Near X: Advancing Blockchain Knowledge in Portuguese
Milestone Update 2024
Latin America faces a significant shortage of localized blockchain training programs, limiting access to Web3 knowledge and tools, especially for non-English-speaking developers. This skills gap stifles innovation and adoption of blockchain technologies in the region.
To address this challenge, NearX launched a three-week Solidity bootcamp focused on Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) technology. Conducted entirely in Portuguese, the program bridges technical and language barriers, empowering LATAM developers to actively contribute to the Web3 ecosystem.
Key Achievements in Advancing Blockchain Education in LATAM
NearX has achieved significant milestones in empowering LATAM developers through its Solidity bootcamp:
University Partnerships: Collaborated with over 16 institutions, including FATEC, to promote the program and onboard aspiring developers.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Designed a step-by-step Solidity training program tailored for beginners and progressing to advanced applications.
Developer Engagement: Successfully enrolled over 1,000 participants, achieving high attendance and engagement throughout the program.
ENS Integration: Integrated decentralized identity tools and naming systems into training sessions, enabling practical applications of blockchain concepts. View the implementation on GitHub.
Community Building: Fostered a collaborative alumni network to support ongoing mentorship, learning, and innovation among participants.
Program Overview: From Fundamentals to Real-World Applications
Detailed Curriculum
The bootcamp provided a step-by-step approach to Solidity and EVM development:
Week 1: Introduction to blockchain, Ethereum, and Solidity fundamentals. Participants developed simple smart contracts, including an ERC20 token.
Week 2: Advanced topics such as smart contract security, gas optimization, and dApp development with Web3.js.
Week 3: Real-world applications with a focus on ENS integrations and team-based final projects.
Hands-On Learning and Engagement
Participants completed practical projects like custom ENS integrations, decentralized applications, and token standards (ERC20 and ERC721). Mentorship from experienced developers ensured guidance throughout.
According to Caio de Mattos, founder of NearX, the program recorded over 1,000 enrollments, with 75% completing the full training. Engagement was strong on platforms like YouTube and the NearX platform, where participants joined live sessions or accessed recorded materials.
Impact and Outcomes
The ENS Bootcamp achieved significant results, as indicated by feedback gathered through post-program surveys and participant engagement data:
Skill Development: By the end of the program, 75% of participants reported high confidence in Solidity programming, and 60% gained hands-on experience in developing smart contracts.
Interest in Further Learning: A strong majority (90%) expressed interest in pursuing advanced blockchain training programs, indicating a desire to deepen their skills and knowledge.
Networking and Community Building: Participants established a supportive alumni network to collaborate and continue learning, fostering long-term connections within the blockchain community.
ENS DAO x NearX
ENS DAO’s Large Grants initiative provided $32k USDC to NearX to develop and execute the Solidity bootcamp. This grant enabled:
The inclusion of ENS technologies in the curriculum, introducing participants to decentralized identity and naming systems.
Resources and mentorship for developers to create ENS-integrated projects, through The Ethereum Name Service Bootcamp.
This initiative demonstrates NearX’s role as a public good by fostering education and providing accessible Web3 solutions, contributing to the growth of blockchain adoption in LATAM.
Future Plans
NearX plans to expand its curriculum to include advanced topics such as blockchain security, dApp integrations, and multi-chain development. The initiative will also scale its partnerships with universities and developer communities to reach a broader audience.
Additionally, NearX aims to support its alumni through hackathons, advanced projects, and career opportunities in blockchain development.
Learn More and Get Involved
Bootcamp Curriculum and Materials: GitHub Repository
Recorded Sessions: YouTube Playlist
Join the Network: NearX Discord
About ENS DAO Large Grants
The Large Grants initiative from the Public Goods Working Group funds essential Ethereum and Web3 public goods projects, providing up to $50,000 USDC for initiatives that demonstrate strong utility and impact.
To learn more, visit the ENS DAO Forum and follow ENS DAO for notifications about the next Large Grants opportunity.
Note: Grants are paid out in tranches. The original distribution date was Q3 2024, and subsequent fund distributions have been made since, following the completion of milestones.
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