Cardano Elevate: Catalyzing Growth in Ghana’s Emerging Regions

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Educational workshops will be held within emerging regions in the Northern part of Ghana, providing training on Cardano blockchain and governance, fostering digital literacy and community engagement.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[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.”

Since the proposal is non-technical, it does not require third parties but continous monitoring and updates will be sent to the Catalyst Team and also uploaded in streaming platforms, thus YouTube and Facebook because they are widely used by a huge number of people.

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

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

Yes, the project outputs will be fully open source. This project is committed to transparency and community collaboration, ensuring all resources are publicly accessible throughout the project lifecycle.

In addition to educational materials, we will publish training videos and resources on YouTube and Facebook platforms, since it is non-technical. This will broaden access and engagement with our content, allowing users to learn and contribute easily.

[METADATA] Horizons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Perception of the Problem

The problem is that the emerging regions in the Northern part of Ghana experience low digital literacy and weak governance. They cannot fully participate in the opportunities of new technologies, such as Cardano's blockchain, that promise to transform local economies and governance. Our Cardano Elevate initiative is aimed to address the problem as, without education, these regions will continue to be left behind in terms of the social and economic potential that Cardano blockchain can bring.

Our Approach

Cardano Elevate will create educational workshops and long-term mentorships in the two newly created regions in the Northern part of Ghana. This means, we will hold major meetups and workshops in Savannah and Northeast Region of the country. The launch of Cardano Elevate will be in the NorthEast Region of Ghana and there will be subsequent meetings within two parts of each region, mobilizing interested members to educate communities on the fundamentals of the blockchain mechanics created by Cardano and their applicable governance mechanisms. We have chosen a solution-oriented approach since this solution ensures that participants would not only be informed of what blockchain is and how it works but also understand how blockchain is applied in the contexts of governance.

Additionally, Cardano Elevate will constitute workshops and long-term mentorship on social media platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram and Twitter) to ensure high engagement levels.

People-based Engagement

This project will target the following groups: Students - to introduce blockchain to young people and how it will shape the future economies. Tech enthusiasts - to increase blockchain innovation and leadership focus in community Meetups will happen to foster a collaborative environment for people to share insights, networking and practically using what they have learned in real-world governance and business solutions. We believe that the community aspects will be the main driver of the growing Cardano ecosystem.

Proof of Impact

Proof of impact will be measured by the number of people trained, participants at the meetups and the creation of social media platforms which will ensure successful occurrences of blockchain application and governance.

Unique Factors and Importance to Cardano

Cardano Elevate is unique in that it seeks to offer the people of underserved regions more than just blockchain knowledge; it will offer a connection to mentorship and community creation. It is integral to Cardano as it helps with the spread to new regions and shows the transformative power of blockchain in governance. It also enhances the Cardano ecosystem as it ensures the existing and the new users have a strong affinity for the blockchain enhancing its sustainability.

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

The Cardano Elevate project will make a significant contribution to making sure that no one is left behind and ensure higher rates of adoption Cardano blockchain in Ghana’s up-and-coming communities. We will use educational meetups to explain blockchain to people, so they can leverage Cardano technology for both their economic self-interest and to ensure transparent governance. That will breed new generations of blockchain-savvy users using decentralized solutions in their towns.

Our mission will be fulfilled by tracking the participation and the growth of community size and whether Cardano blockchain adoption is picked up for Personal and community transformation.

All educational material will be open-source and shared on Facebook, YouTube etc to help serve the greater Cardano community. Reports will surface successes for emulation. Cardano’s commitment to decentralized governance and financial inclusion will create a network of advocates working together at these recurrent meetups.

Cardano Elevate will develop the global Cardano ecosystem by encouraging adoption and stimulating innovation, in order to ensure its long-term sustainability, diversity and growth.

[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 have participated in about five workshops and zoom meetings to learn about Cardano and have gained significant knowledge about the Cardano Ecosystem. I have tried as much as I can to be mentored by Mr. Seidu Ziblim (LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seidu-ziblim-544326172) who have much experience in similar projects, and he has a very nice track record in holding major meetups in persons and virtual platforms educating the everyone about the Cardano ecosystem. I have also participated in a few funding rounds as a community reviewer.

I have since been able to educate a few people around me about Cardano and some were able to participate in the just ended Fund12. A WhatsApp link has been added in the proposal for reference. This group was created to educate family and friends on the need for Cardano in our daily activities.

In order to enhance accountability, there will be comprehensive budgeting and funding with completion of audits, so that money will be put to good use. The adoption of a community-centered strategy over the short run will help achieve these objectives by confirming the adequacy of our training and blockchain efforts.

A proven track record of delivering projects within the timeline and budget is achieved through the balancing the resources on ground including the experienced team. With such measures in place, Cardano Elevate undertakes this initiative in ways that instill high levels of trust along with accountability.

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

Milestone 1: Venue Setup, Materials Development, and Branding

Timeline: Month 1

A: Milestone Outputs

• Securing venues for the educational meetups in key regions of Ghana.
• Development of promotional materials, including banners, T-shirts, flyers, and branded merchandise.
• Creation of essential educational materials for workshops and initial meetups.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Venues are rented and prepared for the first sessions.
• Promotional materials (banners, T-shirts, flyers) designed, printed, and ready for distribution.
• Educational content and presentations on Cardano blockchain and governance are fully developed.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Photos of the printed banners, T-shirts, and other materials
• Digital copies of finalized workshop presentations and training materials.

Milestone 2: Launch of Cardano Elevate and Community Engagement

Timeline: Month 2

A: Milestone Outputs

• Awareness raised through local outreach and media efforts.
• Official launch of Cardano Elevate with a public event.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Successful launch event held with at least 25 attendees.
• Meetups conducted, introducing Cardano blockchain and community-building initiatives in the Two newly created Regions in the Northern part of Ghana.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance records and media coverage of the launch event (articles, videos, social media).
• Photos and videos from the launch event and workshops.

Milestone 3: Expanded Training and Community Collaboration

Timeline: Month 3-4

A: Milestone Outputs

• Ongoing workshops and advanced training sessions in blockchain technology and governance.
• Expanded community meetups, with a focus on in-depth education, collaboration and the practical application of Cardano technology.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Increased participants actively engaged in the program.
• Increased attendance and collaboration at meetups.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Workshop attendance participant completion videos.
• Online Coverage of workshops and meetups.

Milestone 4: Project Close-Out Report, Video, and Long-Term Sustainability Plan

Timeline: Month 5

A: Milestone Outputs

• Final project report detailing the outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.
• A professionally produced video summarizing the journey, impact, and testimonials.
• Long-term sustainability plan to continue running the educational meetups.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Submission of a comprehensive final report that includes detailed participant data, success stories, and future plans.
• Completed video highlighting key milestones, success stories, and Cardano blockchain use cases.
• A strategy for sustaining long-term mentorship on social media.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Submission of the final report (digital).
• Video published and shared on YouTube and other platforms.
• Documentation of the sustainability plan, including potential partnerships and funding strategies.

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

Abdulai Jerry: Project leader

Cardano Elevate: Catalyzing Growth in Ghana’s Emerging Regions I will be responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, ensuring that all milestones are met on time and within budget. The management of day-to-day operations, coordinate between team members, and communicate progress with stakeholders, including the local communities and funding bodies. My role will also involve risk management, problem-solving, and ensuring alignment with the project's strategic goals. Additionally, I will be tasked with monitoring project performance and ensuring all deliverables meet the set quality standards. [https://x.com/AbdulaiJerry?t=oASC3WqjsIiIo0ALZB5mzQ&s=35]

Seidu Ziblim - Project Advisor

Seidu Ziblim will play an instrumental role during the project lifecycle by providing experience and insights of holding successful educational meetups. He is a vibrant member of Caradno Ecosystem in general and has been been able to engage and educate people about the blockchain.

Contact details below:

Twitter- www.twitter.com/seiduziblim

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seidu-ziblim-544326172

Kuyibani Patrick: Graphic designer and content creator

Kuyibani is graduated from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and is currently a TA in the institution. He has more experience and knowledge about creating content which will be useful in the project since we will need educational materials during the project life cycle. He is also a graphic designer and has about four years experience in that field. He will be incharge of every design and content creation throughout the project.

(5) Adroit…..💫💦 (@kuyibani) / X

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

Milestone 1: Materials Development, and Branding 

Timeline: Month 1 

Budget Allocation: 12,500 ADA 

• Promotional Materials (banners, T-shirts, flyers): 6,500 ADA 
• Design and printing costs for banners and posters
• Branded T-shirts and other merchandise 
• Educational Materials Development: 3000 ADA 
• Workshop content, presentations, training manuals, etc. 
• Marketing and Awareness Campaign: 3000 ADA 
• Social media promotion and local advertising 

Milestone 2: Venue rentals, Launch of Cardano Elevate and Community Engagement 

Timeline: Month 2 

Budget Allocation: 11,500 ADA 

• Event Costs (Launch event, logistics, and equipment): 4000 ADA 
• Event space rental and setup for the launch 
• Documentation and Reporting: 2000 ADA
• Media team coverage and expenses 
• Reporting back to the community, summarizing the event success 
• Transportation and Accommodations: 3000 ADA 
• Travel for speakers, team members, and materials 
• Accommodations for team members
• Refreshments for team and participants: 1500 ADA
• Miscellaneous (contingencies and unforeseen costs): 1000 ADA 

Milestone 3: Expanded Training and Community Collaboration 

Timeline: Month 3-4

Budget Allocation: 15,500 ADA 

• Ongoing Workshops (venue, equipment, materials): 6,000 ADA 
• Multiple venues across emerging regions 
• Transportation and accommodation: 4,500 ADA 
• Regular transportation for team, speakers, and materials 
• Regular accommodations for team.
• Refreshments for Team and participants: 3500 ADA
• Miscellaneous (contingencies and unforeseen costs): 1500 ADA 

Milestone 4: Project Close-Out Report, Video, and Long-Term Sustainability Plan 

Timeline: Month 5 

Budget Allocation: 5200 ADA 

• Project Close-Out Report & Documentation: 2000 ADA 
• Final report preparation, case studies, feedback documentation 
• Video Production (professionally produced video): 1500 ADA 
• Filming, editing, and publishing video summarizing the project and success stories 
• Sustainability and Expansion Planning: 1700 ADA 
• Development of a long-term strategy for sustaining the educational meetings and expanding the project 

Total Budget: 44700 ADA 

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

The Cardano Elevate project provides good bang for buck by educating the emerging regions of Ghana in blockchain knowledge while aligning with ADA's goals of decentralised governance and financial inclusion. The budgets are tightly controlled to the last penny, charged at local rates for venue rentals, transport and materials development.

The workshops and meetups shall be delivered in a distributed way, so reliable transport method is necessary. The original value of a workshop resource or training material may be determined by local freelance rates, but that value can have global reach and reusability if it is turned into an open-source resources.

Campaigns will be aimed at digital and offline avenues working towards higher consideration, voluntary awareness and boosted attendances of community meetups. The project also comprises sustainability planning to carry on the impact of the project beyond the initial funding, driving lasting benefits for its local community and broader Cardano ecosystem.

By providing the tools to establish its own blockchain ecosystem and a model for local long-term governance in some of the poorest parts of Africa, the project generates significant social and educational dividends that extend Cardano’s reach without doing so at great cost.