Cardano HODLers of Ethiopia: A New Dawn

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Abenezer Brhanu

[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)

9

[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’ll build a vibrant Cardano community in Ethiopia, teaching people how holding and voting with ADA can help them earn rewards. This will empower individuals and strengthen Cardano’s impact locally.

[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

All our project outputs will be fully open source, shared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. This will allow anyone to freely access, modify, and share the educational content, resources, and tools we create, promoting collaboration and Cardano adoption in Ethiopia.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We aim to solve the lack of awareness about Cardano in Ethiopia by building a community of ADA holders. Our approach focuses on educating people about the benefits of holding ADA, voting in Project Catalyst, and being part of a growing global ecosystem.

Through podcasts, live sessions, and networking events, we’ll reach high school students, developers, and local leaders. This will help Ethiopians tap into new financial opportunities and gain a deeper understanding of blockchain technology.

By empowering local communities to actively participate in Cardano, we’re creating a win-win scenario: Ethiopians can earn rewards, while Cardano strengthens its presence and global reach. It’s about connecting people, driving education, and building a lasting impact.

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

project will bring significant value to the Cardano community by expanding its reach in Ethiopia and creating a strong base of ADA holders. As more Ethiopians learn about Cardano, they will participate in Project Catalyst, vote on proposals, and help shape the future of the ecosystem. This will strengthen both the local and global Cardano community.

We will measure impact both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative metrics include the number of new ADA holders, participants in our events, and voters in Catalyst. Qualitative metrics will be collected through feedback from participants, showing how their understanding of blockchain and Cardano has improved.

To share outputs, we will use social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to broadcast our events and insights. We’ll also engage the global Cardano community through online forums and discussions, ensuring the project’s benefits and lessons are shared widely.

[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?

We have the expertise and dedication needed to deliver this project successfully. Our team consists of experienced blockchain advocates, community organizers, and educators with a deep understanding of Cardano. We’ve previously worked on community-building initiatives and know how to effectively engage and educate people. This background gives us confidence in our ability to manage the project with high levels of trust and accountability.

To ensure feasibility, we’ve outlined clear steps, including planning events, producing educational content, and managing outreach on social media platforms. Each step will be backed by transparent documentation and regular progress updates. Financial management will include detailed budget tracking, transparent reporting, and regular reviews to ensure funds are used effectively and responsibly.

We’ll also maintain open communication with the Cardano community and relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability at every stage. Regular updates and feedback channels will help validate our approach and allow us to adjust based on community needs

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

Initial Community Outreach & Awareness Campaign (Month 1-2)

• Goal: Launch the outreach strategy to create awareness of Cardano and ADA among Ethiopian youth and blockchain developers.
• Deliverables: A detailed outreach plan, partnerships secured with local schools, and social media engagement.
• Acceptance Criteria: Public engagement metrics on TikTok and YouTube, confirmed partnerships, and a draft of the first educational content.

 First Networking Event & Content Launch (Month 3)

• Goal: Organize the first networking event in Adama and release the first educational videos and podcasts.
• Deliverables: Completion of the networking event, launch of the first podcast episode, and video content on TikTok and YouTube.
• Acceptance Criteria: 100+ participants in the event, first podcast episode online, and community feedback.

Mid-Project Review & Expansion of Online Content (Month 4-5)

• Goal: Expand content to include more advanced tutorials and start engaging with high school students about voting and governance within Cardano.
• Deliverables: Additional podcast episodes, videos, and feedback analysis from participants.
• Acceptance Criteria: Increase in content engagement and positive community feedback.

Second Networking Event & Broader Community Engagement (Month 6)

• Goal: Host a second event and continue releasing educational content, focusing on the importance of voting in Project Catalyst.
• Deliverables: Second networking event, new video content, and updated social media reach metrics.
• Acceptance Criteria: Completion of the second event, increase in local ADA holders' engagement, and new educational content.

Community Expansion & Long-term Engagement (Month 7-8)

• Goal: Establish a self-sustaining ADA community in Ethiopia, where members actively participate in Project Catalyst voting and Cardano initiatives.
• Deliverables: Organize a series of workshops focusing on governance, decentralized finance (DeFi), and long-term holding strategies for ADA.
• Acceptance Criteria: Growth in ADA holders in Ethiopia, increased participation in Catalyst voting, and the launch of community-led initiatives.

Project Close-Out & Final Impact Report (Month 9)

• Goal: Conclude the project with an assessment of its overall impact and a final event to summarize achievements.
• Deliverables: Final report and a closing podcast episode highlighting lessons learned and next steps.
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of the project close-out report, final video documenting the journey, and overall community impact summary.

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

Abenezer Brhanu - Project Lead

• Role: Oversees the entire project, manages operations, and ensures the project's alignment with goals. Engages with stakeholders and the Cardano community, coordinates events, and leads marketing efforts to grow the ADA community in Ethiopia.

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

otal Funding Requested: 45,000 ADA

This budget is designed to support the project over a 9-month period, focusing on building a robust Cardano community in Ethiopia through education, engagement, and incentivization.

Breakdown of Costs:

1. Community Building & Educational Content: 8,000 ADA

Development of educational materials, such as guides and video tutorials, tailored to the Ethiopian audience. This will empower community members with the knowledge to utilize Cardano effectively.

2 .Workshops & Online Events: 12,000 ADA

Funding for organizing monthly workshops and online events, covering venue rentals, speaker fees, and technology costs for virtual engagements. This is essential for collaborative learning and community building.

3.Marketing & Awareness Campaigns: 7,000 ADA

Targeted marketing efforts across social media and local platforms to increase visibility of Cardano and promote upcoming events, aiming to attract a broader audience.

4.Incentives for ADA Holders & Voters: 8,000 ADA

Rewards for active participation in governance and community initiatives, encouraging ADA holders to engage more in the ecosystem.

5.Promotional Materials: 4,000 ADA

Design and production of flyers, banners, and digital content for outreach efforts to attract participants and raise awareness about the project.

6.Podcast Production: 3,000 ADA

Equipment rental and editing services for podcast episodes to disseminate knowledge about Cardano, reaching a wider audience through engaging content.

7.Community Engagement Tools: 2,000 ADA

Subscription costs for engagement platforms (like Zoom) and social media ads to facilitate interaction among community members and enhance participation.

8.Documentation and Reporting: 1,000 ADA

Creating reports and documentation for transparency and accountability, ensuring stakeholders are informed about project progress and impact.

Total Budget: 45,000 ADA

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

Context and Justification of Costs

Community Building & Educational Content (8,000 ADA)

Developing educational materials tailored to the Ethiopian context ensures that community members can effectively engage with the Cardano platform. The costs reflect market rates for creating high-quality educational resources, ensuring participants receive valuable information that fosters their understanding and use of Cardano.

Workshops & Online Events (12,000 ADA)

The budget includes expenses for venue rentals, speaker fees, and technology costs, which are competitive with local market rates. These workshops will provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities, crucial for cultivating a strong local community. In-person events enhance engagement, and the investment will pay dividends in community development and knowledge dissemination.

Marketing & Awareness Campaigns (7,000 ADA)

Effective marketing is critical for project success. The allocated funds will facilitate targeted advertising that reaches a broader audience, representing a reasonable investment considering the potential to significantly increase participation and interest in Cardano within Ethiopia.

Incentives for ADA Holders & Voters (8,000 ADA)

By rewarding active participants, we stimulate engagement and encourage governance participation, which directly supports the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. The funds allocated for incentives are aligned with the impact they will create, promoting active community involvement and governance.

Promotional Materials (4,000 ADA)

The production of high-quality promotional materials is essential for outreach efforts. The costs are proportionate to local design and printing rates, ensuring that marketing materials effectively capture the target audience's attention.

Podcast Production (3,000 ADA)

The budget for podcast production includes equipment rental and editing services, which are essential for creating professional content. Podcasts are a powerful medium for reaching diverse audiences, and this investment reflects typical rates for freelance audio production services in the industry.

Community Engagement Tools (2,000 ADA)

Subscription costs for engagement platforms are crucial for facilitating interaction among community members. These tools will enhance communication and collaboration, justifying the expense as a means to strengthen the community.

Documentation and Reporting (1,000 ADA)

Maintaining transparency through thorough documentation is vital for accountability. The budget reflects reasonable costs associated with creating reports that inform stakeholders of progress and impact.

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem

The proposed budget strategically allocates funds to areas that directly contribute to the Cardano ecosystem's growth in Ethiopia. By focusing on education, community engagement, and awareness, the project aims to create a sustainable network of Cardano advocates and users, enhancing the overall health of the ecosystem.

Moreover, the investment in community incentives and educational content will yield long-term benefits by fostering a knowledgeable and engaged user base. This initiative not only supports the growth of Cardano but also addresses the specific needs of the Ethiopian community, making it a culturally relevant and impactful project.