Tools ($2,500)

• Website Development & Maintenance: $1,500 (for educational content, event announcements, etc.)
• Social Media Management & Ads: $800 (promoting the project, content)
• Online Collaboration Tools/Subscriptions: $200 (Zoom, Slack, etc.)

Marketing & Outreach ($1,500)

• Digital Marketing Campaign: $800 (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn ads)
• Content Creation: $700 (for blog posts, videos, social media posts to promote blockchain adoption)

Monitoring & Evaluation ($2,000)

• Surveys and Feedback Tools: $500 (for monitoring project impact)
• Evaluation Reports and Data Analysis: $1,000 (to assess club performance and educational outreach)
• Miscellaneous Evaluation Costs: $500

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

The establishment of Cardano Clubs in Information Technology and Media and Communication Universities represents a strategic investment in the future of the Cardano ecosystem, delivering significant value for money. By focusing on the education and development of students in key areas of blockchain technology and media literacy, this project promises to generate a sustained return on investment. The clubs will onboard a new generation of developers equipped with essential skills in Haskell, Plutus, and other Cardano-specific tools, directly contributing to the growth of the developer talent pool. This influx of skilled professionals will enhance the ecosystem's capacity to innovate and expand, ultimately driving the adoption and usage of Cardano technology in various applications and industries.

The dual focus on IT and media students ensures that the project addresses the broader needs of the Cardano community. For IT students, the hands-on workshops, hackathons, and mentorship programs foster practical skills and real-world experience, which can lead to new projects and initiatives that add value to the Cardano ecosystem. For media students, training on blockchain journalism and the establishment of a student-led media platform will generate informed coverage of blockchain and cryptocurrency topics, enhancing public understanding and promoting the Cardano brand. This media outreach is critical for building trust and awareness within the broader community, ensuring that Cardano remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding blockchain technology in Ghana.

The sustainability plan for the clubs further enhances the project's value for money. Unlike one-time events, these clubs will maintain a continuous presence in universities, providing ongoing engagement and learning opportunities for students over multiple years. The leadership structure, with elected student leaders and oversight from faculty advisors, ensures that the clubs remain vibrant and responsive to student needs. Additionally, partnerships with the Cardano Foundation and local tech firms will facilitate ongoing support and funding, allowing for the expansion and evolution of club activities. By creating a self-sustaining model that relies on community engagement and institutional support, the project minimizes financial risks while maximizing the potential for long-term benefits to the Cardano ecosystem.

In summary, the investment in Cardano Clubs will yield substantial returns for the treasury of Cardano through the cultivation of skilled developers and informed media professionals, ongoing engagement in educational activities, and enhanced public awareness of the Cardano ecosystem. This initiative not only contributes to the immediate growth of talent and knowledge within the community but also lays the groundwork for future innovations and developments that will further strengthen Cardano’s position in the blockchain landscape.