Empowering Ethiopian University Students: The Entire Crypto Space and Block chain Technology.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Yohanns Taye

[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)

12

[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)

Providing blockchain and crypto workshops, curriculum development & hands-on projects for Ethiopian university students, equipping them with skills to thrive in the digital economy & blockchain space.

[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.”

we will partner with local universities for access to students and educational infrastructure, and collaborate with blockchain platforms and industry experts for curriculum development and training resources.

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

Yes

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

All educational materials, curriculum, and workshop content will be open source, available under a Creative Commons license. This ensures free access to resources for anyone interested in blockchain education.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution addresses the lack of blockchain and crypto education among Ethiopian university students, a demographic with great potential to contribute to the growing digital economy. By providing tailored educational workshops, a well-structured curriculum, and hands-on projects, we aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with blockchain technology and the crypto space. 

We approach the problem by:

• Partnering with local universities to integrate blockchain education directly into existing academic structures.
• Collaborating with industry experts and blockchain platforms to ensure the curriculum is up-to-date and practical.
• Engaging students through interactive workshops, hackathons, and real-world projects to foster practical experience.

Our project will engage:

• University students across Ethiopia, specifically those in technology, business, and finance fields.
• Faculty members and educators who can further disseminate blockchain knowledge.
• Industry partners, particularly in the blockchain and crypto sectors, who can provide mentorship, internships, and project support.

We will demonstrate impact by:

• Tracking the number of students who complete the curriculum and participate in workshops.
• Monitoring the creation of blockchain-based projects by students.
• Gathering feedback from participants on their learning experience and practical outcomes.

The uniqueness of our solution lies in its focus on university students in Ethiopia, a market that has seen limited exposure to blockchain technology despite the country's rapid adoption of digital solutions. By equipping students with blockchain knowledge, we are not only empowering the next generation of developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators but also contributing to Cardano's mission of driving blockchain adoption and financial inclusion in Africa. This initiative will likely increase Cardano’s presence in the region as students begin to explore and build projects on the Cardano platform.

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

Our project will have a positive impact on the wider Cardano community by introducing a new generation of Ethiopian students to blockchain technology, with a focus on the Cardano ecosystem. By fostering blockchain education and innovation in a region where digital transformation is rapidly growing, we aim to contribute to Cardano’s mission of expanding financial inclusion and decentralized innovation, particularly in Africa.

Impact on the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Awareness and Adoption: Educating students about blockchain technology will organically grow the number of Cardano users, developers, and advocates in Ethiopi
2. New Projects and Developers: By equipping students with the skills to develop on the Cardano platform, we expect to see innovative projects, dApps, and startups emerge from this initiative, directly benefiting the Cardano ecosyste
3. Community Growth in Africa: This initiative aligns with Cardano’s commitment to driving adoption in Africa, increasing the presence and influence of Cardano across the continen

Measuring Impact:

We will measure both quantitative and qualitative outcomes:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of students completing the curriculum and participating in workshops.
• Number of blockchain projects or prototypes developed by students.
• Increase in local developer and user engagement with the Cardano blockchain (e.g., wallet downloads, smart contracts).
• Number of partnerships formed between Ethiopian institutions and Cardano-related entities.

  

Qualitative Metrics:

• Feedback from students and educators on their learning experience.
• Case studies of student-led projects that are developed post-training.
• Interviews or testimonials from participants showcasing how the program enhanced their understanding and engagement with blockchain.

Sharing Outputs:

• Open-Source Resources: All educational materials, workshop content, and curriculum will be open-source and shared through a public repository (e.g., GitHub) under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 4.0).
• Community Presentations and Reports: We will share progress reports, student projects, and program results with the wider Cardano community through forums like Cardano IdeaScale, social media channels, and community events.
• Collaborations: We will establish partnerships with existing blockchain communities, universities, and developers within Cardano to ensure continued knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities.

By educating future developers and innovators, this project will not only uplift Ethiopian students but also contribute directly to the growth, innovation, and adoption of the Cardano platform 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 capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability stems from our experienced team, established networks, and structured processes for managing funds and resources.

Existing Capabilities:

1.Experienced Team: Our team consists of professionals with backgrounds in blockchain technology, education, and project managemen

  

2.Established Networks: We have already built relationships with local universities, blockchain experts, and industry partners, which will facilitate access to resources, mentorship, and support for our initiative

3.Track Record: Our organization has successfully executed similar educational projects in the past, with measurable outcomes in student engagement and skill developmen

Feasibility Validation:

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

1.Pilot Program: Before launching the full initiative, we will conduct a pilot program at a select universit

2.Feedback Loops: We will establish mechanisms for continuous feedback from students, educators, and industry partners throughout the project lifecycl

3.Partnership Commitments: We will formalize partnerships with universities and industry stakeholders through memorandums of understanding (MOUs), ensuring commitment to the program’s goals and resource

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management:

Transparent Budgeting: We will create a detailed budget outlining all expected costs and funding allocation

Regular Reporting: We will provide monthly progress reports to the funding body and stakeholders, detailing expenditures, milestones achieved, and any challenges encountere

Independent Audits: At the end of the project, we will engage an independent auditor to review our financial management and project outcome

By leveraging our existing capabilities, validating our approach through a pilot program, and implementing strict financial management processes, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project successfully and responsibly.

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

Curriculum Development and Partnerships Established

Objective: Develop a comprehensive blockchain and crypto curriculum and formalize partnerships with local universities and industry experts.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of a structured curriculum covering foundational to advanced blockchain topics.
• Signed MOUs with at least three universities and two industry partners outlining collaboration details.
• Feedback received from partners and educators on the curriculum content.

Pilot Program Launch

Objective: Conduct a pilot program at a selected university, including workshops and hands-on projects.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful completion of at least three workshops with a minimum of 30 students participating.
• Collection of participant feedback through surveys to assess the effectiveness of the training.
• Documented pilot outcomes, including student engagement and project ideas generated.

 Full Program Implementation

Objective: Roll out the full educational program across partnered universities, including additional workshops, hackathons, and mentorship opportunities.

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least five workshops conducted across different universities, reaching a minimum of 100 students in total.
• Successful execution of one hackathon event, resulting in at least three student-led blockchain projects.
• Collection of qualitative feedback from students and mentors regarding the program's effectiveness.

Ongoing Community Engagement and Project Development

Objective: Foster ongoing engagement within the student community and support the development of projects initiated during the program.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Establishment of a student blockchain community that continues activities and collaboration beyond the initial program.
• Support for at least three student-led projects, including mentorship and resources provided by industry partners.
• Creation of a public showcase event for students to present their projects to the community and industry stakeholders.

Project Close-out Report and Video

Objective: Finalize documentation and share the project outcomes with the Cardano community.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Submission of a comprehensive project close-out report detailing all milestones, impact, and financial expenditures.
• Release of a video summarizing the project journey, participant testimonials, and overall impact on the Cardano community.

These milestones will provide a structured framework for tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and demonstrating the project's success to stakeholders and the Cardano community.

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

Project Team

1.Yohanns Taye

  Role: Project Manager  

  Responsibilities: Oversee project execution, coordinate team efforts, manage partnerships, and ensure timelines and deliverables are met.  

   

2.Nesredin Awel  

  Role: Educational Content Creator  

  Responsibilities: Design and develop the blockchain and crypto curriculum, including workshop materials and assessments.  

 

3.Tsion Solomon 

  Role: Outreach and Networking  

  Responsibilities: Engage with universities, industry partners, and students; organize events and workshops; gather feedback.  

  

4.Semere Talegngeta  

  Role: Blockchain Expert  

  Responsibilities: Provide expertise on blockchain technology, assist in curriculum development, and mentor students on technical projects.  

5.Tsegaye Talegngeta  

  Role: Impact Measurement Specialist  

  Responsibilities: Develop metrics for measuring project outcomes, analyze data, and compile reports on project impact and success.  

 

Recruitment Needs

We plan to recruit additional team members with the following skills:

• Instructors: Experienced educators with knowledge in blockchain technology and experience in teaching complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Graphic Designer: For creating engaging educational materials and promotional content for workshops and community events.
• Community Managers: To facilitate student engagement, manage social media channels, and foster an ongoing blockchain community.

Engagement with Relevant Members

We have initiated contact with the following stakeholders:

• Local Universities: Engaged with representatives from three universities interested in collaborating on the program. They have expressed willingness to support curriculum integration and student participation.
• Industry Experts: We have connected with several blockchain professionals via LinkedIn and in technical community channels (e.g., Discord, Telegram) who are willing to provide mentorship and support.
• Cardano Community: Active participation in Cardano Discord channels to network with other developers and community members for potential partnerships and resources.

Transparency and Consent

All team members listed have consented to their inclusion in this proposal and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We are committed to maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed of progress and outcomes. 

This team structure, coupled with established connections and recruitment plans, demonstrates our capability to deliver the project effectively and responsibly.

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

The total budget for the project is 145,000 ADA. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with various aspects of the proposal:

Curriculum Development: 

  We will allocate 30,000 ADA for the design and creation of a comprehensive blockchain and cryptocurrency curriculum. This includes educational materials, online resources, and assessments tailored to the Ethiopian context.

Instructor Fees: 

  To bring in qualified educators and industry experts, we will budget 40,000 ADA for instructor fees. This covers payments for guest lecturers, workshop leaders, and mentors who will guide students through the learning process.

Workshop Materials: 

  We plan to spend 15,000 ADA on printing and distributing workshop materials, including handouts, workbooks, and instructional resources. This ensures all participants have access to high-quality materials during the training sessions.

Community Engagement Activities: 

  For organizing community events, including workshops and hackathons, we will allocate 20,000 ADA. This budget will cover venue rentals, food, supplies, and logistics needed to create an engaging and interactive environment for participants.

Marketing and Promotion: 

  We will dedicate 10,000 ADA to marketing efforts, which include creating promotional materials, social media campaigns, and outreach initiatives to attract students and industry partners to the program.

Technical Advisory Services: 

  We plan to engage with blockchain consultants for technical guidance, budgeting 5,000 ADA for these advisory services. This ensures that our curriculum and projects are aligned with the latest trends and technologies in the blockchain space.

Data Analysis Tools: 

  We will allocate 5,000 ADA for software licenses and tools necessary for data collection and analysis, enabling us to measure the impact of our training and community engagement effectively.

Travel Expenses: 

  To facilitate meetings and collaboration with partners, we estimate 5,000 ADA for travel costs. This includes transportation for team members to attend events and meet stakeholders.

Project Management Tools: 

  We will set aside 3,000 ADA for project management software subscriptions to help streamline communication and keep the project organized.

Documentation and Reporting: 

  For compiling final reports, creating videos, and documenting project outcomes, we plan to allocate 5,000 ADA. This will ensure transparency and provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Contingency Fund: 

  To account for unexpected expenses, we will reserve 7,000 ADA as a contingency fund, which is about 5% of the total budget.

Third-Party Products and Services

We may utilize third-party products such as educational software platforms and online collaboration tools to enhance the curriculum. These services will be budgeted under the appropriate line items, like software licenses for data analysis and project management tools.

Alternative Funding Sources

If the total project cost exceeds the requested funding, we will explore additional funding options such as:

• Collaborations with universities willing to co-fund the program.
• Seeking sponsorship from local or international blockchain companies interested in supporting educational initiatives.
• Applying for local grants dedicated to technology and education.

Fund Management

To ensure responsible management of funds, we will implement:

• Regular financial tracking and reporting to stakeholders.
• Monthly budget reviews to monitor spending against the allocated budget.
• An independent audit at the end of the project to validate financial management and ensure transparency.

This comprehensive budget reflects our commitment to delivering the project effectively while adhering to the guidelines and eligibility rules set forth by the Catalyst funding program.

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

The total budget of 145,000 ADA for the project “Empowering Ethiopian University Students in Blockchain Technology” represents a significant investment in building a strong foundation for blockchain education in Ethiopia, which ultimately contributes to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. Here’s how the costs justify value for money:

Strategic Investment in Education: 

  By focusing on educating a new generation of students about blockchain technology, this project aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that can contribute to the Cardano ecosystem. With the increasing demand for blockchain developers and enthusiasts, investing in education ensures that Cardano benefits from a growing base of informed users, developers, and advocates. This initiative aligns with Cardano’s mission of expanding financial inclusion and decentralized innovation, particularly in Africa.

Justifiable Costs: 

• Instructor Fees: The cost of 40,000 ADA for instructor fees reflects the need for high-quality education. These fees are consistent with typical freelance rates for blockchain professionals in the region and internationally, which can range from $50 to $200 per hour depending on expertise. The investment in experienced educators ensures that students receive valuable insights and practical knowledge.
• Curriculum Development: The 30,000 ADA allocated for curriculum development includes not only the creation of educational materials but also the incorporation of real-world applications and hands-on projects. This investment is crucial for providing a robust learning experience that prepares students for the workforce.
• Community Engagement Activities: With 20,000 ADA set aside for community engagement, we are creating spaces for collaboration and networking, which are essential for fostering innovation. Events like hackathons and workshops stimulate local interest and participation in the blockchain space.

Long-Term Impact: 

  The project is designed not just for immediate outcomes but for sustained impact within the community. By nurturing local talent and encouraging the development of blockchain projects, we are creating an ecosystem that can lead to long-term growth. As these students become professionals, they will contribute to the Cardano ecosystem by building decentralized applications (dApps), participating in governance, and advocating for the use of Cardano within their communities.

Measurable Outcomes: 

  We will track the effectiveness of our investment through various metrics, such as the number of students trained, the projects developed, and feedback received. This quantitative and qualitative assessment will provide evidence of the project’s success and its contribution to the Cardano ecosystem.

Collaboration and Partnerships: 

  The project leverages partnerships with local universities and industry experts, maximizing the impact of every ADA spent. Collaborating with established educational institutions helps ensure the sustainability of the program and provides students with additional resources and opportunities for networking.

Cost-Effectiveness: 

  The overall project budget reflects a careful analysis of local costs and the typical expenses associated with educational initiatives in Ethiopia. By utilizing local resources and expertise, we aim to minimize costs while maximizing impact.

In conclusion, the funding requested for this project represents a strategic investment in the future of blockchain technology in Ethiopia, ultimately enhancing the Cardano ecosystem. The costs are proportional to the value they bring, ensuring that each ADA spent contributes to developing a knowledgeable community that can leverage Cardano's capabilities and further its mission in Africa.