Please describe your proposed solution

Some of the most hindering factors for active participation from the underrepresented communities in the Cardano ecosystem include a lack of understanding of governance concepts, limited access to relevant resources, and language barriers, which pose many challenges in global adoption and active participation.

Many potential contributors from underrepresented communities, such as individuals from rural areas, feel disconnected due to insufficient localized content and engagement opportunities. This results in underrepresentation in decision-making processes, especially concerning the new Voltaire governance phase, which does not reflect the diversity and inclusivity essential for a truly global ecosystem.

Proposed Solution:

To address these challenges and bridge the gaps in representation, we propose hosting workshops across six key regions in Africa as a guide and framework to be adopted across boards to ensure no one is left behind in this new era. These workshops aim to educate and engage community members about the new Voltaire governance phase in Cardano while emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of the ecosystem.

Regional Workshops:

• Locations: Workshops will be conducted in strategically selected states across Africa, ensuring broad coverage and accessibility to underserved areas.
• Content: Each workshop will focus on Voltaire governance concepts, participation strategies, and contribution mechanisms within the Cardano ecosystem, specifically utilizing and translating the CIP-1694 framework. This will support sustainable and inclusive growth within the Cardano community.
• Interactive Learning: Participants will engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and Q&A sessions to foster a deeper understanding and a sense of belonging.

Localized Materials:

• Language Development: To ensure inclusivity, educational materials will be developed in widely spoken languages in this region, including Pidgin, English, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, French. This will enable effective communication and comprehension among diverse community members, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Distribution: All materials will be published on our new CardoTVPlus channel, designed to facilitate ongoing engagement and communication with the community.

Continuous Engagement:

• Social Media Integration: The CardoTVPlus channel on X will serve as a hub for sharing workshop updates, images, and videos, allowing community members to stay connected and informed.
• Live Coverage: Workshops will be live-streamed, with recordings available for later viewing, ensuring that even those unable to attend in person can benefit from the content.

This initiative is unique in its approach to ensuring that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard and valued within the Cardano ecosystem. By prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, we aim to create a strong, engaged community that reflects the global nature of Cardano.

As a pilot test, we will target major regions in Africa, aiming to reach 1000 participants across the workshops and achieving a retention rate of 30%. We will measure our impact through participant feedback, increased engagement on the CardoTVPlus channel, and tracking the diversity of attendees in decision-making processes in Intersect, Drep, and project catalyst contributions.

Additionally, the insights gained from these workshops can serve as a blueprint for other regions in Africa to adopt and implement similar initiatives, thereby fostering a more inclusive and participatory governance framework across the continent.

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

The Voltaire Governance Regional Workshops will foster a more inclusive and representative Cardano ecosystem by addressing the current gaps in participation from underrepresented communities in Nigeria. By localizing the governance concepts of CIP-1694, Voltaire governance concepts, participation strategies, and contribution mechanisms within the Cardano ecosystem, these workshops will empower communities to better understand and actively engage in Cardano's governance process, contributing to a more diverse decision-making body.

Key Positive Impacts:

• Increased Representation: The workshops will introduce governance concepts to communities traditionally left out of such discussions, increasing diversity in the governance process.
• Sustainable Growth: By translating CIP-1694, Voltaire governance concepts, participation strategies, and contribution mechanisms within the Cardano ecosystem into local languages, we will make governance materials more accessible, fostering long-term engagement.
• Regional Adoption: This project will serve as a blueprint for other African regions and globally, allowing them to replicate the model, and extend the impact beyond the initial target areas.

Measuring Impact:

We will use both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the success of this initiative:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Reach: Our goal is to engage 1000 participants across workshops in selected regions. This number will be tracked through attendance records.
• Retention Rate: We aim for a 30% retention rate, where at least 150 participants continue engaging with the community and participate in subsequent governance activities.
• Post-Workshop Participation: Metrics like participation in governance discussions, proposals, and voting within the Cardano ecosystem will be used to assess sustained involvement.

Qualitative Metrics:

• Community Feedback: We will collect feedback from participants to evaluate their understanding of Voltaire's concepts and their confidence in contributing to governance.
• Localized Materials: The development and adoption of materials in local languages will be tracked through usage statistics, surveys, and engagement.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Distribution: All educational materials, recordings, and updates will be shared on the CardoTVPlus channel on X, allowing ongoing access for a wider audience, including those unable to attend live
2. Community Channels: Social media platforms will feature updates, success stories, and testimonials to encourage broader community participation
3. Cardano Ecosystem: Reports and insights from the workshops will be shared with the Cardano ecosystem offering a roadmap for replication in other region

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 have a proven track record within the Cardano ecosystem, particularly in Africa, showcasing my ability to deliver impactful projects. As Head of Marketing at Remostart, a project successfully funded in Fund 9, I have led initiatives to propagate Cardano across the African region. My involvement in organizing key Cardano events such as the Cardano Intersect Event, Cardano DREP Event in Lagos, and various governance meetups further highlights my capacity to organize, coordinate, and deliver impactful regional initiatives.

I was also a crucial part of the team that created the Unified Cardano Student Club, a project funded by Fund 11. This initiative, now operating autonomously across six Nigerian schools, demonstrates my ability to engage grassroots communities and foster ecosystems that promote long-term participation in the Cardano ecosystem. Additionally, I have worked extensively with Olympus Insight, demystifying blockchain content through a "Learn to Earn" model, and onboarding new participants through effective education.

Team capabilities:

Boaz; Event Manager 2 / Translator:

Sure, here is an updated version of the profile:

Boaz's Professional Journey

Boaz is a passionate advocate for blockchain technology and a dedicated contributor to the Cardano ecosystem. He has been actively involved in various roles, including co-proposing funds, coordinating projects, serving as a community reviewer, and representing his community at international events.

Key Contributions:

• Project Catalyst: Co-proposed Funds 8 and 9, coordinated an NFT project and served as a community reviewer and verifier.
• Africa Expansion: Authored a research paper, facilitated workshops, and managed the Goma Stake Pool to promote Cardano's growth in Africa.
• Intersect Involvement: Served as a member, reviewer, and workshop host, actively contributing to Intersect's initiatives.
• Community Leadership: Elected to represent the community in Buenos Aires, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment.

Beyond Cardano:

Boaz is also passionate about sustainability and social impact. He has worked on projects that address issues such as climate change, poverty, and education.

In addition to his professional work, Boaz is also a dedicated volunteer and community leader. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with others and helping to build a better world.

Richmond Oppong – *Community Engagement Manager / Translator

Richmond Oppong: Richmond is a graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in a variety of design disciplines, including logo design, poster design, 3D signage, Community manager, advertising and marketing. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design from Takoradi Polytechnic in Ghana. He is also a member of the Wada community and the Design and Marketing Lead. Richmond is a blockchain enthusiast and is actively involved in the Cardano project catalyst community. He is the Co-host at the Catalyst Africa School and the Design & Marketing Lead for the Catalyst Africa Town Hall. He was a Community Advisor in Catalyst funds 5 to 9, and a Veteran Community Advisor in funds 8 and 9. He was also a member of the Catalyst Challenge Team for the "Scale-UP Cardano's Community Hubs" challenge in fund 8.

Clement Umoh: Role Researcher

Clement is a Health care, AI and blockchain researcher with specializations in AI prediction, telemedicine and Zero-knowledge cryptography. He is also active within the Cardano community as a research assistant on the team currently researching Zero-knowledge proofs in Blockchain Ecosystems for enhanced voting transparency in the Catalyst Voting process from fund 11. He is also the lead researcher for the Artificial Intelligence for Malaria Project on the SingularityNET Deepfunding program.

Lawal Musa: Technical Expertise / Translator:

Lawal Musa is a dedicated and passionate member of the Cardano ecosystem, known for his relentless advocacy of decentralization and his hands-on contribution to the community. With a background in Computer Science and a passion for blockchain technology, Lawal founded Osmium DAO, and managed Metera Protocol while consistently contributing to the Cardano blockchain by educating others, running community initiatives, and supporting fellow enthusiasts from his local community. He strongly believes in the power of blockchain to foster financial inclusion and has been a driving force behind several grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting the real-world adoption of Cardano, especially in underrepresented regions. Lawal’s commitment to empowering individuals through decentralized finance aligns perfectly with Cardano’s mission of creating a more equitable financial system. Vision for the Future: Lawal’s goal is to continue scaling blockchain applications and integrations on Cardano, making the ecosystem more accessible to developers and end-users alike. His long-term vision includes pushing for cross-chain interoperability and furthering education initiatives to onboard the next generation of blockchain developers. He sees Cardano as a foundational layer in building a fairer financial system for everyone, and his work will continue to focus on bringing that vision to life.

Louis Dike: Marketing Lead

Louis is a skilled and experienced Marketing Director with 7 years of experience in product marketing, product introduction, performance marketing, business development, and the overall management of a product's life from conception to fruition. Experienced in assessing customer desires and requirements and generating a product that meets those standards, bringing forth the ability to determine product specifications, production timelines, and in-depth plans for product development.

Louis has a proven track record of success in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that drive leads, sales, and ROI. I am passionate about using data and analytics to optimize campaigns and achieve results.

Louis is an analytical thinker who works collaboratively to get the job done. Familiar with Google Workspace, Google Site Kit, Zendesk, Hubspot, Aweber, Keyhole, Meltwater, AppsFlyer, Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite, and Atlassian

Louis is also an expert in the African market and has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that it presents. He can develop and execute campaigns that are tailored to the specific needs of African consumers. In his most recent Web3 years, I’ve had speaking engagements across Africa.

Ima-Abasi Pius - Web3 Writer & Designer

Ima-Abasi Pius is a seasoned web3 marketer with a track record of over four years, contributing to the success of notable web3 projects. Specializing in effective communication, he excels in crafting compelling articles, micro-content, and designs to connect web3 companies with their target audiences.

Trust, Accountability, and Financial Management:

1. Transparent Reporting: We will ensure accountability by providing regular updates through CardoTVPlus and the community channel
2. Collaborative Team: A strong team of translators, content creators, and subject matter experts will ensure the accuracy and cultural relevance of the educational material
3. Proven Systems: Using methods developed from my past experience, such as workflows for event organization, regional outreach, and content distribution, we will ensure smooth and efficient execution

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

1. Pilot Workshops: We will first conduct a workshop in a selected smaller region, gathering participant feedback to refine our methods before scaling to the larger target area
2. Measurable Milestones: Success will be evaluated through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as participant engagement, retention rates (targeting a 30% retention), and increased regional contributions to governance discussions in the Cardano ecosystem
3. Community Feedback: Ongoing participant feedback from pilot workshops and regional activities will guide adjustments to ensure our strategy remains effective, localized, and scalable

Why We Are Best Suited to Deliver This Project:

1. My team and I have the existing expertise with over 20+ years commutative experience to deliver this project due to our track record in organizing successful Cardano-focused regional workshops and Intersect governance workshops. We have demonstrated our ability to not only engage diverse communities but also foster long-term, sustainable involvement through educational initiatives. This experience, combined with a team of skilled translators and content creators, positions us uniquely to execute this initiative with high levels of trust, accountability, and impact.

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

Milestone 1: Milestone 1: Research, Content Creation, and Translations (Month 1)

Objective: Conduct in-depth research on governance concepts and strategies, develop localized content, and create translated educational materials in Pidgin English and other relevant languages.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of research on the CIP-1694 framework and Voltaire governance concepts.
• Development of educational content tailored to underrepresented communities.
• Translation of materials into Pidgin English and other local languages (Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and French).
• Documentation of content creation processes and collaboration with the translation team.

Milestone 2: Milestone 2: Pilot Workshop with Translated Materials (Month 2 - 3)

Objective: Organize and execute the first pilot workshop utilizing the translated materials to test engagement strategies and gather feedback. ( We will be using the translated language in Pidgin Language)

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful completion of the pilot workshop in Nigeria, reaching at least 100 participants.
• Collection of participant feedback and evaluation of engagement and comprehension levels.
• Report detailing attendance, participant satisfaction, and areas for improvement.
• Adjustments made to content and delivery methods based on workshop insights.

Final Milestone: Milestone 3: Full Regional Workshops and Marketing Strategies (Month 4 - 6)

Objective: Conduct full regional workshops across the remaining areas while implementing effective marketing strategies to promote attendance and engagement.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of localized workshops in all targeted regions, achieving a cumulative attendance of 1000 participants.

• Execution of marketing strategies, including social media outreach and community partnerships.

• Measurement of retention rates, aiming for at least 30% of participants to engage in ongoing discussions and contribute to governance.

• Creation of a comprehensive report summarizing outcomes, lessons learned, and a blueprint for future workshops in other African regions.

• This structure ensures a logical progression from foundational research and content development to hands-on engagement and scaling the initiative for broader impact.

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

Ese Williams (Project Lead) Event Management:

LinkedIn Profile: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ese-williams-758ba8198/>

https://forum.cardano.org/u/ese_williams/summary

Role: As the head of marketing at Remostart and a key contributor to the Cardano ecosystem, Ese will oversee the project, coordinate team efforts, and manage stakeholder relationships. Ese will ensure alignment with Cardano's governance goals and the overall vision of the workshops. She will work closely with the content creator to validate resources and also ensure that the content is accurate and not misleading. Responsible for organizing the logistics of the workshops, including venue selection, scheduling, and participant registration. Ensure the smooth execution of each workshop, agenda management, stakeholder engagement, and marketing support to ensure the successful execution of the Voltaire Governance Regional Workshops.

Ima Abasi Pius Educational Content Creator

LinkedIn Profile: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ima-abasi-pius-5b70a2159/>

Role: Responsible for creating engaging and localized educational content based on the CIP-1694 framework Voltaire governance concepts, participation strategies, and contribution mechanisms within the Cardano ecosystem.

Translators:

Translator 1: Igbo Language Chidinma Peace Okeke

:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chidimma-peace?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app

Sample: ( https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/115_IJgmH8FvksAo6SepRHLKP9tOrEgik)

Translator 2: Pidgin English Victory Philips: https://x.com/Big_Philvee_?t=8xtA3VRwExNyWoNeRiE9RQ&amp;s=09

Sample: https://x.com/Big_Philvee_/status/1844482979860709463?t=7SOByR1h7IM0asqe8gbaog&amp;s=19

Translator 3: Hausa Language Lawal Musa:

https://x.com/ADA_Dolphin04

Sample: https://x.com/ADA_Dolphin04/status/1846291225491714281?t=ql2-mF2mLmwrQpoavl2j4g&amp;s=19

Translator 4: Yoruba Langugae

Role: Tasked with translating workshop materials into Pidgin English and other relevant languages (Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and French). The translator will ensure that the content is culturally appropriate and easily understandable.

Richmond Oppong: Community Engagement Manager / Translator 5:

LinkedIn Profile: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/richmond-oppong-054689b4/>

Role: Focus on building relationships within the African Cardano community. This person will manage social media outreach and postings, workshop promotion, and participant engagement during events.

Marketing / Partnership Lead: Louis Dike

LinkedIn Profile: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdike/>

Role: Louis will lead marketing efforts and develop digital marketing strategies to promote workshops effectively and reach a broader audience. Also in charge of local partnership formation and penetration. Louis will also support Workshop organization, Media and social media outputs and event coordination and planning.

Main Researcher 1: Clement Umoh

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clement-umoh-500133241?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=android_app

Role: Research and pinpoint locations for best impacts, research on localised concepts that would resonate with chosen geographic.

Event Manager 2 / Translator 6: Boaz:

Role: Support event coordination and effective execution in French-speaking Communities.

Workshop Coordinator: We would be partnering with Remostart as they have the necessary manpower for workshop coordination in a different region

We have the full manpower and proven experience necessary to successfully execute the Voltaire Governance Regional Workshops, positioning us as the ideal team for this initiative.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Project Duration: 6 months

Total Number of Workshops: 6

Total Number of Key Milestones: 4

Budget Breakdown

Using the standard rate of $20 per hour.

these hours are on an estimates

Project Lead - 120 hours

Workshop Coordinators - 60 hours

Content Developer - 50 hours

Translators - 40 hours

Community Manager - 100 hours

Event Manager - 30 hours

Researcher - 30 hours

Marketing Lead - 20 Hours

ADA rate as at the time of project creation and hedge against volatility 0.35

Team Compensation &amp; Project Management: 20497

• Project Lead: 6857
• Workshop Coordinators (6): 3428
• Educational Content Developer (1): 2857
• Translators (4): 2285
• Engagement Manager: 1714
• Volunteers: 500
• Researcher: 1714
• Marketing Lead - 1142

Workshop Logistics &amp; Venues: 10,500

Venue Rentals (6 regions): 6,000

Equipment Rental &amp; Setup: 2,500

Rental of AV equipment (microphones, projectors, live streaming) and setup materials.

Workshop Materials: 2,000

Printing of translated materials, handouts, and resources for participants.

Team Travel &amp; Accommodation: 10,600

Team Travel (Flights/Transport for Coordinators, Facilitators, and Translators): 7,000

Covers travel for the project team and speakers to all regions. ( Its essential that we have a core team representation in all regions as we would also employ the help of volunteers in different region)

Accommodation (6 regions): 3,600

600 per region for the accommodation of team members.

Marketing, Communications &amp; Community Outreach: 8,000

Marketing Campaign: 3,000

Promotion through social media, CardoTVPlus, and community channels.

Branded Merchandise: 3,000

T-shirts, hats, notebooks, pens, and other branded materials for participants.

Design &amp; Promotion Materials: 2,000

Design and production of posters, flyers, banners, and online visuals for promotion.

IT &amp; Live Streaming: 4,000

Live Streaming Equipment &amp; Setup: 2,500

Ensuring smooth live streaming for each workshop, including recording sessions.

IT Specialist Compensation: 1,500

Compensation for the IT expert managing streaming and technical issues.

Facilitators &amp; Speakers: 4,000

Facilitators (6 regions): 3,000

$500 per region for engaging local facilitators experienced in blockchain governance.

Guest Speakers: 1,000

Stipends for guest speakers and experts on Voltaire governance and the Cardano ecosystem.

Refreshments for Workshops: 4800

Refreshments &amp; Meals (6 regions): 4800

800 per region for snacks, drinks, and light refreshments for participant comfort.

Post Workshop activities:

Post-Workshop Engagement &amp; Reporting: 2,000

Surveys &amp; Feedback Collection: 500

Collecting participant feedback through surveys and preparing impact reports.

Ongoing Engagement via CardoTVPlus: 1,500

Managing post-event discussions and community building through the platform.

Total budget request without miscellaneous = 64,397

Contingency Fund: 5% of the total budget request

Miscellaneous Costs: 3219

Reserve for unexpected expenses such as last-minute travel or additional materials.

Total budget request with miscellaneous = 67,616

This comprehensive budget ensures that all aspects of the Voltaire Governance Regional Workshops are effectively funded and managed. It outlines the resources needed at each stage, supporting community engagement, marketing, documentation, and reporting back to stakeholders. Any cost exceeding the funding request will be addressed through alternative funding sources, if necessary, to ensure the project's success. All outputs will be transparently shared with the community.

No

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The Voltaire Regional Governance Workshop project offers significant value for money by strategically investing in initiatives that enhance community engagement and governance participation within the Cardano ecosystem, particularly across underrepresented regions in Africa. The budget allocation reflects careful consideration of costs and their impact, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to long-term benefits for the ecosystem.

Empowering Underrepresented Regions

• Bridging Knowledge Gaps: The workshops aim to educate community members about Cardano’s Voltaire governance phase in six strategically selected regions. This education fosters an inclusive environment where diverse voices can contribute to decision-making. This is crucial for decentralization, a core principle of Cardano, ensuring its governance is reflective of its community.
• Long-Term Impact: The workshops create a foundation for ongoing engagement, equipping participants with the knowledge to advocate for their interests within the ecosystem, resulting in sustained benefits that exceed the initial investment.

Localized Content &amp; Language Inclusivity

• Effective Communication: The budget allocates resources for translating governance materials into local languages (Pidgin, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo). This approach broadens accessibility and ensures more diversity in governance discussions, ultimately expanding Cardano's global footprint.
• Boosting Engagement: By utilizing the CardoTVPlus platform for ongoing community interaction, the project guarantees that the impact of the workshops extends well beyond their conclusion.

Cost-Efficient Workshops Across Multiple Regions

• Strategic Regional Focus: Hosting workshops in diverse regions maximizes participation while addressing regional differences. The cost-effective strategy leverages local expertise and partnerships, keeping logistics affordable without compromising quality.
• Scalable Model: The workshop structure can serve as a model for future initiatives, allowing the Cardano community to replicate and adapt successful practices in other areas.

Long-Term Community Engagement

• Ongoing Involvement: The CardoTVPlus platform will continue to be a hub for discussions and updates, promoting sustained participation among community members. This ensures that the workshops lead to ongoing growth within the ecosystem.
• Multilingual Content: Regular updates in various languages enhance accessibility, fostering an engaged and informed community.

Building Local Capacity

• Community-Driven Growth: By empowering local facilitators and coordinators, the project enhances local capabilities, reducing dependence on external resources. This approach builds a self-sustaining community committed to Cardano's governance.
• Self-Sustaining Clubs: The workshops are expected to inspire local initiatives, fostering a well-informed, self-governing Cardano community throughout Africa.

Strategic Budget Allocation

• Efficient Resource Use: The budget emphasizes practical outputs, ensuring tangible results such as translated materials and successful workshop executions. Each component of the budget has been crafted with consideration of standard compensation rates in the region, aligning with local economic conditions and industry norms.
• Justification of Costs: For example, project management and coordination costs were calculated using a standard rate of $20 per hour, reflecting typical freelance rates in the industry. This aligns with average wages in the region, ensuring fair compensation while maintaining budget efficiency.

Long-Term ROI for the Cardano Ecosystem

• Increased Governance Participation: By onboarding hundreds of new participants, the project builds a robust governance community, essential for future decision-making processes within Cardano.
• Strengthening Cardano’s Global Footprint: Empowering the African community is vital for decentralization, aligning with Cardano's mission of broad, equitable blockchain adoption.

In summary, this project delivers high value for money by prioritizing community-led governance, bridging knowledge gaps, and ensuring ongoing engagement within the African Cardano community. The strategic allocation of resources ensures that project outcomes will support current ecosystem goals and lay a solid foundation for Cardano's future in underrepresented regions. By investing in local capacities and fostering inclusivity, Cardano can expand its influence and strengthen its decentralized governance model.