Published on August 30, 2024
By: Xalyur Immudetes
Education plays a pivotal role in empowering people across every aspect of life, gifting them with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to pursue their aspirations (individuals contribute to societal well-being as they pursue their happiness). It serves as a gateway to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence from traditional banking institutions.
The philosophy we’ve just described deeply resonates with the ethos of “My First Bitcoin”, a talented team based in El Salvador. Since 2021, they’ve been passionately dedicated to empowering countless individuals worldwide. This organization’s focus extends beyond Bitcoin education… In addition to educating about Blockchain and cryptocurrencies, they embrace a broader vision: teaching about the essence of money, its origins, and its significance. They aim to empower people, emphasizing that no one is condemned to suffer the consequences of any system.
On this occasion, our team had a delightful conversation with two prominent figures from “My First Bitcoin”: Wally, the mastermind behind ‘Bitcoin Podcast El Salvador‘, and Roberto Magaña, who serves as project coordinator, treasurer, and more. They shared that since its inception nearly three years ago (coinciding with El Salvador’s historic declaration of Bitcoin as legal tender), the team has been fervently committed to fostering independent thinking. While the nation has set a great example of economic freedom, a substantial percentage of the population still regards the US dollar as their sole refuge.
Far from giving up, these guys realized that education was the key to breaking down this barrier. In March 2022, the team conducted their first diploma course, celebrating their first graduation in June of the same year. Their success led to an invitation from the Ministry of Education in 2023 to offer these diplomas to teachers, allowing them to share this knowledge in classrooms. “My First Bitcoin” has educated over 30,000 individuals in El Salvador and expanded its global reach, hosting graduations in numerous countries, including Mexico, Canada, Cuba, Honduras, Argentina, and South Africa.
Roberto shared a philosophy that deeply resonated with us: he conveyed that relying on politics for positive change is frequently ineffective and inefficient.
“Expecting good things to come from politics is very complicated… Change carries far more weight when it emerges from the people. We understand that this will take decades and demands patience, but it’s essential to remain consistent. It’s a formidable task, but we must stay committed. This revolution will inevitably sweep across the globe”.
Moving on, Wally emphasized their astonishment at the progress they’ve made in such a short time. In his own words:
“It’s quite remarkable when you witness moments like this: initially, a skeptic approached us, convinced that crypto is a scam. Yet, by the end of the course, the same person admitted to reconsidering their stance, acknowledging a positive transformation in their life”.
“My First Bitcoin” diploma course follows this structure: The first part initiates a Socratic debate on the necessity of money, while the second part delves into its nature, properties, concepts like scarcity, and the psychology behind money. Class three delves into history, covering topics such as bartering, its limitations, and the transition to paper money. Chapter four briefly explores fiat money’s history and the flaws of the current monetary system, detailing its controllers and beneficiaries. Class five addresses inflation and the dichotomy between centralized and decentralized systems, while the sixth introduces Bitcoin. The workbook consists of 10 chapters, available for download here.
About My First Bitcoin
John Dennehy, an award-winning journalist, founded “My First Bitcoin”. After relocating from the United States to Ecuador in 2005, it was El Salvador’s embrace of Bitcoin as a legal tender that ignited his interest in new horizons. Opting to settle in El Salvador, he established the organization, now collaborating with over 15 individuals globally. Their mission is to educate about what he views as society’s paramount tool for constructing a sustainable future: Bitcoin.
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