Hello Gitcoin community,
I’m Dr. Cyprian Omukhwaya Sakwa, a University Lecturer of Mathematics and Cryptography Instructor at Web3Clubs. I recently joined Gitcoin and I’m excited to align with its mission of supporting builders and advancing public goods through ZK and privacy tech 
I’ve read and fully agree with the Rules of Engagement — mutual respect and security are the backbone of thriving decentralized ecosystems.
Although I missed participating in 2024 rounds, I’ve taken time to study the proposed Gitcoin Grants 2025 Strategy, and I’m impressed by:
Metrics-based retro funding models
Builder mentorship + incentive programs
Quadratic Funding evolution and ecosystem support
As a new contributor, I’m currently building ZK circuits in Noir for age verification, weighted thresholds, and other privacy-preserving applications — and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to upcoming rounds 
Thanks for maintaining a safe, visionary space for builders like myself to learn, connect, and grow.
I strongly support the proposed strategy for Gitcoin Grants 2025, particularly the shift towards a multi-mechanism approach that will cater to both early-stage and mature builders. However, to truly foster an ecosystem of growth and innovation, I believe we must adjust the structure to provide flexibility for builders. Instead of a rigid, one-size-fits-all incentive structure, we should allow for individual choice and personal risk—empowering builders to make their own path while still receiving the support they need to thrive.
Mentorship will play a critical role, but we must ensure that incentives are not guaranteed, giving builders the freedom to choose their journey. By providing mentorship and long-term incentives for builders, we aim not only to support their immediate needs but to prepare them for sustained growth by navigating real-world challenges. This will allow for a dynamic and adaptive ecosystem where builders can rise to the occasion, embrace failure, and ultimately prove their value.
I also fully support the focus on decentralized funding mechanisms and metrics-based funding to ensure fairer and more transparent resource allocation. However, as we move toward the future of public goods funding, we should also allow for more community-driven collaboration spaces. By enabling direct participation in the funding process, we can ensure that diverse voices and needs are represented while also fostering a system that encourages competition and innovation.
To truly embrace the complexity of the Ethereum ecosystem, we must create a system that allows for the emergence of leaders who can guide the way, but also provides a space for all builders to grow, compete, and thrive. This is how we will maintain a sustainable, scalable funding model that allows the ecosystem to evolve and flourish.