In El Salvador, school children as young as 12 years old are now being introduced to Bitcoin through educational programs led by the members of Bitcoin Beach. The community leader, Roman Martínez, believes that early-age education on Bitcoin, money, and the economy can provide underprivileged kids with a better chance at a successful future.
Bitcoin Beach runs after-school programs where they teach kids how to use Bitcoin. Every Friday, they visit schools to talk about money, dreams, and teach the students how to set up a Bitcoin wallet. The children are also helped to receive their first satoshi (the smallest denomination of Bitcoin) and make transactions.
Despite initially thinking that Bitcoin was difficult to learn or only for those studying economics, the students have embraced the technology. Martínez highlights the importance of teaching kids about Bitcoin, money, and banking, as these subjects are not typically taught in schools.
According to Martínez, learning about Bitcoin and other life skills can open up better employment opportunities for these students. He believes that if they know English, have computer skills, understand Bitcoin, and have marketing knowledge, they can work remotely for anyone around the world. This creates new opportunities for them to escape poverty and improve their lives.
Bitcoin Beach, as described in its whitepaper, aims to ensure that Bitcoin’s potential is realized by helping those who have been excluded from the traditional banking system. It is based in El Zonte, a beach town southwest of the capital, San Salvador, and was one of the first areas in the country to start accepting Bitcoin.
Another nonprofit organization in El Salvador called My First Bitcoin has also been educating students about Bitcoin. Through the country’s public school system, they have helped 25,000 students obtain a “Bitcoin Diploma.”
Financial inclusion is a pressing issue in El Salvador, as around 70% of the population is currently unbanked. President Nayib Bukele, who supports Bitcoin, has made financial inclusion a priority. His pro-Bitcoin stance has gained him high approval rates, making him one of the most popular presidents globally.
Many of these Bitcoin-related education programs were initiated after El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in September 2021. It was a groundbreaking move that has paved the way for various initiatives and projects aimed at promoting Bitcoin adoption and financial literacy in the country.
As the world watches El Salvador’s Bitcoin experiment, the efforts to educate young students about Bitcoin reflect a forward-thinking approach to empower individuals and communities with financial knowledge and digital skills. This early-age education not only prepares these kids for the future but also equips them with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and create a better life for themselves.
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