Cardano Student Ambassadors Program for East-African Universities

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Josephine Ndeze

[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)

5

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

Yes

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

We will recruit students from East African universities to organize Cardano training sessions, form groups, and host events, creating long-term groups at each university to foster blockchain adoption.

[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

Since the project will be open source, all educational materials, training session content, and community-building resources will be available under the MIT License. This license allows for free use, modification, and distribution, ensuring that other communities and educators can adapt and utilize our resources. The project's repository will be hosted on GitHub, where all documentation, code (if any), and materials will be accessible throughout the project's lifecycle.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, Cardano Student Ambassadors Program for East Africa, addresses the gap in blockchain education and leadership among university students in the region. By creating a network of student ambassadors at various East African universities, we aim to drive awareness and adoption of Cardano through peer-led training, workshops, and local community-building events.

-> Problem Perception

The core problem we are addressing is the lack of blockchain education and leadership among university students in East Africa. Despite the region’s potential for technological innovation, there is limited understanding and adoption of blockchain technology, particularly Cardano. This gap prevents students from leveraging blockchain to address local challenges and contribute to the global Cardano ecosystem.

Our perception of the problem is based on the realization that students, as future innovators and entrepreneurs, have the potential to drive meaningful change. However, without the knowledge and resources to engage with blockchain technology, they are unable to participate fully in this emerging field. By addressing this gap, we aim to empower students to become advocates and leaders in their communities, fostering the adoption and growth of Cardano in a region with untapped potential.

-> Our approach to solving this problem through the Cardano Student Ambassadors Program for East Africa is based on several key factors:

1. Leverage Local Leadership for Sustainable Growth:

Rather than introducing external experts to drive adoption, we believe in empowering local students to take the lead. Students are already embedded within their communities and have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in their region. By training students as ambassadors, we enable them to become advocates for blockchain and Cardano, ensuring that the knowledge they gain remains and grows within the local context. This approach creates a sustainable, long-term impact, as these ambassadors will continue to foster interest and growth even after the program ends.

2. Peer-to-Peer Learning Model:

Students tend to engage more when they learn from their peers rather than from external experts. By training selected student ambassadors to lead the educational initiatives, we create a more relatable and engaging learning environment. Peer-led learning fosters trust, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge at a grassroots level, making it easier for others to adopt new technologies and concepts like blockchain and Cardano. This model also encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility among students, as they become the leaders driving blockchain awareness on their campuses.

3. Building Long-Term Communities:

Our strategy involves not only training individual students but also building long-term sub-communities at each university. These communities will serve as hubs for blockchain education and Cardano projects, ensuring that interest and knowledge continue to grow organically. By establishing a solid foundation of active, local Cardano communities, we create an environment where students can collaborate, learn from each other, and even develop blockchain solutions that address real-world challenges in their region.

4. Focus on Practical Application and Impact:

We approach this program with a strong emphasis on practical application. We are not just providing theoretical knowledge but actively encouraging students to organize workshops, events, and hackathons that allow hands-on experience with Cardano. Through these events, students will have the opportunity to apply what they've learned in real-world projects, fostering innovation and solutions tailored to the needs of their communities. This practical focus ensures that students not only understand Cardano but also see its potential to solve local problems, from financial inclusion to supply chain transparency.

5. Addressing a Region with High Potential for Blockchain Innovation:

East Africa, particularly countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, has a rapidly growing tech ecosystem and a young, vibrant population eager to embrace new technologies. However, the blockchain sector in this region remains underdeveloped compared to other parts of the world. By focusing on East African universities, we are tapping into a population with high potential for blockchain adoption and innovation, where the technology could make a real difference in sectors like finance, agriculture, and education. This program not only introduces blockchain to a new audience but also provides them with the tools to create solutions that are directly relevant to their needs.

6. Scalability and Replicability:

By creating a structured ambassador program that focuses on training students to lead initiatives, our model is easily scalable and replicable across different universities and regions. Once we successfully implement this program in East African universities, it can be expanded to other parts of Africa and beyond, creating a global network of Cardano student ambassadors. The open-source nature of our materials and curriculum also ensures that other communities can adopt and adapt the program to fit their own needs.

7. Alignment with Cardano’s Mission:

Our approach aligns with Cardano’s broader mission to drive global innovation, financial inclusion, and the adoption of decentralized technologies. By focusing on education and community-building, we contribute to Cardano’s vision of empowering individuals and communities, especially in regions like East Africa, where blockchain has the potential to create a lasting impact. This grassroots approach ensures that Cardano’s technology reaches those who can benefit from it the most, fostering widespread adoption and participation in the blockchain ecosystem.

In summary, our approach is driven by the belief that local leadership, peer-to-peer learning, practical application, and long-term community-building are the keys to driving sustainable adoption of Cardano in East Africa. This method not only addresses the immediate knowledge gap but also creates a lasting ecosystem of innovation and leadership that will benefit both the region and the broader Cardano network.

-> Here’s a detailed step-by-step plan

1. Identification of Universities and Partners

• We will begin by identifying key universities across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, etc.) with strong programs in technology, engineering, or computer science.
• We will reach out to the relevant departments at these universities to present the initiative and seek their support.
• Additionally, we will identify local organizations interested in blockchain and Cardano technology who may be willing to collaborate or sponsor certain activities.

2. Recruitment of Ambassadors

• We will conduct a recruitment campaign to select motivated students passionate about technology and blockchain. We will use channels such as social media, tech clubs at universities, and local advertisements to promote the opportunity.
• Each ambassador will go through an application process, which includes a form detailing their interest in blockchain and Cardano, as well as their leadership and community-building skills.

3. Training the Ambassadors

• Once selected, the ambassadors will undergo comprehensive training on Cardano, blockchain fundamentals, and community-building strategies. This training will be provided via online courses, webinars, and workshops.
• We will provide ambassadors with educational materials, guides, and resources they can use to facilitate workshops and events at their universities.
• We will also mentor the ambassadors, offering continuous support through monthly calls and feedback sessions to ensure they are well-equipped to lead.

4. Organizing Local Training and Events

• After their training, ambassadors will organize Cardano training sessions, hackathons, and meetups at their universities. These sessions will introduce their peers to blockchain technology and Cardano’s ecosystem.
• They will also form local sub-communities at each university, where interested students can engage regularly, collaborate on projects, and explore opportunities within the blockchain space.
• Ambassadors will work on organizing at least one major event (e.g., a campus-wide blockchain seminar or hackathon) per semester, bringing attention to Cardano and its real-world applications.

5. Creating a Long-term University Group

• The ambassadors will ensure the formation of sustainable university groups focused on blockchain and Cardano. These groups will continue organizing educational sessions, discussions, and small events beyond the initial program timeline.
• The goal is for each university to have a self-sustaining Cardano community, with students continuing to explore blockchain innovation, participate in Cardano challenges, and collaborate with other communities globally.

6. Tracking and Reporting Impact

• We will track the success of the program by monitoring key metrics such as:
• The number of students trained by the ambassadors.
• The number of sub-communities created at universities.
• The number of events organized and their attendance.
• The projects or initiatives developed by student participants using Cardano.
• Ambassadors will submit regular reports on their activities, which will help us gauge the program's effectiveness and gather feedback for improvement.

7. Scaling and Expanding

• After successful implementation in a few universities, we will expand the program to other East African universities, building a broader network of student ambassadors.
• The program can then be replicated in other regions, creating a larger network of Cardano student communities across Africa and potentially globally.

Why This Approach?

This structured approach ensures that the program is not just about delivering knowledge but about creating sustainable Cardano communities in East Africa. By empowering local students as ambassadors, we foster a grassroots movement where blockchain education can flourish through peer-to-peer learning and leadership, creating long-lasting impact.

By training students to lead, organizing local events, and building sub-communities, we address both the immediate gap in blockchain knowledge and the long-term need for innovation and leadership in the region.

-> Will engage the following key groups

1. University Students:

• Primary beneficiaries: Students from universities in East Africa with an interest in technology, blockchain, and innovation will be the main participants. These students will be trained and empowered to become leaders and ambassadors of Cardano on their campuses.
• We will target students across different disciplines, not only computer science or engineering, to ensure a diverse range of talents and perspectives.

2. University Faculty and Administration:

• Faculty members from departments such as technology, business, and engineering will be engaged to support the program’s activities, providing credibility and resources such as venues for events and workshops.
• The administration will play a crucial role in facilitating the program’s integration into the university ecosystem.

3. Cardano Community:

• The existing Cardano ecosystem, including developers, educators, and blockchain enthusiasts, will be engaged to provide mentorship, resources, and support to the student ambassadors. They will help students connect to the broader Cardano community and ecosystem.
• Cardano experts will be invited to speak at student-led events, offering guidance and inspiration.

4. Local Tech and Blockchain Communities:

• We will engage local tech hubs, incubators, and blockchain organizations in East Africa that are interested in collaborating with student ambassadors to host events, hackathons, and innovation challenges.
• These communities can also provide internships, job opportunities, and partnerships for students exploring blockchain projects.

5. Businesses and Entrepreneurs:

• Local entrepreneurs and businesses who are interested in blockchain solutions will be encouraged to attend events and connect with students. This can lead to collaboration on blockchain projects or even job opportunities for trained students.

6. The Broader Public:

• The wider university community and the general public will also be engaged through open events, seminars, and outreach programs hosted by the ambassadors. These events will help raise awareness about blockchain and Cardano’s potential in solving local challenges.

By engaging these diverse groups, the project aims to foster a robust ecosystem of blockchain knowledge, leadership, and innovation, directly benefiting both students and the broader community.

->Cardano blockchain movement within universities across East Africa. We aim to:

1. Educate students about Cardano and blockchain: Provide students with the knowledge and understanding of blockchain technology, specifically focusing on the Cardano ecosystem. This will include practical training sessions and educational workshops.
2. Provide access to resources: Ensure that students know where to find relevant learning materials, tutorials, and tools for further exploration of Cardano and blockchain. For tech departments, we will offer technical resources, such as guides on APIs and other developer tools.
3. Create an enabling environment: Foster a vibrant, collaborative environment where students can explore and innovate with blockchain technology. This will involve setting up long-term communities on campus and encouraging continuous engagement with Cardano.

The ultimate vision is to create a self-sustaining movement, where knowledge is shared, and students take ownership of Cardano-related activities and projects, driving local blockchain adoption and innovation.

->We will demonstrate and prove the impact of the Cardano Student Ambassadors Program for East Africa through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Here's how:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of Student Ambassadors Trained: We will track the total number of students who complete the ambassador training program across different universities.
• Number of Events Organized: We will record the number of training sessions, workshops, hackathons, and seminars organized by student ambassadors.
• Number of Students Engaged: We will measure how many students attend or participate in these events, as well as the growth of the sub-communities formed at each university.
• Local Sub-communities Created: Track the number of local Cardano sub-communities established within each university, with a focus on their activity levels and longevity.
• Blockchain Projects Initiated: We will monitor the number of student-led blockchain projects or initiatives developed, focusing on the use of Cardano technology to solve local challenges.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Measure the partnerships formed with local tech hubs, businesses, and blockchain communities, as well as internship and job opportunities provided to students.

2. Qualitative Metrics:

• Student Feedback: We will collect feedback from students and ambassadors regarding their learning experience, challenges faced, and improvements needed. This will help measure the educational impact and engagement levels.
• Case Studies: We will develop case studies of successful projects or innovations initiated by student ambassadors, showcasing how Cardano was used to address real-world issues.
• Community Growth: By tracking the vibrancy and activity within each sub-community, we can gauge the overall success of the grassroots Cardano movement within the universities.

3. Long-term Tracking:

• Ambassador Alumni: We will maintain contact with student ambassadors after they graduate to measure their continued involvement with Cardano, whether through employment, further studies, or personal projects.
• University Partnerships: Evaluate the sustainability of university partnerships and whether the tech departments continue to engage with the Cardano ecosystem by integrating blockchain into their curricula or research.

By using these methods, we will provide clear evidence of how the program has influenced students, universities, and the broader community, while showcasing the growth of Cardano adoption in East Africa.

-> Why this is important to Cardano.

This project is important to Cardano for several reasons:

1. Expanding Cardano’s Global Adoption:

The Cardano Student Ambassadors Program directly supports the growth of Cardano by educating and empowering a new generation of blockchain leaders in East Africa. By creating grassroots communities at universities, the program fosters a broader understanding of Cardano, leading to wider adoption of its technology across a region with immense potential for blockchain solutions.

2. Building Local Solutions with Cardano:

Africa, and particularly East Africa, faces unique challenges that can be addressed with decentralized technologies. By training students to understand and work with Cardano, we create a pipeline of local developers and innovators who will use the platform to create tailored blockchain-based solutions for issues such as financial inclusion, supply chain transparency, and governance.

3. Fostering Innovation in Cardano's Ecosystem:

Students are at the forefront of innovation. By engaging them through this program, we ensure that the next generation of developers, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts sees Cardano as their platform of choice for building projects. This will strengthen Cardano’s ecosystem with new applications, use cases, and projects developed by highly motivated young leaders.

4. Strengthening Cardano’s Reputation:

Positioning Cardano as a leading blockchain solution for education and innovation in Africa enhances its global reputation. By actively supporting educational initiatives, Cardano demonstrates its commitment to empowering underserved regions, fostering trust and loyalty in the communities it touches.

5. Supporting Cardano’s Long-Term Vision:

Cardano’s mission has always been about creating positive global change through decentralized technologies. This program aligns perfectly with that vision by providing knowledge, resources, and leadership to students who can drive social and economic change in their communities using blockchain technology. This ensures that Cardano not only grows in user base but also in real-world impact.

In summary, the Cardano Student Ambassadors Program serves as a strategic initiative to strengthen Cardano’s presence in a key region, drive innovation within its ecosystem, and empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of blockchain on Cardano.

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

The Cardano Student Ambassadors Program for East Africa will create a positive and lasting impact on the wider Cardano community through several key avenues:

1. Growing the Cardano User Base:

By educating students across multiple East African universities, we will introduce thousands of young people to Cardano. These students will not only learn about blockchain but also become active users of the Cardano ecosystem, driving adoption both locally and globally. The expansion of Cardano’s user base in a region with growing tech infrastructure is a significant benefit for the community.

2. Fostering Innovation on Cardano:

This program will empower students to develop innovative blockchain-based solutions using Cardano. By fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving, the program will lead to the creation of new use cases, projects, and applications built on the Cardano platform. These innovations will enrich the Cardano ecosystem, offering new tools, dApps, and services that could benefit the global community.

3. Strengthening Local Blockchain Communities:

The program’s sub-communities at universities will serve as local hubs for Cardano activity. These communities will organize events, share knowledge, and promote Cardano, creating a self-sustaining network of blockchain advocates and developers. This contributes to the Cardano ecosystem by embedding it deeply into the fabric of regional tech ecosystems.

4. Global Cardano Ecosystem Expansion:

By focusing on East Africa, we are positioning Cardano as a leading blockchain platform in a region that is critical for future global growth. The success of this program will build trust and loyalty to Cardano in Africa, opening doors for further collaborations, partnerships, and blockchain solutions across the continent. This helps Cardano expand its influence globally while aligning with its mission of financial inclusion.

-> Measuring Impact:

We will use both quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure the positive impact:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of student ambassadors trained: We will track how many students complete the ambassador program.
• Number of events held: Regular tracking of training sessions, workshops, hackathons, and meetups organized by student ambassadors.
• Number of students reached: We will record the number of participants engaged in events and workshops.
• Blockchain projects initiated: We will monitor the number of student-led Cardano projects and their impact on the local community.
• University sub-communities established: Track the number of local sub-communities created within universities and their activity levels.

-> Qualitative Metrics:

• Student feedback: We will gather feedback from students and ambassadors regarding the program’s value, learning outcomes, and suggestions for improvement.
• Case studies: We will develop case studies of successful projects and initiatives driven by students, showcasing how Cardano has been used to address local challenges.
• Community engagement: Monitor the vibrancy and activity within each sub-community and how they continue to collaborate and grow.

-> Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Open Source Repository: All educational materials, guides, and resources developed through the program will be shared openly on platforms like GitHub, under an MIT License. This will allow the broader Cardano community and other regions to replicate and adapt the program.
2. Regular Reports and Updates: We will publish regular reports on the program’s progress, metrics, and achievements through the Cardano forums and other communication channels, including the Project Catalyst platform. These reports will highlight key accomplishments, challenges, and case studies of student-led initiatives.
3. Collaboration with the Cardano Community: We will actively engage with the global Cardano community by participating in discussions, sharing experiences, and inviting experts to contribute to student-led events. Ambassadors will also be encouraged to join global Cardano events and initiatives to showcase their work.
4. Showcasing Innovation: Projects and use cases developed by the ambassadors and their university sub-communities will be highlighted on various Cardano platforms, such as forums, newsletters, and social media. This will give visibility to innovative solutions and provide opportunities for collaboration and scaling within the wider Cardano ecosystem.

-> Value to the Cardano Community:

The success of this project will bring tangible value to the Cardano community by expanding its global user base, fostering innovation through student-driven projects, and establishing strong local Cardano ecosystems in a key growth region. By empowering future leaders and developers, we are laying the groundwork for Cardano’s long-term success, both in East Africa and globally.

[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, specializes in the development of web, mobile and desktop applications.

We have over 18 developers in our team, and our community has over 200 active developers on our Telegram channel.

For 5 years, we have been actively involved in Cardano Blockchain. We have acquired solid experience in this field, working on projects related to blockchain, decentralization and web3 technology. Our team has the necessary skills to design and develop applications based on blockchain technologies such as Cardano. We are passionate about technological innovation and we are committed to contributing to the adoption of Cardano in French-speaking Africa with our expertise and relevant experience.

Our community plateform, Updev Community, which engages the French-speaking Cardano community with over 1,200 users and achieves more than 4,000 monthly unique visitors and 100,000+ annual views.

Our team members have been active in the Cardano community for 3 years now in different ways :

• Cardano Edustale stakepool website
• Co-host of the Cardano summit 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
• Organization of several meetings and conferences (https://meetup.com/cardano-blockchain-goma/events/293745133)
• Contribution to the development of projects integrating the Blockchain Cardano
• Development of smart contracts
• Hackathon in The east africa Universities
• Organization of live code training on web3 development (adaexchangeapp)
• Sharing content as a Cardano ambassador (https://forum.cardano.org/t/ambassador-stories-journal-35-eric-tsai-dan-baruka/116914)
• Contribution to OpenSource projects
• Social media with more 16k Members

Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Telegram, Youtube

• Link to the gallery of previous challenges we've completed:
• https://uptodatedevelopers.com/gallery/1/updev-challenge

• Link to the testimonials of the winners who took up the challenge

https://youtu.be/V9NsXTL7dPohttps://youtu.be/7pmCOGwZ8kYhttps://youtu.be/DszXmiPwhZo

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

Milestone 1: University Selection and Ambassador Recruitment

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Select at least 5 universities across East Africa.
• Recruit at least 10 student ambassadors from these universities and sign agreements with them.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Confirmation of university selections.
• Signed agreements with ambassadors, outlining their roles and responsibilities.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• List of selected universities.
• Signed agreements with recruited ambassadors, including their profiles and role descriptions.

Milestone 2: Ambassador Training and Material Providing

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Complete the training of ambassadors on Cardano and community-building.
• Provide open-source educational materials for ambassadors.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of training sessions with attendance logs.
• Publication of educational materials on an open-source platform.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Training reports and feedback from ambassadors.
• Links to the educational materials on GitHub or another repository.

Milestone 3: Organizing Events by Ambassadors

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Ambassadors organize a minimum of 10 blockchain events (workshops, meetups) at universities.
• Establish local Cardano sub-communities at each university.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• At least 50 cumulative student participants in these events.
• Evidence of active sub-community engagement.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Event reports with agendas, photos, videos, and attendance records.
• Documentation of sub-community creation (e.g., group chats, mailing lists).

Final Milestone : Assessment and Full Reporting to the Community

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Conduct an assessment of the program's impact.
• Compile a full report to share with the Cardano community.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Positive feedback from participants and ambassadors on the program’s impact.
• Public release of the final report on the program’s outcomes.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Impact assessment reports including surveys and case studies.
• Final report shared with the Cardano community through forums, social media, and GitHub.

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

1. AVAILABLE TEAM

• Dan Baruka

Project leader

CEO of Uptodate Developers. 

Entrepreneur and Blockchain developer, Dan baruka is a software engineer and technology entrepreneur based in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo). He is the co-founder of the startup Uptodate Developers, which brings together young people working in new information and communication technologies. Its objective is to contribute to positively change Africa by using new technologies in entrepreneurship to contribute to the resolution of Africa's problems.

Languages : French & English

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-baruka-6a3423188

• Josephine Ndeze (Training program manager)

Team Leader | Chef Operating Officer

COO at Uptodate Developers and Blockchain entrepreneur. Software engineer, Tech entrepreneur in Kinshasa (DR-Congo), Mandela washington fellowship Allumi 2022 | The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Ambassador (2019-2021) | MissGeekAfrca 2019.

Languages : French & English

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-ndeze-54115b188/?originalSubdomain=cd

Priscille Bampata

Regional project Coordinator at UPDEV | Administrative

Coordinator at Uptodate Developers, passionate about new information and communication technology, medicine and management.

Languages : French & English

https://cd.linkedin.com/in/priscille-bampata-1b4a76224

Vital yengayenga 

Community Manager | RS content strategy

Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, User Experience Design (UX), Copywriting, Copywriting, User Experience Writing, Content Strategy, Blog

Languages : French | English

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vital-yengayenga/

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2.TEAM TO HIRE

• Latouifa Fetafeta

Cameraman and videos producer.

Freelance Editor and cameraman at Nyiragongo Ngoma Production, SARL

Language : French 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/latouifa-fetafeta-b7ba49160/

• Blaise P. Irenge

Photojournalist and Corporate Consultant.

Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Skilled in Strategic Planning, Microsoft Office, Management, Business Strategy, and Marketing. Strong business development professional with a Certificat formation focused on Business and Entrepreneurship from Global Touch Corporate DRC. Professional photographe and consulting in Kivu Entrepreneurs.

Language : French & English

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaise-p-irenge-7b8b85133/

3.PARTNERSHIP TO SIGN

INGENIOUS CITY (For project evaluations)

Professional training and coaching

Ingenious City is an incubator platform and a co-working space which aims to bring together, in one place, all the actors of entrepreneurship in the DRC.

Language : French & English

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingenious-city/

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

Milestone 1: University Selection and Ambassador Recruitment

• Marketing and outreach: 4,500 ADA
• (Includes materials for online/offline recruitment campaigns and travel to universities for outreach.)
• Ambassador compensation: 1,500 ADA
• (Stipends for ambassadors helping with recruitment efforts.)
• Legal and administrative costs: 1,500 ADA
• (Covers drafting agreements with ambassadors and initial administrative tasks.)

Total for Milestone 1: 7,500 ADA

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Milestone 2: Ambassador Training and Material Providing

• Training and expert stipends: 9,500 ADA
• (Compensation for expert trainers and materials development for ambassadors.)
• Ambassador compensation: 2,000 ADA
• (Ambassadors will be compensated for their time during training and preparation.)
• Hosting educational materials: 500 ADA
• (Costs for hosting training materials on platforms accessible to all.)

Total for Milestone 2: 12,000 ADA

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Milestone 3: Organizing Events by Ambassadors (5 Events)

• Venue, catering, marketing: 11,000 ADA
• (Costs for renting venues, providing refreshments for up to 100 participants per event, and event promotions.)
• Ambassador and speaker compensation: 7,000 ADA
• (Includes stipends for ambassadors organizing events and fees for guest speakers.)
• Travel and sub-community setup: 1,000 ADA
• (Travel costs for ambassadors and setup costs for local sub-communities in universities.)

Total for Milestone 3: 19,000 ADA

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Milestone 4: Assessment and Full Reporting to the Community

• Impact assessment and reporting: 5,000 ADA
• (Costs associated with collecting feedback, impact analysis, and report generation.)
• Ambassador compensation for assessment: 3,000 ADA
• (Ambassadors involved in the assessment and reporting process will be compensated.)
• Publicizing outcomes: 2,000 ADA
• (Sharing outcomes with the broader Cardano community through reports and presentations.)

Total for Milestone 4: 10,000 ADA

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Project Management and Overheads

• Project manager: 9,000 ADA
• (Compensation for the project manager overseeing the entire program over six months.)
• Administrative costs: 4,000 ADA
• (Costs for legal, accounting, and other administrative tasks.)
• Miscellaneous/Contingency: 3,000 ADA
• (Reserved for unforeseen expenses.)

Total for Management and Overheads: 16,000 ADA

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Publicity, Marketing, and Community Engagement

• Marketing campaigns: 5,000 ADA
• (Costs for extensive social media campaigns, online ads, and outreach to attract participants.)
• Partnerships and outreach: 2,000 ADA
• (Efforts to build partnerships with local tech hubs and blockchain organizations.)

Total for Marketing and Engagement: 7,000 ADA

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Third-Party Services

• Legal services: 3,000 ADA
• (Legal support for documentation, permits, and contracts.)
• Accounting: 2,000 ADA
• (Accounting services for tracking and managing funds.)

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

The Cardano Student Ambassadors Program for East Africa offers strong value for money to the Cardano ecosystem in the following ways:

1. Long-Term Impact and Sustainability:

• The project creates lasting infrastructure within universities by establishing local sub-communities around Cardano. This grassroots approach ensures a continued return on investment long after the initial costs, as the ambassadors will carry the program forward, creating a multiplier effect for blockchain adoption.
• By training student leaders, the program builds a self-sustaining network of Cardano advocates and developers who will continue to engage with the ecosystem, fostering innovation and adoption in a high-potential region.

2. High Potential for Local Innovation:

• East Africa is a rapidly growing tech region, and the project targets universities where students are eager to engage with new technologies. This strategic investment in a young and tech-savvy population is likely to drive future Cardano-based projects that address regional challenges, thereby benefiting the wider ecosystem.
• By building a pipeline of future blockchain developers, the project supports Cardano's long-term growth and relevance in an emerging market.

3. Carefully Managed and Proportional Costs:

• The ambassador compensation and event-related costs are aligned with average wages in the region, ensuring fair remuneration while staying within reasonable project limits. The compensation is proportional to the responsibilities given to ambassadors and aligns with the typical freelance rates for community-building roles.
• The costs for events (venue, catering, and marketing) have been carefully estimated based on typical local rates, ensuring the project maximizes engagement without unnecessary overspending.
• The cost of legal, accounting, and administrative services has been benchmarked against typical industry standards, ensuring proper governance of the project without inflating expenses.

4. Scalability and Replicability:

• The program is designed to be easily scalable and replicable across other regions in Africa and beyond. Once successful in East Africa, the same model can be adapted and used in other parts of the world, giving Cardano a global presence.
• The educational materials and training resources developed will be open source, allowing other regions and communities to benefit from the project without incurring additional costs. This openness enhances the return on investment for Cardano.

5. Efficient Allocation of Resources:

• A significant portion of the budget is allocated to community-building efforts (ambassador recruitment, training, and event organization), ensuring that funds are directly invested in Cardano’s growth through education and engagement.
• The project also allocates resources to impact assessment and reporting, ensuring that the outcomes are measurable and transparent, which increases accountability and the likelihood of further investment if the project is successful.

In summary, the costs of this project are reasonable and proportional to the value it will generate for the Cardano ecosystem by expanding adoption in a high-growth region, building a pipeline of skilled blockchain talent, and fostering local innovation with Cardano technology. The long-term benefits and scalability of the project ensure a high return on investment.