El Salvador’s Bitcoin enthusiasts instruct 12-year-olds on transferring satoshis.

Schoolchildren in El Salvador, some as young as 12, are being introduced to Bitcoin (BTC) through visits from members of El Salvador’s Bitcoin Beach.

Roman Martínez, a leader in the Bitcoin Beach community, informed Cointelegraph that educating young individuals about Bitcoin, finance, and the economy could provide a foundation for many underprivileged children he instructs, enhancing their prospects for the future.

Martínez elaborated that Bitcoin Beach conducts after-school initiatives aimed at preparing children to utilize Bitcoin.

“Every Friday we visit schools for Bitcoin education where we discuss money and aspirations, we guide them in setting up a Bitcoin wallet, assist them in receiving their first satoshi, and facilitate transactions.”

A satoshi, or sat, represents the smallest unit of Bitcoin, with 100 million sats constituting one BTC.

Martínez visiting a school to demonstrate how to use a Bitcoin wallet. Source: X

Martínez observed that students have welcomed the technology, even though many initially perceived Bitcoin as difficult to understand or exclusive to those studying economics.

“Once [they’re] open to learning, it becomes very simple,” he remarked.

He clarified that Bitcoin Beach prioritizes educating students about Bitcoin, finance, and banking, as these topics are often overlooked in traditional schooling.

“No one instructs you about money. We engage in transactions daily, we earn money, we save money, yet no one educates us on it. To effect change, individuals and families must learn about finance.”

Martínez considers Bitcoin to be the “latest evolution of money,” and by imparting knowledge about Bitcoin’s advantages—alongside other essential life skills—children will be better positioned to pursue improved job opportunities.

“If they are proficient in English, possess computer skills, understand Bitcoin, and are knowledgeable about marketing, they can work remotely for anyone globally,” he stated. “This opens a significant opportunity for everyone.”

The future looks brighter! #God #surf #Bitcoin #Surfparatodos @Bitcoinbeach pic.twitter.com/sGpQtuyRsg

— Roman Martínez⚡️ (chimbera) (@romanmartinezc) July 22, 2023

As outlined in its whitepaper, Bitcoin Beach is an initiative aimed at realizing Bitcoin’s potential by assisting those marginalized by the banking system.

It is located in El Zonte—a coastal town approximately an hour’s drive southwest of the capital, San Salvador, and one of the first regions in the country to begin accepting Bitcoin.

Related: How crypto can be utilized in classrooms — and promote financial literacy

Another nonprofit focused on Bitcoin education in El Salvador is My First Bitcoin, which has enabled 25,000 students to earn a “Bitcoin Diploma” through the public school system.

New Video Out Now!
25,000 students have been educated about #bitcoin in El Salvador.
I visited @MyfirstBitcoin_ to discover their plans for global change.
Full #ElSalvador Video Below pic.twitter.com/CL5bVgxH8K

— Max DeMarco ⚡️ (@itsmaxdemarco) August 15, 2023

Approximately 70% of El Salvador’s population is currently unbanked. Financial inclusion has been a primary focus for pro-Bitcoin President Nayib Bukele, who reportedly enjoys one of the highest approval ratings for a president worldwide.

Many Bitcoin-related initiatives were initiated following the El Salvadoran government’s groundbreaking decision to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021.

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