Empowering University Students Through Cardano and Blockchain Education

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Surafel Desalegn

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

3

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

No

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

Create an engaging, accessible educational program that teaches adults the fundamentals of blockchain and Cardano, empowering them to understand & use these technologies in their lives and careers.

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

Yes

[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.”

Yes we have received permission to teach at Kotebe University of education and also two high schools. This dependency is essential because it allow us to access the necessary resources, facilities and student engagement required to effectively deliver the educational program on Cardano and blockchain. Having institutional support enhances credibility and ensures alignment with the schools goals, making the project more impactful for the adult learners.

[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

We will make the projects outputs will be fully open source, this means all educational materials, resources & course content will be publicly accessible for anyone to modify, share & enhance. By adopting an open-source approach, we encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing & innovation, allowing others to build upon our work and adapt it for their own educational contexts, we also have a plan to share it in a telegram group as a pdf so everyone can understand it easily at anytime.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Blockchain technology, decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly significant in the global financial landscape. Which there is noticeable gap in educational resources that cater to high school and university students, leaving them unprepared to engage with these emerging technologies. Current educational systems rarely cover blockchain or cryptocurrency related concepts, resulting in lack of foundational knowledge that can hinder students future participation in these industries.

The project aims to bridge the gap by providing comprehensive educational platform designed specifically for high school and university students. Our goal is to empower these young adults with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, utilize and innovate within blockchain ecosystems, particularly within Cardano.

Approach

We have chosen to address this issue by developing a multi faceted, interactive platform that combines theoretical lessons and real world applications of cryptocurrency concepts. This approach is grounded in research that shows students retain knowledge more effectively when actively engaged through experiential learning methods.

Our plan will feature:

1. Interactive Blockchain Trial: These modules will allow students to engage directly with blockchain technology through simulated transactions and other blockchain based activities. By simulating real world blockchain applications, students will gain practical experience in a controlled, risk free environment.
2. Cardano Specific Educational Content: Detailed lessons on Cardano unique blockchain architecture, staking mechanisms, governance model and other foundational topics. This will provide students with solid understanding of what makes Cardano distinct from other blockchain networks.
3. Financial Literacy Lessons: Given the importance of understanding finance alongside blockchain, we will also include modules that cover key financial literacy topics such as decentralized finance, cryptocurrency trading basics and the impact of blockchain on traditional financial systems.
4. Open source Platform: Our platform will be open source, allowing educational institutions and independent learners to access, contribute and expand the project according to their needs. This openness will foster collaboration and ensure that the platform remains a dynamic, evolving resource for cardano community.

Target Audience:

• High School and University Students: Our primary audience, who will use the platform to gain foundational and advanced knowledge of blockchain technology and its applications.
• Educators: Secondary users, who will utilize the platform as a teaching tool to supplement existing curriculums or integrate it into new blockchain-focused courses.

Demonstrating :

To measure and demonstrate impact of our project, we will implement the following strategie:

1. Quantitative Metrics: We will track the number of users, course completions. This data will provide insight into how effectively the training is reaching and educating our target audience.
2. Qualitative Feedback: We will collect feedback through surveys and interviews with students, educators. This feedback will help us understand the strengths and areas of improvement for the Course and training.
3. Educational Partnerships: We will partner with educational institutions to diversify courses into their curriculums, this will serve as measure of our projects adoption.

Overall we aim to become the best educational resource for high school and university students interested in blockchain, preparing the to contribute meaningfully to the Cardano ecosystem and the broader blockchain community.

Unique Solution

What make us unique is that we already have a permission and a collaboration with the Kotebe Universtiy of Education and also one of the team member is a department head and also we have access to high schools this lead us to accomplish our goal easily, This educational methods ensures comprehensive engagement and retention.

Who Benefits

• Highschool students: students starting from grade 9 to 12 will gain early exposure defi and and blockchain and technological concepts that will shape the future digital economies.
• University Students: Like accounting, marketing and more specifically computer science and software engineering Students which are so near to the work they will benefit and have a good know from it and makes them ready to digital economy
• Educators: Gain a valuable resource to teach related things about blockchain in a simple and easily way for the future.
• Cardano Ecosystem: Benefits from the early adoptors and understanding of Cardanos blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem by the next generation probably some future millionaires.

Why this is Important to Cardano

The project is important to Cardano because it prepares the upcoming generation for engaging with blockchain technology, specifically Cardano. Educating Specifically IT students like Computer science and Software engineering students at the way to their finishing line will help on the benefits of decentralized finance, smart contracts and the importance of security aligns with Cardano mission of making blockchain technology more accessible and widely adoptable.

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

Impact on Cardano Community:

1. Enhanced Student Knowledge: Improved understanding of Cardano blockchain, We provides high school and university students with solid foundation in blockchain technology and the Cardano ecosystem, empowering them to make informed choices in their career paths.
2. Increased Engagement: Interactive learning modules and hands on simulations capture students interest how decentralization and blockchain works, attracting new users and keeping them engaged with Cardano, thereby cultivating motivated community.
3. Future Innovators: By equipping GC students with essential skills, nurtures the next generation of developers and innovators who will contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Increased Awareness and Understanding: By introducing blockchain technology and Cardanos ecosystem to high school students, we will raise awareness of these technologies. This will increase the overall understanding of blockchain within the broader community and encourage students to explore careers in the blockchain industry.

Impact Measurement

Quantitative Metrics: Number of participants in each session by department. Increase in user activity on Cardano forums and social media after the program.

1. Checking there Cardano knowledge through post event quizzes and bonus based quizzes
2. By checking who have come to the finishing line
3. Analyze the growth in user activity on Cardano forums and social media platforms following educational initiatives.

Qualitative Metrics:

1. User Feedback Surveys: Conduct surveys to gather insights on students learning experiences and perceived knowledge gains.
2. Discussion Analysis: Evaluate online community discussions for sentiment and engagement related to Cardano technology and applications.
3. Growth of Student: follow up of student meetups or projects focused on Cardano and blockchain topics via social media and others.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We will actively share the outputs and opportunities of the our project with the wider Cardano community and beyond through the following channels:

1. Open source Release: The educational modules will be released as open source projects on platforms like Telegram group. This will allow other developers and educational institutions to adapt, modify or extend the course for their specific needs.
2. Educational Partnerships: We will work with educational institutions and community centers to diversify and to train more students and also offering it as a summer course education in more institutions.
3. Community Events: We plan to host workshops, webinars, and interactive sessions to showcase the overview of the training and gather feedback. These events will serve as an opportunity to engage with the community, share knowledge and explore new use cases for the platform.
4. Social Media and Marketing Campaigns: We will leverage social media to reach broader audience, share project progress,and highlight success stories. These campaigns will help drive interest in both the educational content and the broader Cardano ecosystem.

[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 is uniquely positioned to execute this project, combining expertise in educational content creation and project management. Each member brings specialized skills and proven track record of successfully managing similar initiatives both in the education sector and within blockchain ecosystems. This diverse experience equips us to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability.

1. Surafel Desalegn Our Project lead and Social media manager and Trainer is Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate(CBCA) and experienced project manager with years of experience in the crypto space and first Degree in Business Management he is responsible for overall project coordination, preparing the training materials, budget management and communication also had great experience in blockchain technologies and crypto space and also dedicated to advocating for blockchain education.
2. Samuel Alemu our Lecturer at Kotebe University of Education with strong background in Information Technology and passion for technology and problem solving. He has over 10 years of experience across academic and industry sectors, contributing significantly to the advancement of IT and educational technology. He holds a Masters Degree in Information Systems and has been serving as a lecturer and the Registrar & Systems Deputy Director at Kotebe University of Education for the past six years. His professional expertise encompasses systems administration, web development and the creation of content management systems. Additionally he has deep understanding of e-learning management systems, enabling him to effectively implement and manage digital learning platforms beside the physical teaching. He is enthusiastic about contributing his skills and experience to new opportunities and projects, continually seeking ways to leverage his knowledge to make a positive impact.
3. Amanuel Elias is a Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) with years of experience in the crypto space. as a community leader in Ethiopia, he is dedicated to advocating for blockchain education and fostering a knowledgeable future. With verified certifications from Udacity in Android Development and Data Analysis, he has been actively engaged in the blockchain ecosystem and the Cardano community through various projects over the years. commitment to empowering others through education and innovation reflects his passion for the transformative potential of blockchain technology.

Feasibility Validation:

• Proven Experience: We have successfully managed and delivered similar educational training in the past. Our portfolio aimed at simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences, ensuring we have a proven track record in project delivery.
• Partnerships: We are already in discussions with other universities and schools who are eager to integrate blockchain learning into their curriculums, which ensures the demand for our educational materials and increases the chances of adoption.

Trust and Accountability

To ensure transparency and responsible fund management

• Milestones and Reporting: We will provide regular updates to the Cardano community and Project Catalyst reporting progress on each milestone. This includes sharing our plans, feedback received from users with blockchain experience and details on the number of products delivered.
• Detailed Budget Tracking: We will use detailed financial tracking tools to ensure that all funds are allocated as outlined in our budget plan. Regular audits and reports will be made available to Project Catalyst and backers.

Our combined experience, clear planning and commitment to transparency and community engagement ensure that we are well positioned to deliver this project effectively and with high levels of trust and accountability.

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

Project Milestones

M1: Preparation and Promotion (Weeks 1-2)

• Finalize event structure, including dates, venues and participant registration process.
• Confirm lecturers and their seminar topics with schedule.
• Design and launch promotional materials and marketing campaign across social media and inside the university if other students want to invite from outside.
• Deliverables: Event schedule, promotional materials, confirmed lecturers and initial social media promotions.

M2: Awareness and Initial Engagement (Weeks 3-4)

• Launch an awareness campaign highlighting the importance of blockchain and Cardano.
• Host the first seminar covering blockchain fundamentals and Cardanos ecosystem.
• Collaborate with university departments to maximize outreach to students.
• Deliverables: Seminar video, student signup sheets, feedback reports and social media engagement data.

Final Milestone: Advanced Learning and Networking (Weeks 5-12)

• Conduct advanced seminars on topics like Cardanos Proof of Stake mechanism, DeFi and smart contracts.
• Host technical workshops for hands on training in Cardano wallets and dApps.
• Organize networking events, competitions for dApp ideas and final hackathon for prototype development.
• Deliverables: Recorded seminar and workshop content, participant evaluations, project proposals, hackathon submissions and a final report summarizing lessons learned and participant feedback.

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

• Mr. Surafel Desalegn Project leader, Content Creator

,event organizing and cordinator, Content creator, Budget manager and Trainer

• Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/ surafel-405714191
• Mr. Samuel Alemu Cordinator and Trainer
• Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-alemu-4b6370138
• Mr. Amanuel Elias Technical Lead and Content creator
• Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/amanuel-elias-858113235

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

Cost Breakdown for Teaching Program ₳45,000 *

0.35= $15,750

1. Personnel Costs (₳11428.57)

• Lecturers/Speakers: ₳5714
• Project Coordinator: ₳5714

2. Marketing and Promotion (₳10000)

• Promotional Materials: ₳4285
• Design and printing of posters, flyers and digital graphics.
• Social Media Advertising: ₳5714
• Targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to reach students.

3. Venue and Equipment (₳14285)

• Venue Rentals: ₳7285
• Costs for renting seminar rooms and spaces for workshops (estimated $850/venue for the events including the last hackathon).
• Audio/Visual Equipment/Transport: ₳6285
• Rental of microphones, speakers, projectors and other necessary tech for presentations.
• Refreshments: ₳1428
• Light snacks and drinks for seminars and workshops.

4. Materials and Resources (₳5714)

• Learning Materials: ₳2857
• Purchase of notebooks, pens and markers educational resources
• Technical Guides and Handouts: ₳1714
• Printing and distributing materials for workshops.
• Certificates and Prizes: ₳1428
• Costs for participant certificates and prizes for competitions.

5. Contingency Fund (₳2857)

• Unexpected Expenses: ₳2857
• Reserved for any unforeseen costs that may arise during the program

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

Our proposed project offers significant value for money by strategically allocating resources towards content creation, event coordination . Our budget is carefully structured to maximize impact, ensure the delivery of high quality educational materials and establish strong foundation for future expansion. The proposed teaching program represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem, justifying its ₳45,000 (approximately $15750) budget through carefully considered expenditures that align with industry standards and the strategic goals of the ecosystem.

1. Personnel Costs (₳11,428.57)

• Lecturers/Speakers (₳5,714.29) and Project Coordinator (₳5,714.29):
• The average freelance rate for industry professionals in education and technology in our region typically ranges from ₳1,000 to ₳2,000 per day. The compensation allocated here reflects competitive rates that ensure high quality expertise and effective program management. Engaging experienced speakers will enhance the learning experience, attracting more participants and fostering community growth.

2. Marketing and Promotion (₳10,000)

• Promotional Materials (₳4,285.71) and Social Media Advertising (₳5,714.29):
• Effective marketing is crucial to reach the target audience, especially in the tech guys demographics of Cardano users. The budget for targeted ads is based on industry benchmarks for digital marketing, ensuring that the program gains maximum visibility. With an estimated reach that aligns with similar successful campaigns, this investment is expected to yield high returns in participant engagement.

3. Venue and Equipment (₳14,285.71)

• Venue Rentals (₳7,285.71) and Audio/Visual Equipment (₳6,285.71):
• Venue costs are based on local market rates, ensuring that we secure appropriate spaces that can accommodate expected attendance. The allocation for A/V equipment covers necessary technology to enhance presentations, contributing to a professional atmosphere conducive to learning. High quality venues and equipment not only facilitate better learning outcomes but also enhance the overall experience, encouraging future participation in Cardano-related events.

4. Materials and Resources (₳5,714.29)

• Learning Materials (₳2,857.14), Technical Guides (₳1,714.29), and Certificates (₳1,428.57):
• These resources are essential for providing participants with tangible takeaways and reinforcing learning. The costs are aligned with average prices for educational materials, ensuring that participants receive valuable resources that they can utilize beyond the program.

5. Contingency Fund (₳2,857.14)

• Unexpected Expenses (₳2,857.14):
• Allocating a contingency fund is a standard practice in project management, ensuring flexibility to accommodate unforeseen costs. This demonstrates prudent financial planning, minimizing potential disruptions that could impact the program’s success.

Conclusion

Overall costs associated with this teaching program are not only justified but are strategically aligned with the objectives of the Cardano ecosystem. The investment in personnel, marketing, venue, and materials is designed to maximize impact and engagement, ultimately promoting the growth and adoption of Cardano. This approach ensures that every ada spent contributes meaningfully to the community and its objectives, demonstrating clear value for money.