Expanding the Ngong Road Cardano Blockchain Lab to Increase Community Engagements and Sustainability.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Victor Nthiwa

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Kelvin Thuku - Programmes Director at Ngong Road Children's Foundation

[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)

Expand the Cardano lab using shipping containers to accommodate more people during blockchain training and mentorships, hence significantly growing the Cardano ecosystem in Nairobi, Kenya.

[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.”

Ngong Road Children's Foundation (NRCF) will provide the space to stack the shipping containers for the new lab. The partnership is essential as no space costs will be incurred. Kelvin Thuku, the Programmes Director at NRCF will also offer his project management expertise to ensure the success of this new lab as it will benefit over 600 beneficiaries of the organization too. He has overseen a similar project before involving the creation of a resource center using shipping containers.

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

No

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

This project does not follow in the scope of projects that can be open source but the lab will be open to the general community through registrations that will help us track utilization for reporting purposes.

[METADATA] Horizons

Connected Community

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem: The current Ngong Road Cardano Blockchain Lab lacks the capacity to train more community members, hindering the growth of the Cardano ecosystem in Nairobi, Kenya.

Our Solution: We propose expanding the lab using modified shipping containers. This creates a dedicated, sustainable learning environment with:

• Increased Capacity: The additional space allows us to train significantly more people on blockchain technology (Over 50 people at atime).
• Enhanced Learning: A separate lab and hotspot area (library) provides a focused environment for education and research.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Solar power integration ensures a reliable learning space with minimal environmental impact.

Benefits:

• Community Engagement: Expanded training opportunities will increase blockchain literacy and equip participants with valuable skills. This fosters a vibrant Cardano community in Nairobi.
• Ecosystem Growth: A skilled local talent pool attracts developers and entrepreneurs to build on Cardano, contributing to the platform's overall growth.
• Sustainability Focus: The project emphasizes responsible resource management by utilizing recycled shipping containers and solar power.

Why it Matters:

• Empowering Communities: By providing accessible Cardano blockchain space, we empower individuals to participate in the decentralized future. This aligns with Cardano's mission of financial inclusion and fostering a global community.
• Building a Strong Foundation: A skilled local talent pool strengthens Cardano's presence in Africa, a region with immense potential for blockchain adoption.
• Sustainable Growth: We demonstrate Cardano's commitment to environmentally conscious development, attracting eco-conscious users and investors.

Measuring Impact: We will track our success through:

• Increased Training Participants: Monitor attendance and registrations to measure community engagement.

This unique solution combines innovative use of resources with a focus on community empowerment and environmental responsibility. By expanding the Ngong Road Cardano Blockchain Lab, we can significantly increase Cardano's reach and impact in Nairobi, contributing to a thriving global ecosystem.

• See a walk-through of the current lab.
• See a rendering of the proposed lab.

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

Expansion of the lab will enable increased community participation in the lab, contributing to the Cardano ecosystem's growth and a sustainable infrastructure. We will measure impact through tracking attendance, and skill development. Outputs will be shared via social media, newsletters, and community events.

[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?

With over four years of experience in IT and project management, I am well-equipped to manage the project. I have previously led successful initiatives in educational settings, ensuring the effective use of funds and resources. I've also been involved in a similar project to set up a student resource center at Ngong Road Children's Foundation, which was a success.

Also, the partner organization (NRCF), is a registered NGO in Kenya with an established governance structure having existed for more than 15 years. They are registered under the NGO Coordination Board and do annual filing including audited reports. The applicant and co-proposers have a strong existing partnership with the Ngong Road Children's Foundation (NRCF), with a proven track record of providing blockchain and Cardano educational and employment opportunities to underprivileged youth in our community.

kelvin Thuku, The Programmes Director has overseen a similar project and hence will be a valuable resource in ensuring the success of the lab expansion.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management:

• Transparency: We will provide regular progress reports detailing project milestones, and financial expenditures. These reports will be shared with Cardano community forums and relevant stakeholders.

• Fund/Budget Management: Funds will be managed through a designated Cardano wallet with multi-signature transaction approval. This ensures transparency and minimizes the risk of misuse.

• Guidance: We will use the NRCF financial team to help account for and manage the funds during the project.

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

Milestone 1:

Timeline: 1 month

Output: Prequalify contractor, up-to-date quotations, and scope of work agreements.

Acceptance Criteria: Contractor identified, up-to-date quotations and scope of work agreement that is within the budget.

Evidence: Contract and signed scope of work agreement.

Milestone 2:

Timeline: 1 month.

Output: Construction permits, equipment purchase, partial contractor payment, and ground setting begins.

Acceptance Criteria: Payment, purchase receipts, and ground foundation photos.

Evidence: Photographs, receipts, construction permit papers, and inspection reports.

Final Milestone 3:

Timeline 1 month

Output: Work completion, clear remaining contractor payment, and Launch.

Acceptance Criteria: Well-built lab as per the agreement with the contractor.

Evidence: Photographs, video, launch ceremony videos, payment receipt, and lab at-use photographs.

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

Victor Nthiwa - Project Lead

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• With over four years of experience in IT and project management, I am well-equipped to manage the project. I have previously led successful initiatives in educational settings, ensuring the effective use of funds and resources. I've also been involved in a similar project to set up a student resource center at Ngong Road Children's Foundation, which was a success.

Kelvin Thuku - Project Advisor

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• Kelvin Thuku, the Programmes Director at Ngong Road Children's Foundation, brings valuable expertise to the project, having overseen similar initiatives. His technical education background and leadership experience at the organization since 2020 make him a strong advocate for technology and blockchain.

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

Shipping containers and construction: 74,704 ADA

Furniture: 2,760 ADA

Storage cabinets: 713 ADA

Solar power: 12,789 ADA

Construction permits: 2,300 ADA

Logistics: 2,300 ADA

See the detailed budget breakdowns and quotations here.

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

The project represents value for money by utilizing sustainable practices and growing Cardano ecosystem in Kenya. Costs have been justified based on local market rates and supplier quotes, ensuring affordability and quality.