Bitcoin Beach community in El Salvador is teaching children under the age of 12 how to send their first Bitcoins. Roman MartÃnez, the leader of Bitcoin Beach, stated in an interview that he believes early education on Bitcoin, money, and economics can provide a framework for many underprivileged children to have a better chance in life.
Preparing Children for the Future with Bitcoin Beach
MartÃnez revealed that Bitcoin Beach runs after-school programs to help children use Bitcoin.
“Every Friday, we visit schools for Bitcoin education. We talk about money and dreams, teach them how to set up a Bitcoin wallet, help them receive their first satoshis, and assist them in making transactions.”
MartÃnez noted that despite many students thinking that learning Bitcoin is difficult or only for those studying economics, students embrace technology. He added that once they are willing to learn, it becomes very easy. Bitcoin Beach places great importance on teaching students about Bitcoin, money, and banking topics, as these subjects are not extensively taught in schools.
“No one teaches you anything about money. We deal with it every day; we work for money, we save money, but no one teaches us about it. If you want to make a change, people and families need to acquire knowledge about money.”
MartÃnez believes that Bitcoin is the latest evolution of money and by teaching children its benefits, along with other life skills, they can find better job opportunities.
“If they speak English, have computer skills, know about Bitcoin, and understand marketing, they can work remotely for anyone from anywhere in the world. This is a great opportunity available to everyone now.”
El Salvador: The Bitcoin Nation
According to the promotional document, Bitcoin Beach is a movement that helps impoverished individuals who cannot benefit from the banking system and aims to realize the potential of Bitcoin. It is located in El Zonte, a coastal town about an hour’s drive southwest of the country’s capital, San Salvador, and was one of the first regions in the country to start accepting Bitcoin. Another Bitcoin education NGO based in El Salvador is My First Bitcoin, which helps 25,000 students obtain a “Bitcoin Diploma” through the country’s public school system.
Approximately 70% of Salvadorans currently cannot perform banking transactions. Financial inclusion has been a key focus for President Nayib Bukele, who is known for his pro-Bitcoin stance and reportedly has one of the highest presidential approval ratings in terms of financial inclusion. Many Bitcoin-related programs were initiated in El Salvador by the government in September 2021, making Bitcoin a legal tender in the country, which was a pioneering move worldwide.
