[Proposal setup] Proposal title
Please provide your proposal title
Empowering Ethiopia with Cardano: Engaging Video Education
[Proposal Summary] Budget Information
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
32000
[Proposal Summary] Time
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
8
[Proposal Summary] Translation Information
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement
What is the problem you want to solve?
Cardano education in Ethiopia is slow, text heavy, and not engaging. Content fails to keep pace with fast ecosystem updates, leaving newcomers uninformed and unmotivated.
[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation
Supporting links
[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
All video content will be fully accessible under a Creative Commons license. This will encourage collaboration, allowing others to modify and enhance our content for broader reach.
[Theme Selection] Theme
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Translation
[Campaign Category] Category Questions
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.
Target Audience & Impact
- Who we target: Ethiopian youth, students, entrepreneurs, and first-time blockchain users.
- How we reach them: By creating short, engaging videos in Amharic and Afaan Oromo, shared on YouTube, TikTok, and X, making Cardano concepts simple and accessible.
- Why it matters for Cardano: Ethiopia has one of Africa’s largest youth populations and a rapidly growing digital economy. Educating this audience supports adoption, empowers local innovators, and strengthens Cardano’s global ecosystem.
Provide a list of key activities of your project?
- Research & Scriptwriting: Prepare scripts in Amharic and Afaan Oromo to make content simple and relevant.
- Video Production: Produce 60 short-form videos, each 3–5 minutes long, with editing, motion graphics, and subtitles.
- Distribution: Share videos on YouTube, TikTok, X, and local Telegram/WhatsApp groups to reaching 1000+ people.
- Community Outreach: Conduct small workshops with students and tech hubs.
- Impact Tracking: Collect engagement data, feedback, and submit reports to measure reach and adoption.
What are your success metrics?
- Video Engagement: Views, likes, shares, and comments on all 60 videos across YouTube, TikTok, and X.
- Language Accessibility: All videos completed in Amharic and Afaan Oromo with accurate subtitles/voiceovers.
- Audience Reach: Growth in social media followers, and activity in Telegram and WhatsApp groups.
- Workshop Participation: Number of attendees and engagement in community sessions.
- Knowledge Uptake: Positive feedback on clarity and usefulness of Cardano content.
- Project Completion: Delivery of 60 professionally edited videos with motion graphics and a close-out report.
[Your Project and Solution] Solution
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Ethiopia is home to a vibrant and growing youth population, with approximately 56 million young people, representing over 40% of the total population. This demographic is highly energetic, digitally curious, and eager to engage with emerging technologies. Despite this potential, access to blockchain education remains limited. Existing resources are often overly technical, presented in foreign languages, or updated too quickly for newcomers to follow. Consequently, many young Ethiopians are missing opportunities to participate in the Cardano ecosystem and the broader digital economy. This lack of accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant educational content represents a significant barrier to Cardano adoption in Ethiopia.
To address this challenge, our project proposes the creation of 60 short form videos, each 3–5 minutes long, delivered in Amharic and Afaan Oromo, Ethiopia’s most widely spoken languages. These videos will break down key blockchain concepts, including staking, governance, decentralized applications, and practical steps for participation into clear, engaging, and culturally relevant formats. By incorporating professional motion graphics, narration, and subtitles, the content will be accessible to youth with diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring that technical concepts are easily understood.
Our approach emphasizes localization, cultural alignment, and accessibility. The content will be distributed via YouTube, TikTok, X, and local community platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp, reaching youth both online and offline. Additionally, we will organize small workshops in universities, tech hubs, and youth centers to provide direct engagement opportunities, reinforcing understanding and enabling real-time feedback. This feedback loop will allow us to iteratively improve content, ensuring maximum relevance and engagement for the target audience.
All videos will be licensed under Creative Commons, ensuring long-term accessibility and reusability. Educators, developers, and community members will be able to adapt, remix, and share the content freely, extending the project’s impact well beyond the initial production period. This approach ensures sustainability, a key consideration for Cardano Fund reviewers, and positions the project as a lasting resource for the Ethiopian community.
The project is designed to directly align with Cardano’s ecosystem goals. By educating Ethiopia’s youth, many of whom are entering the workforce, universities, or digital entrepreneurship initiatives, we cultivate future participants in staking, governance, and decentralized applications. This engagement contributes to Cardano’s decentralization, adoption, and long-term ecosystem growth, supporting both local and global objectives.
By using multiple languages, culturally relevant examples, and interactive engagement strategies, we ensure inclusivity across Ethiopia’s diverse youth population. The dual-language approach (Amharic and Afaan Oromo) maximizes accessibility, while English subtitles allow for international visibility and replication in other regions.
This project is designed to be scalable and replicable. The content production model and engagement strategy can be adapted to additional African countries and languages, creating a broader continental impact for Cardano adoption. By combining innovative delivery methods, measurable KPIs, community feedback loops, and sustainable open-source content, our solution demonstrates a high likelihood of success, trustworthiness, and long-term value for the Cardano ecosystem.
In summary, this project addresses a pressing educational gap, engages a large and digitally active youth population, and empowers young Ethiopians to participate in Cardano’s ecosystem. Its unique combination of localization, accessibility, interactivity, and sustainability ensures that it delivers meaningful impact, measurable outcomes, and long-lasting benefits. By investing in Ethiopia’s youth through accessible blockchain education, Cardano can secure an engaged, informed, and active community of users and contributors in one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets.
[Your Project and Solution] Impact
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
This project aims to expand Cardano adoption and ecosystem participation among Ethiopia’s youth, who number approximately 56 million, representing a significant portion of the country’s population. By producing short-form educational videos in Amharic and Afaan Oromo, we intend to make blockchain concepts accessible and relatable, helping young people understand and engage with Cardano’s ecosystem, including staking, governance, and decentralized applications.
Value to the Cardano Community:
- The project builds a knowledgeable user base in Ethiopia, supporting Cardano’s mission to foster global adoption.
- By targeting youth, we encourage long-term participation in the ecosystem, including potential roles as community voters, developers, and project contributors.
- Openly licensed content allows educators, developers, and community members to adapt and reuse resources, amplifying impact beyond the initial audience.
- The project aligns with Project Catalyst goals, creating opportunities for collaboration, local engagement, and ecosystem growth.
Measuring Impact:
1, Quantitative Metrics:
- Video Reach: Aim for 100,000+ cumulative views across YouTube, TikTok, X, and local messaging platforms.
- Engagement Metrics: Track 3,000+ interactions (likes, shares, comments) to measure audience response.
- Participation: Conduct 500+ workshop or live engagement sessions in universities, tech hubs, and youth centers.
- Content Reuse: Monitor downloads, adaptations, and distribution of videos by educators and community members.
2, Qualitative Metrics:
- Collect participant feedback via surveys and polls to assess knowledge gain and content clarity.
- Conduct interviews and follow-ups to evaluate behavioral outcomes, such as setting up wallets, staking ADA, or exploring Cardano-based applications.
- Analyze social media comments and discussions to gauge community perception and interest.
Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:
- All 60 videos will be published on YouTube, TikTok, and X with Creative Commons licensing, ensuring open access.
- Workshop insights, survey results, and lessons learned will be compiled in a Close-Out Report, shared via Project Catalyst forums, social media, and partner organizations.
- Youth will be informed of Cardano governance, hackathon, and developer opportunities, encouraging continued participation beyond the project lifecycle.
By combining quantitative reach and engagement metrics with qualitative learning and behavior assessments, the project ensures that its contribution to the Cardano ecosystem is visible, measurable, and actionable, supporting sustainable growth and youth empowerment in Ethiopia.
[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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?
I bring a combination of experience, technical skill, and accountability that positions me to successfully deliver this project. I previously managed a YouTube channel where I published 22 educational videos, gaining hands-on experience in content creation, video editing, audience engagement, and platform optimization. While these videos were posted three years ago, the experience provided me with a solid foundation in producing content that is clear, engaging, and shareable. My past videos can be viewed here https://youtube.com/@abyssiniaairdropsmoney8529?si=8DXpryZKHV3dn7Ia.
I am proficient with professional video editing and motion graphics tools, including Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Canva, allowing me to deliver high-quality, visually appealing videos tailored for social media platforms. My understanding of the Cardano ecosystem enables me to simplify complex blockchain topics such as staking, governance, and decentralized applications, making them accessible to Ethiopian youth in Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
To ensure project feasibility and accountability, I have structured a clear milestone-based workflow:
- Planning & Script Development: Finalizing scripts and video outlines with clear learning objectives.
- Production & Quality Assurance: Creating and reviewing videos to meet professional and educational standards.
- Fund Management: Maintaining a transparent budget tracking system with documentation and receipts for all expenditures.
- Progress Reporting: Sharing milestone achievements, links to published videos, and periodic updates to ensure transparency.
Additionally, I will engage mentors and freelance collaborators as needed to enhance motion graphics and video quality. Potential risks, such as delayed production or technical issues, will be mitigated through contingency planning, including backup schedules and alternative tools.
This combination of proven experience, technical skills, structured processes, and transparency ensures that I am fully capable of delivering this project successfully while responsibly managing Cardano Fund14 resources.
[Milestones] Project Milestones
Milestone Title
Foundation & Initial Content Delivery
Milestone Outputs
- Develop and finalize scripts for 15 short-form videos (3–5 minutes each).
- Translate and adapt content into Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
- Conduct initial research on youth media consumption in Ethiopia.
- Produce and publish the first 15 videos across YouTube, X, and Telegram.
Acceptance Criteria
- At least 15 high-quality videos are completed, subtitled in Amharic and Afaan Oromo, and made public on YouTube for open community access.
- Scripts and subtitles are archived in a transparent Google Drive folder accessible to the Catalyst community for verification.
- Two active Telegram groups are launched and moderated, each showing evidence of initial activity and at least 100 combined members engaged in Cardano discussions.
Evidence of Completion
- Public YouTube playlist link of 15 videos.
- Shared Google Drive folder with scripts and subtitles.
- Public links/screenshots of Telegram groups showing member counts.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
6400
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Growth Phase: Second 15 Videos + Community Feedback
Milestone Outputs
- 15 new scripts researched, translated, and approved, forming the basis for high-quality educational videos in Amharic and Afaan Oromo, expanding the existing video library to 30.
- 15 additional videos edited with motion graphics, subtitles, and professional sound, then published to maintain consistent outreach and accessible blockchain education.
- Structured community feedback collected via Telegram polls, YouTube surveys, and direct comments, guiding improvements in style, clarity, and relevance for Ethiopian youth.
Acceptance Criteria
- 15 new videos are completed, subtitled, and uploaded to YouTube, expanding the playlist to 30 publicly available resources in both Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
- A structured feedback mechanism is implemented, with survey forms and polls distributed across Telegram and YouTube, gathering measurable responses.
- Community groups demonstrate steady growth with more than 200 combined members actively engaging and providing input on future content.
Evidence of Completion
- YouTube playlist with 30 total videos (Milestone 1 + 2).
- Screenshots and links to surveys, polls, or Q&A results.
- Updated Telegram member data and engagement metrics.
- Written milestone report shared on IdeaScale.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
6400
Progress
40 %
Milestone Title
Expansion Phase: Third 15 Videos + Broader Outreach
Milestone Outputs
- 15 more scripts written, translated, and validated, covering advanced but accessible Cardano topics, raising the total archive to 45 ready-to-use and community-owned scripts.
- 15 additional high-quality videos produced, subtitled, and uploaded to YouTube, ensuring consistency in language accessibility and professional presentation for youth.
- Active outreach through collaborations with Ethiopian universities, student blockchain clubs, and innovation hubs to broaden reach and connect with new youth audiences.
Acceptance Criteria
- 15 high-quality videos are completed, subtitled, and published, growing the full catalog to 45 videos accessible for youth in Ethiopia.
- Community groups and outreach efforts show continued engagement with at least 300+ members across Telegram and partnerships with at least two student or youth-led organizations.
- Evidence of outreach impact is documented through collaboration reports, screenshots, and testimonials from youth leaders who helped distribute the content.
Evidence of Completion
- YouTube playlist updated with 45 total videos.
- Shared documentation of university/youth club outreach.
- Screenshots of Telegram group growth and activity.
- Written milestone report with engagement analytics.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
9600
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Final Phase: Last 15 Videos + Close-Out Reporting
Milestone Outputs
- 15 final scripts produced, translated, and archived, completing the set of 60 bilingual educational resources designed to remain accessible to the Ethiopian Cardano community.
- 15 final videos produced and published with subtitles, creating a complete video library that covers Cardano basics to more advanced topics in both Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
- A comprehensive close-out report and one final impact video prepared, summarizing results, documenting achievements, and presenting key lessons for the global Cardano community.
Acceptance Criteria
- Final 15 videos are delivered, subtitled, and uploaded, completing the full series of 60 short educational videos in Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
- A comprehensive final report is published, including analytics of all video performance, community engagement, and a reflective summary of lessons learned.
- At least 500 combined community members are reached across Telegram and other platforms, showing sustainable growth and a foundation for future Cardano projects in Ethiopia.
Evidence of Completion
- YouTube playlist with all 60 videos.
- Final written report submitted on IdeaScale and shared with the Cardano community.
- Analytics data (views, watch time, subscriber growth, engagement stats).
- Public announcement video summarizing project impact.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
9600
Progress
100 %
[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Budget Breakdown
1. Content Creation & Translation – 8,200 ADA
- Researching and writing scripts for 60 short videos (3–5 mins each).
- Translating/adapting into Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
- Hiring subject experts for accuracy on blockchain topics.
- Tools: Grammarly Pro & Deepl Pro for script polishing (third-party licenses).
2. Video Production & Editing – 13,200 ADA
- Professional video editing, motion graphics, and animations.
- Use of Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects) license.
- Freelance support for advanced motion graphics.
- Production of 60 videos with standard quality checks (sound, graphics, subtitles).
3. Voiceover, Sound & Subtitles – 2,600 ADA
- Voiceover in both Amharic and Afaan Oromo.
- Sound mixing and effects to make content engaging for youth.
- Subtitle creation and syncing for accessibility.
- Tools: Audacity (free), but may use premium sound packs (third-party).
4. Community Engagement & Promotion – 3,000 ADA
- Building and moderating Ethiopian youth Cardano community on Telegram, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube.
- Boosting reach with small-scale social media promotion campaigns.
- Local outreach through youth-led Facebook groups & innovation hubs.
- Collaborating with student clubs at universities.
5. Project Management & Reporting – 3,400 ADA
- Time and resources for planning, milestone management, and coordination.
- Preparing progress reports, Catalyst updates, and final close-out reporting.
- Documentation of outputs (Google Drive repository, public links).
- Administrative costs (internet, software updates, office tools).
6. Risk Management & Contingency – 1,600 ADA (5%)
The primary risk is ADA price fluctuation during the project timeline. Since costs (translation, production, internet, and promotion) are paid in local currency (ETB), significant ADA volatility could affect budget stability.
To mitigate this risk:
- A portion of funds will be converted to stable local currency at the start of each milestone.
- Budget reserves (5%) are set aside to absorb short-term fluctuations.
- Transparent reporting will confirm how funds are managed against ADA/ETB exchange rates.
This ensures that the project can deliver all outputs even if ADA’s value changes, maintaining accountability to the community
[Final Pitch] Value for Money
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
Our proposal represents a strong and cost-effective use of Catalyst funds, as it delivers 60 professionally produced, bilingual (Amharic and Afaan Oromo) educational videos targeted at Ethiopia’s 56+ million youth population. Each cost element is proportional to both the average local wage structures and the industry standards for video production, ensuring efficient use of funds without overestimation.
- Local Wage Context: According to publicly available data, Ethiopia’s average monthly wage for professionals in creative and IT sectors ranges between 150–300 USD per month. By comparison, the allocation for scriptwriting, translation, and production in this proposal not only reflects fair compensation above local averages, but also ensures retention of skilled contributors, reducing risks of attrition.
- **Industry Benchmarking: **In international freelance markets (Upwork, Fiverr), a 3–5 minute animated/edited video typically costs between 200–500 USD per video. At our proposed budget, the per-video cost is ~530 ADA (≈160 USD at today’s rate) significantly below global averages, showing that the project leverages Ethiopia’s lower cost base while still delivering professional quality.
- Community Leverage: Costs also cover community engagement, promotion, and reporting, which many projects overlook. This ensures not just video outputs, but also measurable adoption and ongoing engagement with Ethiopian youth.
- Risk-Adjusted Efficiency: We included a modest 5% contingency allocation spread across milestones, which is best practice in project planning and protects against ADA price fluctuation or unforeseen operational costs. This small safeguard increases the reliability of delivery without inflating the budget.
- **Long-Term Value: **The 60 videos produced will remain as open-access, Creative Commons licensed content, reusable by schools, student blockchain clubs, and the wider Cardano community. This amplifies the impact beyond the funding period, ensuring that Catalyst resources create sustainable educational infrastructure rather than one-off outputs.
By combining low-cost local production capacity with global quality standards, this project maximizes impact per ADA spent. The requested 32,000 ADA represents exceptional value for money because it creates an entire localized educational video library, builds community infrastructure, and directly connects Cardano to one of the world’s youngest, fastest-growing populations.
[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation
Terms and Conditions:
Yes