Cardano School: Building Schools in Rural Areas for a Brighter

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Abdusemend Yasin

[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)

build sustainable schools in rural areas using Cardano's blockchain to manage funding & resources transparently, ensuring efficient construction, reducing delays, equitable access to education.

[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

Our project will be fully open source, with all blockchain-based components, smart contracts, and reporting tools available in a public repository throughout the project's lifecycle. We intend to use the MIT License to ensure that anyone can freely access, modify, and contribute to the project. This will include the smart contracts for fund management, resource tracking, and student record-keeping systems. By making these elements open source, we aim to encourage community collaboration and transparency, ensuring that other developers and organizations can use or expand upon the work to benefit more communities.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The Cardano School project aims to solve the problem of inadequate access to education in rural areas by building sustainable, blockchain-managed schools. These schools will provide quality education while ensuring transparency and accountability in the construction process, fund management, and ongoing school operations.

Problem Perception

In many rural areas, access to education is severely limited due to a lack of infrastructure. Even when funds are allocated for building schools, inefficiencies, delays, and corruption often prevent timely or effective delivery. As a result, many children are denied the opportunity for education, which hinders their long-term prospects.

Reasons for This Approach

By using Cardano’s blockchain, we can introduce transparency into the entire process—from fund allocation to resource management and project tracking. Smart contracts will ensure that funds are released only when specific construction milestones are met, preventing mismanagement and delays. Blockchain technology will also be used to track student records, ensuring accuracy and preventing fraud in academic certifications.

Engagement

Our project will engage

• Local Communities: They will be involved in the monitoring of school construction and operations, ensuring that the project meets their needs and expectations.
• NGOs and Local Governments: We will partner with organizations that share a commitment to improving education and managing resources transparently.
• Donors and Investors: By using blockchain for transparent fund management, donors will have confidence in the proper use of their contributions.

Demonstrating Impact

1. Quantitative Measures: We will track the number of schools built, the number of children enrolled, and the funds released at each milestone via the Cardano blockchain.
2. Qualitative Impact: Feedback from the local communities and students will help measure the effectiveness of the school infrastructure and educational programs.

Unique Features

• Blockchain-Managed Transparency: By integrating Cardano's blockchain into fund and project management, the process becomes fully transparent and accountable, reducing risks of mismanagement or delays.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Schools will be built using locally sourced materials and renewable energy (e.g., solar power) to ensure sustainability and reduce operational costs.
• Student Record Security: Blockchain-based systems will manage student records and certifications, ensuring integrity and preventing fraud in academic documentation.

Who Will Benefit

• Children in Rural Areas: They will receive access to quality education and better future opportunities.
• Local Communities: Engaging communities in the project will create a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering them to maintain the schools.
• Cardano Ecosystem: This project showcases how Cardano’s blockchain can be used for social good, further expanding its use cases beyond financial applications.

Why This Is Important to Cardano

This project demonstrates how Cardano can bring real-world solutions to critical global challenges like education. By using blockchain to manage and build schools, we prove that Cardano can enhance transparency, foster trust, and drive development, further positioning the platform as a solution for social impact projects.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

The Cardano School project will positively impact the wider Cardano community by demonstrating how blockchain technology can be applied to real-world problems like education infrastructure, bringing Cardano beyond financial applications and into the social impact space. This project will highlight how blockchain can drive transparency, accountability, and trust in development projects while creating long-lasting value for underserved communities.

1. Value to the Cardano Community

• Showcase of Blockchain for Social Good: This project demonstrates that Cardano can be a transformative force in solving critical global challenges like education. It will show how Cardano’s blockchain can be used to improve transparency and resource management in the education sector.
• Increased Adoption: As the project gains visibility, it will attract interest from NGOs, governments, and donors who wish to use blockchain technology for similar education or social impact initiatives. This will increase the adoption of Cardano as a preferred platform for social projects.
• Building Trust: By ensuring transparency and accountability in how funds are used, this project will build trust in the use of blockchain for managing complex infrastructure projects. Donors and stakeholders will see that Cardano is capable of facilitating trustworthy, decentralized solutions for high-impact development work.

2. Measuring Impact

We will measure the success of the project using both quantitative and qualitative metrics

• Quantitative Impact

• Number of Schools Built: The number of fully operational schools constructed in rural areas.
• Student Enrollment: The number of children enrolled in the schools, with a focus on increasing access to education for underserved communities.
• Funds Released via Smart Contracts: Tracking the amount of funds released through blockchain-based smart contracts, ensuring that they are tied to verifiable milestones.
• Renewable Energy Utilization: Measurement of how much of the school’s energy needs are met using renewable sources like solar power.

• Qualitative Impact

• Community Feedback: Engaging with the communities and students to collect feedback on how access to education has impacted their quality of life, opportunities for the future, and overall well-being.
• Educational Outcomes: Assessing the improvement in literacy, numeracy, and other skills among students enrolled in these schools.
• Sustainability: Measuring how well communities are maintaining the infrastructure, including the sustainability of energy systems and ongoing school operations.

3. Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Open Source Outputs: All blockchain code (smart contracts, project management systems, etc.) will be open source and available on GitHub under an MIT License. This allows the wider Cardano community to benefit from the technology developed and adapt it for other social impact projects.
• Regular Updates: We will provide regular progress reports, including blockchain transaction data, school construction updates, and success stories, shared through Cardano’s forums, social media channels, and community calls.
• Impact Reports and Case Studies: We will prepare detailed case studies documenting the project’s success, lessons learned, and best practices. These reports will be shared with the Cardano community, NGOs, and other stakeholders to inspire similar projects in the future.
• Presentations and Conferences: The results of this project will be presented at Cardano-related conferences and global education forums to showcase how blockchain can be used for building educational infrastructure in underserved regions.

[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?

Our team has a strong track record in development, project management, and infrastructure delivery, making us well-suited to execute the "Cardano School" project with trust, transparency, and accountability. We are experienced in implementing blockchain-based systems for transparency and efficiency, and we have worked on development projects focused on sustainability and community involvement.

1. Proven Project Management Skills

Our team includes experienced project managers who have successfully led large-scale development projects in the past, particularly in challenging environments like rural areas. We understand how to navigate the logistical, cultural, and financial challenges associated with building infrastructure in underserved regions. We are familiar with coordinating with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure the timely and efficient execution of projects.

2. Local Partnerships and Community Engagement

We have strong connections with local communities, governments, and organizations in rural regions, ensuring that the project aligns with the needs of the communities. We will engage local stakeholders throughout the project to ensure accountability, transparency, and long-term success. These partnerships will play a crucial role in helping us deliver a solution that is both culturally appropriate and locally sustainable.]

3.. Feasibility Validation:

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will implement the following

• Pilot Phase: We will begin by launching a pilot school in a rural area, allowing us to test the processes, timelines, and local engagement strategies. This will help us identify potential challenges early and adjust the project plan as necessary.
• Technical Proof-of-Concept: We will deploy a blockchain-based management system in the pilot phase to ensure that all funds, resources, and milestones are tracked on the Cardano blockchain. This will provide transparency to donors and serve as proof that the system works effectively before scaling the project.
• Local Engagement: We will work closely with local leaders and community members to ensure that the project meets their needs and that they are fully engaged in the school-building process, from construction to long-term operation.

4.. Trustworthy Fund Management

We will implement the following steps to ensure the responsible and transparent management of funds:

• Blockchain-Based Fund Release: All funds will be managed through smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain. This ensures that payments are only released when specific, verifiable milestones (such as the completion of construction stages) are met. This system eliminates the risk of mismanagement and ensures full accountability.
• Regular Financial Reporting: We will provide regular financial updates to all stakeholders, including a breakdown of how funds are allocated and used at each stage of the project. These reports will be available on a public platform and linked to the blockchain for full transparency.
• Third-Party Auditing: We will engage independent auditors to review both the financial and technical aspects of the project, ensuring that funds are used as intended and that the project remains on track. These audits will be made publicly available.

6. Why We Are Best Suited for This Project:

• Experienced Team: Our team’s blend of blockchain expertise, project management skills, and experience in rural development makes us uniquely positioned to deliver this project successfully.
• Commitment to Transparency: We are committed to using Cardano’s blockchain to ensure full transparency in fund management, resource allocation, and project milestones, building trust with all stakeholders.
• Focus on Sustainability: By incorporating sustainable materials and renewable energy into school infrastructure, we ensure that the project has a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve.

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

Pilot Community Selection and School Design

Timeframe: 3 months

Acceptance Criteria:

• Identify a rural community in need of a school and assess local requirements (e.g., number of students, community engagement).
• Finalize the school design, focusing on sustainability and scalability (using local materials and renewable energy like solar).
• Develop smart contracts for transparent fund allocation tied to construction milestones.

Output:

• Community selection report with detailed school design plans.
• Smart contracts deployed on the Cardano blockchain to manage project funds.

 School Construction and Infrastructure Setup

Timeframe: 2 months

Acceptance Criteria:

• Complete the construction of the school building, including classrooms, sanitation facilities, and solar energy systems.
• Ensure that the school infrastructure is operational, with proper water and electricity systems in place.
• Implement IoT devices to monitor school energy usage and operational data, linked to the blockchain for transparency.

Output:

• Fully constructed and operational school with basic infrastructure.
• Real-time IoT data feeding into Cardano blockchain for transparency in operational metrics.

 Community Engagement and Launch

Timeframe: 2 months

Acceptance Criteria:

• Organize a launch event to open the school and engage the local community in its operations.
• Provide teacher training and educational resources to ensure a successful start to the academic program.
• Establish a local committee for school maintenance and oversight, with a blockchain-based platform for reporting and feedback.

Output:

• Successful launch of the school with the first batch of students enrolled.
• Local school management committee established and trained.
• Blockchain-based system in place for ongoing school maintenance tracking and community engagement.

Final Project Review and Optimization

Timeframe: 2 months

Acceptance Criteria:

• Conduct a full review of the project, including an assessment of educational outcomes and community feedback.
• Identify areas for optimization and prepare a plan for scaling the project to additional rural areas.
• Complete the final evaluation of the blockchain integration for fund transparency and project management.

Output:

• Final project report, including impact analysis, lessons learned, and community feedback.
• A plan for scaling the project to more communities and expanding the educational infrastructure.
• Optimized system for future blockchain-based school projects.

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

1. Abdusemed Yasin - Project Lead

• Role: Overall project management, Cardano blockchain integration, and community partnerships.
• LinkedIn Profile:
• Responsibilities: Abdusemed Yasin will oversee the entire project, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the project goals. He will manage the integration of Cardano’s blockchain for fund management and transparency, engage with local governments, and build community partnerships to ensure the success of the project.

Additional Team Members to Be Recruited:

1. Construction Manager:

• Required Skills: Expertise in infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas. Experience with eco-friendly and sustainable building practices is essential.
• Responsibilities: The Construction Manager will oversee all aspects of the school’s physical construction, from material procurement to labor coordination. They will ensure that the building process stays on schedule and meets sustainability standards.

1. Blockchain Developer:

• Required Skills: Proficiency in Cardano blockchain development, particularly in smart contracts using Plutus and Haskell. Experience in decentralized resource management.
• Responsibilities: The Blockchain Developer will be responsible for developing and deploying smart contracts that manage funds and resources tied to project milestones. They will ensure that the blockchain system provides transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

1. Community Liaison Officer:

• Required Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building skills, experience working with rural communities.
• Responsibilities: The Community Liaison Officer will engage with local communities to ensure that their needs are understood and that they are involved in the project. This person will facilitate workshops and training sessions for the local community.

1. Education Program Coordinator:

• Required Skills: Experience in educational program development, teacher training, and curriculum design.
• Responsibilities: This role involves working with local educators and government officials to create a sustainable educational program for the school. The Education Program Coordinator will ensure the school is equipped with teaching materials and that educators are trained.

1. Renewable Energy Specialist:

• Required Skills: Expertise in solar energy systems, installation, and maintenance, particularly in off-grid areas.
• Responsibilities: The Renewable Energy Specialist will design and oversee the installation of solar power systems for the school, ensuring that it operates sustainably and independently from traditional power grids.

1. Project Manager:

• Required Skills: Strong project management experience in development or infrastructure projects, particularly in rural settings.
• Responsibilities: The Project Manager will coordinate all aspects of the project, ensuring timelines, budgets, and milestones are met. They will work closely with the Construction Manager and Blockchain Developer to keep the project on track.

Team Engagement:

We have initiated conversations with potential local partners, including government bodies and NGOs, who are supportive of the project and its goals. The key technical team members (blockchain developers and construction experts) have been engaged and are ready to start the project upon receiving funding.

Technical Group Engagement:

We are also in regular communication with the Cardano developer community through Discord and Telegram to ensure that we have access to technical support and advice throughout the project. This engagement will help us refine the blockchain-based elements of the project and integrate feedback from the wider community.

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

Total Requested Funding: 65,000 ADA

1. Construction and Infrastructure: 30,000 ADA

This portion of the budget will cover the physical construction of the school, including materials, labor, and installation of infrastructure such as solar power systems.

• Construction Materials (Eco-friendly): 15,000 ADA
• (Sustainable materials for building classrooms, sanitation facilities, and water systems)
• Labor Costs: 10,000 ADA
• (Local workers hired for construction, helping to boost the local economy)
• Sustainable Energy Installation (Solar Panels): 5,000 ADA
• (Installation of solar panels to ensure the school has a sustainable energy source)

2. Blockchain Development and Integration: 15,000 ADA

This cost is dedicated to developing the blockchain systems for transparent fund management, milestone tracking, and community engagement.

• Smart Contract Development: 7,000 ADA
• (Developing and deploying smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain to manage and release funds based on project milestones)
• IoT Integration for School Operations: 3,000 ADA
• (Installing IoT devices for monitoring energy consumption, school attendance, and other operational metrics that will feed data into the blockchain)
• Blockchain Maintenance and Support: 5,000 ADA
• (Ongoing technical support for the blockchain system and ensuring the smart contracts are functioning as intended throughout the project lifecycle)

3. Community Engagement and Education Program Development: 8,000 ADA

This portion covers community outreach and ensuring that the school is fully integrated into the local education system.

• Teacher Training and Curriculum Development: 4,000 ADA
• (Training local teachers and developing a curriculum suited to the needs of rural students)
• Community Workshops: 2,000 ADA
• (Workshops and training sessions to involve the local community in the school’s operation and management)
• Local Outreach and Marketing: 2,000 ADA
• (Promoting the school project within the community to drive engagement and support from local stakeholders)

4. Project Management and Coordination: 7,000 ADA

This covers the administrative and logistical costs of managing the project.

• Project Manager: 5,000 ADA
• (Overseeing all aspects of the project, including coordination between the construction team, blockchain developers, and local communities)
• Administrative and Reporting Costs: 2,000 ADA
• (Ensuring regular updates and financial reports are shared with the Cardano community and other stakeholders)

5. Professional Services and Compliance: 3,000 ADA

This will cover the necessary legal and professional services required for the project, including compliance and auditing.

• Legal and Compliance Services: 1,500 ADA
• (Ensuring that the project complies with local laws and regulations, especially concerning land use and construction)
• Auditing and Financial Review: 1,500 ADA
• (Third-party auditing of the project’s finances and blockchain integration to ensure transparency and accountability)

6. Documentation, Marketing, and Reporting: 2,000 ADA

This ensures the project’s results and impact are documented and shared with the Cardano community.

• Final Report and Video Documentation: 1,000 ADA
• (Creating a detailed report and a video summarizing the project’s outcomes, lessons learned, and future steps)
• Ongoing Community Reporting and Updates: 1,000 ADA
• (Regular updates shared with the Cardano community via forums, social media, and video reports)

7. Contingency Fund: 5,000 ADA

This fund is reserved for any unexpected costs that arise during the project.

Total Budget: 65,000 ADA

Budget Justification:

This budget is carefully allocated to cover the essential costs of constructing a sustainable school, integrating Cardano’s blockchain for transparency, and engaging the local community in a meaningful way. Each aspect of the project is designed to maximize the impact on rural education while ensuring that Cardano’s technology is used effectively to track progress and manage resources.

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

The "Cardano School" project represents excellent value for money by directly addressing a critical societal need—education in rural areas—while showcasing how Cardano’s blockchain can deliver transparent, decentralized solutions. Here's why this project is a strong investment for the Cardano ecosystem

1. Real-World Impact at a Low Cost:

With a budget of 65,000 ADA, this project will deliver a fully operational school, integrating sustainable energy and blockchain technology to manage resources. The low cost compared to traditional school-building projects reflects the strategic use of locally sourced materials and renewable energy, which lowers long-term operational expenses. Additionally, Cardano’s blockchain ensures efficient fund allocation, preventing delays or mismanagement of resources.

2. Blockchain Integration Adds Transparency and Efficiency

By leveraging Cardano’s blockchain for fund management and milestone tracking, we ensure full transparency in how resources are used. Smart contracts will release funds only when construction and operational milestones are met, ensuring accountability. This reduces the risk of mismanagement or inefficiency that often plagues infrastructure projects. The transparency will build trust among donors and stakeholders, further strengthening the Cardano ecosystem’s reputation for delivering secure, trustworthy solutions.

3. Justifiable Costs Based on Local Market Rates

The costs for construction and labor have been carefully considered and are aligned with local market rates. For example:

• Labor Costs (10,000 ADA) are proportional to the average wage for construction workers in rural areas, ensuring fair pay while keeping overall costs low.
• Blockchain Development (7,000 ADA) is priced competitively based on the current industry rates for smart contract and IoT integration specialists, ensuring that we secure high-quality developers at a fair price.

4. Long-Term Benefits and Sustainability

The investment in renewable energy (5,000 ADA for solar panel installation) will ensure that the school operates sustainably for years without requiring external power sources, reducing future operating costs. By incorporating a solar-powered infrastructure, the project not only delivers educational access but also showcases how Cardano can support long-term, eco-friendly solutions. This furthers Cardano’s mission of sustainability and adds value by providing a replicable model for other similar initiatives.

5. Scalable and Replicable Solution

The blockchain-based fund management system and transparent reporting model created for this project can be replicated for future infrastructure projects, both within the education sector and beyond. This increases the long-term value for the Cardano ecosystem, as the project serves as a template for similar decentralized solutions.

6. Positive Community Impact

The project will benefit the rural community by providing access to education, improving future opportunities for children, and contributing to local economic growth by creating jobs during construction. By demonstrating Cardano’s ability to address real-world issues, the project will help increase adoption and attract new users to the ecosystem, further expanding Cardano’s reach and influence.