ctivation of Mereb DAO: Activating NEAR Ethiopia. Overview: The program is for the activation of NEAR Ethiopia. This project will be carried out by Mereb, an IT 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, 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 will be the initial step in bringing NEAr adoption to Ethiopia. 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 universities, Hilcoe School of Computer Science and Saint Mary University. 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, webinars, and seminars on NEAR's capabilities and real-world applications directed at college 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 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: Month 1: Content Translation, Education and introductry 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 educational event with at least 75 participants, including 10 developers. Budget Breakdown Content Translation Costs: $750 Hiring translators or language experts. Hiring translators for context for translators Translation software/tools Educational Event Costs: $1200 space rental, promotion, materials, and press release Miscellaneous and Contingency Month 2: 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 students. Bounty 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