DigiID /Blockchain4kidz

We are bringing to the world a blockchain based digital identity system linked to a fun blockchain education system for children/women providing access to digital services to over 3 billion  unconnected people with a further 2 billion excluded from the financial system.To close the digital divide we will provide Digital ID from an early stage and link it to services including the fun education App Blockchain4Kidz supporting learning of  new tech for the next generation of leaders.The hybrid product offering tackles the identity gap and STEMA literacy gap in emerging technology subjects including Blockchain,AI,Robotics plus also enables robust, secure storage and privacy protections of users data.Our solution will provide opportunity for many young people, women and other vulnerable groups to access the platforms we are building to ensure connectivity,up-skilling,transforming the lives many excluded from economic environments and digital services.Our solutions can be accessed in remote areas no access to internet

We are working to solve the challenge of lack of identity systems that connect people to services. We want provide DigitalID for many people especially vulnerable groups and displaced communities  in emerging markets.At the same time our system will also provide DigetalID that will enable connectivity to our novel Blockchain4Kidz App designed to teach young people especially girls about emerging technology solutions.The hybrid solutions will provide an inclusive ID system that will enable access to services like education decentralised apps to build new skills through our Blockchain4Kidz training App that can be used to up-skill so these groups can  create new jobs of the future.With 1 billion people with no form of  ID  including 1 in 2 women in low income countries our solution will help to service this market and young generations that follow.Our products fall under our DigiEducate20(DE20) initiative.We will impact many in developing countries including in our partner countries like Burundi and Zimbabwe.The ISTEEBU Survey 2016 on child labor revealed 258,645 children under 10 years out of 2,361,230 were estimated to drop out schools.36.7% were females between the ages 5-17 in Bujumbura.This is one of the target audience exciting more girls and other marginalized children about STEMA

Our hybrid solution will serve populations with no ID including vulnerable women and displaced members of society.It is also steered towards kids and young teenagers who will benefit from both gaining a DigitalID and utilising Blockchain4Kidz application.We want to empower these groups,provide them with access to value chains in the economy.We also address the problem of inadequate learning environments for kids.In our partner countries including  Burundi, Rwanda , Zambia, Zimbabwe  where many  children and girls  drop out school or are displaced  due to conflict this situation is worsened by the pandemic.We have been engaging young children at schools for example in Burundi as we develop the product.We also have a child chief strategy officer as part of the team.By having digital connectivity this not only addresses the connectivity challenge but helps to empower,educate and equip. An example Blockchain4kids App ensures kids get the chance to have ID and learn in a fun way,building up emerging tech knowledge.As they utilise these technologies, it helps them build digital skills for the future that matter in the workplace.The digital identities given to these kids will be a good source of data and information for governments, educational institutions,researchers etc to monitor impact and improvements.

Our solution relates to both the dimensions outlined above as it brings  a vehicle for Identity,Innovation and Inclusion for everyone.We outlined our ambition to help close the digital divide, support the 1 billion without digital identity as well as the 3 billion people disconnected from the internet including many children not getting access to education.These people are being left behind and future generations are falling behind their education due to lack of connectivity worsened by the pandemic.Our solution is especially suited for vulnerable, disconnected communities without ID systems in remote areas.

Our solution hashybrid offering making it unique in that it provides Blockchain based Digital Identity (DigitalID) at the same time links this identity to an actual service (Blockchain4Kidz education App)  which improves connectivity and education prospects for millions of women and children.In today’s rapidly changing technological world, it is important to equip future generations about emerging technologies and their precise use including highlighting the  potential of these tech tools to untap value, transform and create new impactful business models.The youth and women in many developing countries are vulnerable members with few solutions available to them designed with a gender/youth lens. Many work in informal sectors with limited infrastructure connectivity or low spending capacity to afford purchasing data to connect.Our solutions work in these informal settings,built to operate in areas with limited internet. With our solution  there is a robust DigitalID system backed by novel blockchain technology for secure storage of data and monitoring with privacy adhered the performance in a service line (eg. impact Blockchain4Kidz on kids education) using the digital identity to monitor progress tooWith covid-19 Most kids in Burundi for example do not have access to these digital services,live without any form of identity and drop out of school with inadequate learning to engage in intensive  economic activities.a product like Blochchain4kidz will educate kids about emerging technology building their digital knowledge and skills while giving them digital identities for accessing digital services such as online purchasing, educational or training opportunities.There are few competitors with such a hybrid  solution.

Our solution utilizes novel blockchain technology to provide sovereign identity system and also  provide an extraordinary education experience that will build a generation of future leaders equipped with blockchain and other digital skills to enable them to take on future jobs and create new ones.The children will learn the concepts of blockchain through games and unknowingly will build up their programming skills and financial literacy by learning on a virtual platform powered by the very technology they will learn about. By utilising Blockchain platform, the learning experience will provide access to millions of children around the world who can engage peer to peer through various channels including mobiles to enjoy a fun way of learning about concepts of blockchain, token economy, financial literacy, data and community collaboration. Our solution goes further to reward children, teaching the importance of money and literacy. It will track using in real time their learning progress,collecting securely learning data to help improve the experience linking  this to their digital identities which will be a pool of data and information that is controlled by consenting adults (children parents) or other older users. Due to the  decentralised functionalities of blockchain and security that comes with cryptographic  systems , it can securely store sensitive data that is accessible only by users with consent making it a safer and transparent system without compromise to privacy. This is key if serving vulnerable groups and building trust within trustless networks as the authentication is backed by the cryptography.

Our solution will help tackle the identity issue by providing a more flexible and secure digital identification system that links to an education APP that will transform education for many vulnerable communities .

improve STEMA education awareness,outcomes and digital skills   for Children providing them long term prospects of creating their own jobs

provide training on STEMA starting with blockchain4kidz and build up in other subject lines

focus on designing specific  education on   emerging technology solution starting blockchain 

mapping out current offerings for STEMA education

In addition our theory of change is as detailed as below in our journey to ensure we close digital divide, provide identity and education to future generations to improve their chances for a better and sustainable living experience .

mapping out needs for identity system with lens on key focus groups - vulnerable members of community 

designing blockchain based identity system based on cryptographic secured system  with API connectivity ability   

Provide secure Digital Identity Systems for all that links to provision of services and products like Blockchain4Kidz

Inclusion and access to digital services  linking to finance, health , education resulting in better living standards and opportunity to global value chains

Theory of Change 

The Digital ID  system built on distributed  ledger technology will allow automatic verification process inbuilt into the system and can help to support verification of users of our Blockchain4Kidz App. At the same time the system will  allow us to offer a range of different services while we monitor the progress made by users of the APP. As our system will be based on a shared network basis this will provide access to many more vulnerable groups  even those out of reach of internet services. They could connect through a decentralised platform that links in their Digital ID. Furthermore  for example women may also have the opportunity to ensure their children can utilise use of the Blockchain4kidz app for their kids education  helping  kids learn about blockchain and allow them to earn rewards while learning. This means even children in marginalised communities can access these important tools to build their skills set, wealth and prospects because they will be learning the basic principles of monetisation and decentralised tokenisation  linking this  to their digital identity even if currently they earn little wealth.

Our solution will be extremely user friendly because of it’s appealing user interface and design. This is presented to the end user easily links to the inbuilt verification system through the digital identity system which is backed by secure code .

Our solution will be developed in line with standards which are interoperable globally. in one of our pilots the digital ID  is built upon W3C & DIF Standards which are interoperable globally. Anyone can share their Digital ID credentials regardless of which platform they switch to. Examples outside of this proposal Issuers (organisations issuing digital credentials e.g. a university issuing a digital degree) can easily be on-boarded though an API & SDK on a case by case basis. They can run their own node (computer )on the network to increase the decentralized aspect. Verifiers (Organisations verifying digital credentials e.g. a bank checking KYC) only require an API to embed through their websites or mobile applications. Users simply need an app or custodial wallet through  WhatsApp or USSD (offline).

DigitalID wallets can be offline as custodial wallets through chatbots (WhatsApp), USSD or even  QR Codes. This enables greater connectivity for many people in low connectivity environments. For those communities with low literacy and  numeracy , we plan to make for example the Blockchain4Kidz app built on combination of visuals, videos and many elements of gamification  in different languages with simple chatbot/ AI voice  functionality that engages users better .

Global Policy House (GPH) has ambitious plans to ensure that the hybrid solution reach a minimum of  3 countries in each year with 15-20 countries by year 5. The solution developed is designed for all global markets particularly underserved developing markets where connectivity has been an issue. In three years we have ambitious plans to serve a minimum of 10,000 per country in the one year with build up over the years. Blockchain4kidz our new product set to serve a confirmed  300 kids over the pilot phase in one country with plans to grow this to 5000 post 3 months of pilot.This pilot has been agreed with the Government of Bermuda to run this trial in Bermuda and then roll out the programme across all schools in Bermuda. Our  other pilot partners in Zimbabwe and Burundi we aim to reach at least 5,000 in each country. Our ambitions is to double these figures every year. This is feasible given our solution is easy to reach through virtual means and we can double the number in each year each then look to triple as we expand. This is just on the one solution but as a company we offer other education programmes that will help us attract more customers and help us expand quicker .

The goal is to run pilots on our newer range of products  over the  next six months with aim of growing our  presence with the new applications globally after this . By second year we aim to reach 10 countries , we have partners in at least 10 countries already willing to support our efforts. As we have existing programmes and strong partnerships globally we feel we can easily  triple the numbers outlined rapidly by utilising  our access to markets. We want to be able to impact at least 2 million people in the short term and much more as we are bringing to market a global solution that is needed by all global communities.Many partners are keen to understand more about the role that technology plays and how they can support their communities with new products like the one we are  introducing. We will scale our activities by leveraging our partners , building on our marketing plans especially building on our social medial linkages which currently reach 80,000 followers.

The most critical  barriers we face is  financial shortfalls  to enable full development of the full scale of the products and the added features that we intend to put onto the platform. This includes having additional functionality through bots and AI systems to enhance the user experience. We will need financial support to finish development of the application and for ongoing support of the application. The other challenge is marketing our products in none traditional markets and raising awareness about our offerings  as well as sourcing additional global partners that can help support our expansion.Other legal  challenges in countries where there is no clear regulation around use of blockchain based products.

We intend to seek funding from a range of groups to support our efforts to source the right amounts of funding to allow us to fully bring to market a range of products and additional product offering . This funding will help with expansion and bringing to life products  that are a necessity to shift the dial in digital identity and education . These are two critical areas that are currently impacting millions if not billions of people around the world. Covid has shed a light on the vulnerabilities of existing systems and negative economic/ social  impact for our target market have been adverse , leaving many with little choice and options. Poverty in many countries is expected to rise with minimal access to traditional jobs. It is time to up-skill, provide alternative means to build skills and create jobs. We will overcome the marketing challenge by partnering and extending  our major partners to promote our products and amplify our social media reach.

We have a team of 20 people, mostly made up of women and young people who can relate to the markets we are trying to serve. we also have a number of interns (6) on part time with us learning about blockchain and the emerging technology space at the same time supporting us in our social media campaigns . We also work on a partnership model with our colleagues in offices in our countries of trial in Burundi, Zimbabwe and Bermuda.

The team is being led by CEO Michelle Chivunga N , a well recognised blockchain expert  awarded top 10 African woman in blockchain and Top 40 Fintech4good Global Fellow.Michelle is globally recognised as a pioneer in the blockchain space ,often referred to as a young thought leader and innovator in the Blockchain and Finance space. Michelle is working across borders to educate about Blockchain and other emerging technology solutions and helping to  source financing to support innovative projects. With over 15 years experience,  working cross-sector in global banking, government policy, education and technology Michelle brings a wealth of diverse skills and knowledge. Today she advises governments and multilateral institutions on digital transformation/Blockchain and finance related issues.  As CEO of GPH Michelle is diirecting a team of exceptional developers, marketers, financiers and young people to bring to market solutions needed by the world.Global Policy House  also has already delivered numerous blockchain  education programmes across  the world.  For Blockchain4kidz we have also partnered with accredited children education institutions with over 25 years children education  experience for the Blockchain4Kidz programme which we will link to the DigitalID.

One of the major strengths of GPH is it’s extensive partnerships spread across the world. Through these extensive partnerships we  have been at the heart of shaping the blockchain agenda and multilateral push for digital identity and emerging tech  education to close the digital divide working with partners including the  Government of Bermuda ,International Chambers of Commerce ,World Trade Organisation , African Union, Oxford University , Curtin University, IBM  and many other institutions. In our new products we have consulted with IBM, many government representatives and schools some of which have been  outlined here. in some of our pilot countries we have partnered with Initiative for Promotion of Rural Health and integrated Development in Burundi (IPSDI-Burundi) in product development to help address the rising number of school dropouts due to inadequate learning environments/infrastructures for most kids in Burundi especially young girls and explored creating digital identities to improve access to services. We have partnered with other groups in Zimbabwe too including start-ups bringing to market local solutions that could sit well with our portfolio of products. In addition to these groups through our joint efforts we have worked with the following 

• UNICEF- Burundi

• Ministry of Education 

• Korea Hope Foundation

• Global Fund for Children (GFC)

• Environment Education Foundation (FEE)

• Women’s Worldwide Web (Reseaux)

• Women’s Economic Imperative

• British Embassy Office in Bujumbura

• Korea-Jeju –self-development Government

By providing a range of technology support and education  to a range of groups around the world we are hoping to meet our social impact goals to support a more inclusive society that is equipped with the right skills and can access the services and goods needed for their growth and prosperity. We also have a strong business  model detailed below with value and revenue gained from our education programmes, consultancy/advisory work and product development  that we will sale across  global markets . we also support start-ups , smes and corporates in sourcing financing and aim to generate additional revenue from that.

GPH will raise its funds through:

• partnering with external organizations such as International Chambers of Commerce, the United Nations, and African Union, among others to raise funds  and work on paid consutancuy projects ;

•  financing  from projects such as Blockchain4Kids and others ;

• funding from programmes like Blockchain Women, Blockchain Government, Blockchain Youth, and Education Enterprise intended to train women in tech and also equipping the next generation of leaders with digital skills through the Michelle International Capacity Building Network (M/ICBN); and

• advisory services revenues 

we have found it difficult raise funds and have not raised any yet.

We are seeking additional $250,000  dollars to go into our digieducate20 portfolio to support product development work  and marketing activity. In addition we will be looking to raise additional capital to support expansion of Global policy house as since the lockdown we have had a surge of requests to support companies in providing our traditional education programmes  around blockchain ,leadership and digital transformation. We are happy to share more detailed information about the detailed figures on this element.

Our expected expenses will be $120,000 for 2020 , lower than our original projected as we have cut back on travel expenses as a result of Covid.

Our biggest barrier is sourcing funds to finalise our product which has already received global support with countries keen to have the product. Winning the Mission Billion Challenge  would be transformational for us and would aid us to bring a much needed  product thats like no other  to millions and billions of people around the world. Our CEO as  black african female founder has often spoke about the challenges she has faced in securing funding both for the business and projects , being able to win this would be supporting her life long dream to transform the lives of many vulnerable women and children around the world. As a team at GPH we are driven by our ability to make transformational change to happen but are currrently hindered by lack of financing as the ultimate barrier.  

We would like to partner with other technology providers, academic institutions, financing institutions  and multilateral organisations to help us in our expansion into other markets as well help us secure additional funding  to bring  technology solutions that will transform the world for a more inclusive and sustainable society.

We would like to partner with other technology providers, academic institutions, financing institutions  and multilateral organisations to help us in our expansion into other markets as well help us secure additional funding  to bring  technology solutions that will transform the world for a more inclusive and sustainable society.