Cardano Educational Journey - BRAZIL

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Antônio Marcelo

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[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)

A Cardano and Haskell course in Portuguese would boost blockchain knowledge in Brazil, addressing developer and entrepreneur needs while enhancing job prospects and innovation in web3

[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 dependecies.

[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

The material for this course will be available to students of the Cardano ecossystem . The goal is to make this knowledge accessible to those interested, allowing them to understand what was covered in the classroom. The material will be in Portuguese, but with English subtitles so that people from other countries can access and understand it.

Our aim is to democratize access to this material as much as possible, so we can build something solid and real. We believe that this is the only way to create a strong community that can bring Cardano not only into companies but also into startups, the Brazilian government, and universities.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The free course from Código Brazuca for 100 students, starting with Web 3 Fundaments and advancing to Haskell, offers a strategic solution to increase the number of developers capable of building on the Cardano blockchain. By first introducing programming fundamentals and then diving into Haskell’s functional programming paradigm, the course prepares developers to create smart contracts. With this approach, more people will be able to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem, promoting innovation and strengthening the blockchain market in Brazil.

Developers in Brazil

The software developer community in Brazil is one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing in the world, reflecting the growing importance of technology and innovation in the Brazilian economy and society. With a robust technological ecosystem, Brazil has stood out not only in Latin America but globally as a significant hub for information technology talent and software development.

Size and Growth

Although specific figures may vary according to different sources, it is estimated that Brazil has over 400,000 software developers, with forecasts indicating continued growth in this number. This is partly due to investments in technological education and the increasing interest of younger generations in technology-related careers.

Education and Training

Brazil boasts a strong network of higher education and technical institutions offering courses related to information technology, including software development, computer science, and computer engineering. Additionally, there's a proliferation of bootcamps, online courses, and training programs that facilitate the rapid development of specific programming and technology skills, enabling more people to enter the profession.

You can check the official source here: https://github.blog/2023-11-08-the-state-of-open-source-and-ai/

1. Fundamentals of Web 3

Course Objectives:

• Understand the transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0
• Learn the core principles of blockchain technology
• Explore decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts
• Understand the basics of cryptocurrencies and wallets
• Learn about decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
• Explore the potential of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations)
• Gain hands-on experience using Web 3 tools and platforms

Course Structure:

1 : Introduction to Web 3

• Overview of Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0
• Evolution of the Internet: From static content to dynamic and decentralized experiences
• Peer-to-peer networks
• Tokenization

2: Blockchain Fundamentals

• Basic concepts: Decentralization, consensus, and immutability
• Overview of popular blockchains: Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Key Components of Blockchain: Nodes, miners, and validators
• Blockchain security and cryptography

3: Cryptocurrencies and Wallets

• Introduction to Cryptocurrencies
• Bitcoin and Ethereum: Use cases and differences
• Altcoins: Types and purposes 
• Understanding Crypto Wallets
• Types of wallets: Hardware, software, and custodial
• Setting up and using a wallet

4: Smart Contracts

• Self-executing contracts on the blockchain
• Benefits and limitations
• Bitcoin and Ethereum: The Building Blocks

5: Decentralized Applications (dApps)

• What are dApps?
• Architecture of decentralized applications
• Key platforms for dApp development
• Case studies of popular dApps (e.g., Uniswap, Aave)
• Interacting with dApps

6: Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

• Introduction to DeFi
• What is DeFi? Lending, borrowing, yield farming, liquidity pools
• Comparing DeFi to traditional finance
• Risks and rewards in DeFi
• Key DeFi Protocols
• How decentralized exchanges (DEXs) work

7: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

• What are NFTs?
• Defining non-fungible tokens and their properties
• Use cases: Digital art, gaming, collectibles
• NFT Marketplaces and Ecosystems
• Exploring platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and others

8: DAOs and the Future of Web 3

• What are DAOs?
• Introduction to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations
• Governance in a decentralized world
• Case studies: MakerDAO, The DAO, and others
• The Future of Web 3
• Challenges and opportunities for scalability, security, and adoption
• Web 3 beyond blockchain: AI, IoT, and the metaverse

9: Cardano Ecosystem 

• Introduction to Cardano
• Cardano Infrastructure & Tooling
• Pratical Tesnet
• Projetcs in Cardano

1. Haskell - Introduction to Functional Programming

Objective: Bridge the gap between imperative programming and functional programming, which is at the core of Haskell.

• Differences between functional and imperative programming
• Immutability and Pure Functions
• First-Class Functions (functions as first-class citizens)
• Higher-Order Functions and Recursion
• Introduction to lambda expressions

3. Introduction to Haskell Syntax and Concepts

Objective: Dive into Haskell syntax and its functional programming paradigm.

• Haskell syntax overview
• Data types and pattern matching
• Lists, tuples, and recursion in Haskell
• Type classes and polymorphism
• Function composition and currying

4. Deep Dive into Haskell for Cardano Development

Objective: Train students in the specifics of using Haskell for developing on the Cardano blockchain.

• Monads and Functors
• Handling IO in Haskell
• Advanced functional programming techniques
• Writing smart contracts in Plutus (Cardano's smart contract platform)
• Cardano-specific libraries and tools (e.g., Plutus and Marlowe)

5. Project-Based Learning

Objective: Apply the skills learned to real-world applications within the Cardano ecosystem.

• Build a decentralized application (dApp) on Cardano
• Interaction with Cardano wallets and smart contracts
• Testing and deploying on the Cardano testnet

6. Advanced Topics and Optimization

Objective: Explore advanced Haskell and blockchain development concepts.

Content:

• Optimizing Haskell code for performance
• Best practices in smart contract development on Cardano
• Security in smart contracts

 Detailed track: https://hackmd.io/pribaeta/Hy0SGWhRR

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

A Cardano blockchain course in Brazil, focused on both business and programming, would offer immense value to the local community of entrepreneurs and developers. Here’s why such a course is essential and the benefits it would bring:

Why Brazil Needs a Cardano Blockchain Course

1. Growing Interest in Blockchain and Crypto: Brazil has seen significant growth in blockchain adoption, particularly in sectors like finance, supply chains, and tokenization. However, the Cardano ecosystem is still underrepresented. A dedicated course would present the unique advantages of Cardano to businesses and developers, such as high security and scalability, which are perfect for enterprise-level adoption.
2. High Demand for Blockchain Expertise: As Brazilian industries increasingly adopt blockchain technology, there is a growing demand for specialized blockchain developers. A course that introduces programming fundamentals and advances toward Cardano-specific development will help fill this talent gap and allow local developers to seize global opportunities.
3. Functional Programming Niche: Most Brazilian developers are familiar with imperative programming languages like Python and JavaScript, but Haskell, the language behind Cardano’s smart contracts, offers a unique approach through functional programming. A course that helps developers enter this paradigm will not only enable them to build on Cardano but also enhance their overall skill set, giving them a competitive advantage both nationally and globally.
4. Empowering Entrepreneurs: The course’s business focus will help entrepreneurs understand how decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts can be used to transform industries. Whether tokenizing assets, creating decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, or exploring SocialFi models, companies can leverage Cardano’s efficient and scalable blockchain to innovate.

Benefits for Entrepreneurial and Developer Communities

1. Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Entrepreneurs and developers will gain hands-on experience with Plutus and Marlowe, the platforms that enable smart contract development on Cardano. This knowledge will empower them to create highly secure and scalable decentralized solutions, tailored to Brazil’s business needs.
2. Increased Job Opportunities: For developers, learning Haskell and smart contract programming on Cardano opens doors to a rapidly growing blockchain job market. Companies, both locally and internationally, are seeking developers who understand the nuances of blockchain architecture and smart contract optimization—skills that this course would provide.
3. Strengthening the Cardano Ecosystem in Brazil: By building a community of Cardano developers and businesses in Brazil, the course will help foster innovation within the LATAM region, potentially making Brazil a hub for Cardano-based decentralized applications. The Node Hub from Código Brazuca can play a pivotal role in spreading this knowledge more effectively. This strengthens both the local blockchain ecosystem and the global reach of Brazilian innovators.
4. Real-World Applications: Through project-based learning, students will not only learn theory but also develop real-world decentralized applications (dApps). This approach will immediately translate into applicable skills, encouraging entrepreneurship and the development of innovative blockchain solutions tailored to Brazil’s unique market challenges.

In summary, a Cardano-focused course would drive blockchain adoption in Brazil, preparing a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs to harness the potential of Cardano for business innovation and technical advancement. This initiative would position Brazil to take a leadership role in the global blockchain movement.

[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?

About Código Brazuca

Código Brazuca is an edtech initiative born with the purpose of transforming lives and making a real impact on society. Created by professionals with over 20 years of experience in the technology market, it now focuses on a program that not only trains the workforce but also prepares individuals for the challenges of today's world.

In 2023, Código Brazuca organized an eight-month in-person Solidity course covering Programming Logic, Python, Web3 Fundamentals, and Solidity. The 15 students, who started with no programming knowledge, finished the course as developers, with 85% of them hired by other companies before the course even ended. This positive KPI validated Código Brazuca's value proposition and its teaching methodology. With over 15 years of experience teaching at colleges and universities, the team developed a more effective teaching method with better didactics, ensuring students understand the subjects thoroughly.

Blockchain technology is extremely technical, and teaching methods vary worldwide. Simply adding Portuguese subtitles to an English lesson does not provide the necessary clarity for Brazilian students to understand or absorb the content. For this reason, many courses with only Portuguese subtitles are ineffective because they lack the teaching style that Brazilian students are accustomed to.

In 2024, Código Brazuca proposed a Rust training program for Polkadot, successfully engaging 100 active online students and building a community of 780 people focused on blockchain technology development. The course is ongoing and is expected to conclude in March 2025.

To support the operations of the Código Brazuca Program, we rely on investments from companies, blockchains, and individuals to cover the specialized technical team, training with our educational method, necessary equipment for instructors to record lessons, and all other professionals involved, such as contracts, employee payments, taxes for legal course validation, online material editing, instructors, and more.

Our primary goal is Transforming Lives through technological education, generating jobs and new opportunities, while providing a qualified workforce for both the national and international job markets.

Additionally, the company works on web3-focused projects, ranging from the creation of on-chain and off-chain solutions to dapp development, metaverse experiences, games, and education.

Projects I participated in with Código Brazuca in Brazil:

• 2023 - Selarón Pedaços do Mundo (https://selaronpedacosdomundo.com.br)
• 2023 - Arcology Brazil - Metaverse Game with The SandBox (
• )
• 2023 - 4 Metaverses on Spatial for projects and companies (2 under NDA)
• Código Brazuca Space - https://www.spatial.io/s/Space-Codigo-Brazuca-640029353aa2f200e9720e72?share=248998534784895085
• Brazuca Gallery - https://www.spatial.io/s/Brazuca-Gallery-640fc247f40f414f260387e1?share=4390257892464318142
• Praça Paris - https://www.spatial.io/s/Praca-Paris-Gloria-RJ-Codigo-Brazuca-643b3aa107adc62740c4bc1d?share=6499233989676524379
• Amstel Metaverse -
• https://www.spatial.io/s/Espaco-Master-BlockchainRio-64e667ef0939854dd197188d
• 2023 - Código Brazuca Academy - Solidity training lasting 8 months with a KPI of 85% of students employed after the course, sponsored by Transfero Group, Report from 2023 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GYyBAGLRo_2k1C0B4BvKFf2uIu837vv0/view?usp=sharing
• 2023 - Numerous presentations on blockchain technology at the largest events in the Brazilian market
• 2023 - Extension courses for universities on blockchain technology and new markets
• 2024 - Creation of Node Hub by Código Brazuca to foster the Brazilian ecosystem on blockchain and innovation technology, reaching the national market not only for new entrants but also for companies seeking us out for blockchain technology solutions

2024 - 15 events on blockchain technology with entrepreneurs and businesspeople, promoting not only the Web 3 ecosystem but also bringing new entrants into blockchain monthly

Arcology Brasil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sTVmiMJ46k

• 2024 - Numerous presentations at Web 3 and Web 2 events across Brazil
• 2024 - Node Summit at the Rio Innovation Week, the largest innovation and technology event in LATAM, with 185,000 attendees. We brought blockchain technology into direct contact with the public, entrepreneurs, and companies, with an exclusive stage for two days
• 2024 - Código Brazuca Academy with active classes, a community of 850 developers, and continuously introducing new ways of working on blockchain projects
• 2024 - Liga Carioca de Blockchain, representing a league of students in Rio de Janeiro across all colleges and universities in the city, fostering blockchain technology within educational institutions
• 2024 - Partnerships with traditional companies seeking blockchain solutions, as well as with companies already in Web 3

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

Month 1 - March

• Selection of Students
• Recording of Web 3 Course Lessons
• Editing of Lessons
• Uploading to the Platform
• Creating a Discord community for doubts and students interaction

Deliverable

• All Web 3 course lessons
• Media promotion
• Discord Community

Acceptance Criteria

• Online web 3 classes 1-12 uploaded to platafform

Month 2 - April

• Recording of Lessons (1-10, for example) of the Haskell Course
• Editing of Lessons
• Uploading to the Platform

Deliverable

• Lessons Haskell 1-10 delivered
• Media promotion

Acceptance Criteria

• Online Classes 1-10 uploaded to platafform

Month 3 - Maio

• Recording of Lessons (11-20, for example) of the Haskell Course
• Editing of Lessons
• Uploading to the Platform
• Test

Deliverable

• Lessons Haskell 11-20
• Final exam
• Media promotion
• Delivery of NFT Certificates

Acceptance Criteria

• Online classes 11-20 uploaded to platafform

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

Antônio Marcelo - CEO of Código Brazuca and an education specialist. He has been working with Linux since 1996, focusing on infrastructure and education. He is the author of approximately 11 books on Linux, Apache, Linux Security, Squid, Postfix, and System Administration in Brazil. He worked in information security from 1999 to 2006. He has been involved in various web3 projects since 2022, serving as an advisor on metaverse projects, tokenization, and setting up infrastructure for Blockchain. He ran two nodes for 10 months on Kusama and Polkadot. He is a speaker and biz dev at the Blockchain Festival. He is responsible for Código Brazuca, an education project that has been operating since 2021, training developers and devops in web3 technologies. He is currently an ambassador for Diode and Akash Insider project from Cosmos Ecosystem.

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antfonseca/

Priscilla Baeta - COO of Código Brazuca and a project development specialist. She has worked in project development, education, and research for over 10 years for YouTube Brazil and Ubisoft (in various game franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Watch Dogs, and Tom Clancy). She has been giving lectures and classes on the Web 3 and Blockchain market since 2021. He got a bachelor's degree in Pedagogy at Estácio de Sá University. She is the lead Voxel artist and research manager for Arcology Brazil, launched by The Sandbox in September 2023, and several metaverses on SPATIAL for business, networking, and gaming purposes. She also works with NFTs and Blockchain games since 2021. She serves as a BizDevOps in Blockchain and web 3 projects in the Brazilian ecosystem. She got a bachelor's degree in Design and Fashion at Veiga de Almeida University.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillabaeta/

Armando Iazzetta - CFO of Código Brazuca and governance specialist. Armando has over 20 years of experience in the infrastructure sector, 15 of them among the energy industry, leading and participating in more than 4 GW of hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass projects in Brazil and abroad, throughout the entire project life cycle, from greenfield until disinvestment, and was part of the team whose worked with Aneel developing DG regulation in 2012. Armando has worked also in Infrastructure Construction and Real Estate industries. He has worked for two of the biggest construction companies in Brazil, for a Private Equity Fund, a Generation Facility and as a consultant.He got a bachelor’s degree as a Civil Engineer at Mackenzie University, with MBA in Business Management (FGV), Specialization in Regulation and Business in the Electricity Sector (FGV), Board Member Preparation (Fundação Dom Cabral), Specialization in Controllership and Finance (FIPECAFI), MBA in PPPs and Concessions (FESPSP), Financial Modelling and Valuation Analysis (CFI), Specialization in Bankruptcy Trustee (TJ-RJ), and Advanced English and Spanish.

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/armandoiazzetta/

Rafael Castaneda Cryptologist and Techno-philosopher; Castaneda graduated with a Master's degree in Systems and Computing from IME-RJ and has more than 20 years of experience as a software engineer, technical leader, and teacher/researcher at various educational levels. He dedicated 15 years of service to the public sector as a tenured professor at CEFET/RJ, where he published more than 30 papers and supervised several student projects. His crypto journey began in 2021, since then, he has been active in the market as a crypto asset analyst and content producer in the form of videos, news, articles, reports, podcasts, and workshops. Today, besides offering consultancy in the sector, he founded his own channel "Casta Crypto," where he works on a new way to understand the blockchain phenomenon, by integrating crypto technology with philosophical, sociological, and economic concepts. 3+ years as a blockchain analyst, web 3 builder and community manager.

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-castaneda-66776829/

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

COSTS BREAKDOWN

Technical Coordinator – Responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the program, They will serve as the primary technical liaison between the program and Cardano specialists. Additionally, they will monitor the technical progress of the selected professionals involved. 

Total Funds: 13000 ADAS

Operations Coordinator – Responsible for managing the entire operation, execution, and troubleshooting of the program. This role includes coordinating schedules, resources, professionals, and activities related to the program. The Operations Coordinator will also be in charge of selecting mentors and market professionals to assist and create opportunities for the students. 

Total Funds: 13000 ADAS

Governance and Compliance – Responsible for managing all legal, accounting, and tax regulations within the Brazilian market. They will also oversee confidentiality, information protection laws, and ensure compliance regarding speakers and participants.

Total Funds: 6000 ADAS

Web 3 Instructor – Will develop the educational content and learning journeys in Web3 technologies required for the course in collaboration with the Technical Coordinator. 

Total Funds: 13000 ADAS

Haskell Instructor – Will develop the educational content and learning journeys in Haskell for Cardano required for the course in collaboration with the Technical Coordinator. 

Total Funds: 13000 ADAS

Video Lessons Editor – Responsible for editing the raw video material provided by the instructors and preparing it for the video lessons according to the chosen video platform.

Total Funds: 8000 ADAS

Platform Integration – Responsible for preparing and uploading the videos to the chosen platform, ensuring the creation of course paths for the lessons.

Total Funds: 6000 ADAS

Marketing – Funds reserved for promotional campaigns to attract applications, publicity throughout the program, and generating marketing material for Cardano. 

Total Funds: 4000 ADAS

Emergency Funds - A reserve for any unforeseen expenses that were not originally included in the project but arise, generating extra costs. Clear examples include: substitute teachers, additional teachers, teaching assistants to answer student questions, guest speakers, extra fees, etc.

Total Funds: 3000 ADAS

Contingency Fund - Always set at 10% of the total amount to account for fluctuations in the ADA token value, ensuring that the project can be completed without any financial shortfalls.

Fees - There are fees in Brazil to ensure the program is fully legalized and executed without legal issues. For established companies, this fee is 15% of the total amount, so it has been calculated at the end.

Total Funds : 7900 ADAS

Brazilian Taxes – Taxes charged by the Brazilian government for financial and business operations in the country. 15% of total value

Total Funds : 13035

Total Costs: 99935 ADAS

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

A Cardano blockchain course in Brazil, focused on both business and programming, would offer immense value to the local community of entrepreneurs and developers. Here’s why such a course is essential and the benefits it would bring:

Why Brazil Needs a Cardano Blockchain Course

Growing Interest in Blockchain and Crypto: Brazil has seen significant growth in blockchain adoption, particularly in sectors like finance, supply chains, and tokenization. However, the Cardano ecosystem is still underrepresented. A dedicated course would introduce businesses and developers to Cardano’s unique advantages, such as high security and scalability, which are ideal for enterprise-level adoption.

High Demand for Blockchain Expertise: As Brazilian industries increasingly adopt blockchain technology, there is a growing demand for specialized blockchain developers. A course that introduces programming fundamentals and advances toward Cardano-specific development will help fill this talent gap and allow local developers to seize global opportunities.

Functional Programming Niche: Most Brazilian developers are familiar with imperative programming languages like Python and JavaScript, but Haskell, the language behind Cardano’s smart contracts, offers a unique approach through functional programming. A course that helps developers enter this paradigm will not only enable them to build on Cardano but also enhance their overall skill set, giving them a competitive advantage both nationally and globally.

Empowering Entrepreneurs: The course’s business focus will help entrepreneurs understand how decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts can be leveraged to transform industries. Whether tokenizing assets, creating decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, or exploring SocialFi models, companies can utilize Cardano’s efficient and scalable blockchain to innovate.

Benefits for Entrepreneurial and Developer Communities

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Entrepreneurs and developers will gain hands-on experience with Plutus and Marlowe, the platforms that enable smart contract development on Cardano. This knowledge will empower them to create highly secure and scalable decentralized solutions tailored to Brazil’s business needs.

Increased Job Opportunities: For developers, learning Haskell and smart contract programming on Cardano opens doors to a rapidly growing blockchain job market. Companies, both locally and internationally, are seeking developers who understand the nuances of blockchain architecture and smart contract optimization—skills that this course would provide.

Strengthening the Cardano Ecosystem in Brazil: By building a community of Cardano developers and businesses in Brazil, the course will help foster innovation within the LATAM region, potentially positioning Brazil as a hub for Cardano-based decentralized applications. The NODE Hub from Código Brazuca can play a key role in spreading this knowledge more effectively. This strengthens both the local blockchain ecosystem and the global reach of Brazilian innovators.

Real-World Applications: Through project-based learning, students will not only learn theory but also develop real-world decentralized applications (dApps). This approach will immediately translate into applicable skills, encouraging entrepreneurship and the development of innovative blockchain solutions tailored to Brazil’s unique market challenges.

In summary, a Cardano-focused course would drive blockchain adoption in Brazil, preparing a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs to harness Cardano’s potential for business innovation and technical advancement. This initiative would position Brazil to take a leadership role in the global blockchain movement.