Introduction
The proposal is for the activation of the NEAR Ethiopia Community. This project will be carried out by Mereb, an outsourcing and training company, based in Ethiopia. Our name, “Mereb,” is derived from the Amharic term for the internet or the web. As our name suggests, our mission is to provide the bedrock for the transformation from web2 to web3 in Africa. Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, is one of the spaces where web3 understanding and adoption can happen due to the high interest in the startup community, the lack of legacy systems, and the demand for more advanced tools to build decentralized products. Our proposal outlines key OKRs that leverage educational institutions, and local stakeholders that have extensive expertise, resources, and industry knowledge that can produce paradigm-shifting results for the local community and the NEAR ecosystem. This particular phase of the project is for the very first Near Ethiopia Community building.
Objectives
Objective 1: Translating BOS Content
Our primary objective is to make blockchain technology, particularly content related to the NEAR Protocol and the BOS accessible to a wider audience in Ethiopia. We propose to:
Minor introduction to NEAR and the ecosystem In Amharic Translate NEAR BOS content into local languages to break language barriers. Ensure that educational materials are readily available and comprehensible to individuals across the region. This will be done in collaboration with our partner organizations, tech hubs, web3 communities, and developer communities.
Objective 2: Hosting Awareness Events
To increase awareness of NEAR products and the potential of blockchain technology in Ethiopia, we intend to host a series of awareness events and educational campaigns. Our plan includes:
Organizing introductory events, workshops, and seminars on NEAR’s capabilities and real-world applications directed at dev communities and STEM students.
Showcasing successful projects deployed on the NEAR Blockchain to inspire and educate the community.
Introducing local startups with Blockchain solutions that they can apply.
Objective 3: Fostering Collaboration
Our strategy involves:
Actively engaging with other Near Africa DAO members and partners. Promoting cross-border collaboration to share best practices and pool resources. Contributing to discussions and initiatives that drive blockchain adoption on the continent.
Timeline
May: Content Translation, Education, and Introduction event
Translate NEAR Protocol and BOS Content:**
Objective: Translate at least 3 key documents and tutorials, including a small introduction to the blockchain space. Key Result: Complete translations into Amharic for the 3 documents.
Launch Initial Educational Events:
Objective: Conduct 1 introductory event, with speakers from NEAR via webinars. Onboard students to the NEAR Social and Mereb DAO.
Key Result: Successfully hosted an introduction and educational event with at least 60 participants, including a minimum of 30 developers.
Budget Breakdown
Content Translation Costs: $750
- Hiring translators or language experts.
- Hiring translators for context for translators
- Translation software/tools
Introduction and Educational Event Costs: $1200
- space rental, promotion, materials, and press release
- Miscellaneous and Contingency
June: Deepening Education and Skill Development
Expand Educational events:
Objective: Offer 2 in-depth sessions focused on devs, startups, and college students). Key Result: Organize 2 sessions with 50 people.
- Launch Hackathon Programs:
Objective: Introduce development bounties for students, devs, and start-ups. Key Result: Begin at least 2 bounty programs with clear guidelines.
- Monthly Networking Event:
Objective: Host a community-building event. Key Result: Conduct a successful event with over 100 participants.
**Budget Breakdown **
Educational Sessions Costs: $400
- Hosting advanced training sessions (guest speakers, trainers).
- Materials and resources for community.
Hackthon Programs: $800
Setting up and managing bounty programs. Rewards for participants.
Community Event: $300
Hosting the monthly networking event (virtual venue, promotion). Guest speakers if any. miscellaneous and contingency
July: Hackathon and Project Showcase
Objectives:
Hackathon Preparation:
- Objective: Plan and promote the hackathon.
- Key Result: Release promotional materials and gather a minimum of 50 interested participants.
Final Educational Session to Start Hackathon:
Objective: Deliver a concluding advanced training session. Key Result: Complete the session with at least 50 participants.
Hackathon and Project Showcase:
Objective: Host a hackathon and showcase participants’ projects. Key Result: Conduct a hackathon with10+ teams and showcase their projects during the event.
**Budget Breakdown **
Month 3: Hackathon and Project Showcase
Hackathon Preparation: $600
- Planning and promotion of the hackathon (marketing materials, registration).
Final Educational Session: $600
- Concluding advanced training session expenses.
- Materials and resources.
Hackathon and Showcase Event: $800
- Hosting the hackathon (venue, technical support)
Showcase event logistics and Prize: $1000
- Venue rental
- Prize for winners
Conclusion
We are asking for a total of $6450 USD for three months community activation program.