- Amidst poverty and violence, Bitcoin is emerging as a critical ally for Haiti, fostering economic empowerment and community resilience.
- The “Yes, Bitcoin Haiti” project is cultivating a new economic citadel, leveraging Bitcoin to drive local and sustainable economic growth.
In the face of continuous hardship, Haiti, Latin America’s poorest country, is undergoing a transformative phase with the help of Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that is proving to be a vital tool in the fight against poverty, violence, and political instability. This shift is primarily driven by the “Yes, Bitcoin Haiti” project, which aims to create an economic citadel powered by Bitcoin.
You can learn more about or project and support us as we begin Phase 2 of our project on our Geyser Fund page here: https://t.co/0geMMjzxNt
— Yes Bitcoin Haiti 🇭🇹 (@yesbitcoinhaiti) July 19, 2024
Haiti is characterized by its extreme poverty, where the majority of the population struggles daily to afford basic necessities like nutritious food. Most Haitians rely on informal jobs such as street vending or agricultural work, assuming they have access to land. However, the constant threat of gang violence looms large, forcing many to live in a state of perpetual alertness, vulnerable to theft, kidnappings, and direct assaults.
The challenges extend beyond violence; Haiti frequently faces natural disasters like hurricanes, exacerbating the nation’s vulnerability and deepening its crisis. Amid these dire conditions, Bitcoin is being adopted as more than just a currency; it’s a beacon of hope and a potential catalyst for change.
The project began in Saint Michel de l’Atalaye, a community where residents, inspired by the potential of Bitcoin, have rallied to create a self-sustaining economic model. Led by Phanor Mendelking, a 34-year-old local who was displaced by gang violence, the initiative is educating Haitians about the advantages of Bitcoin over traditional fiat currencies, such as its resistance to inflation and its independence from unstable local banking systems.
Mendelking’s journey into the world of Bitcoin began through a conversation with an American friend, Armand, who introduced him to the concepts of fiat money, inflation, central banks, and the revolutionary potential of Satoshi Nakamoto’s creation. Driven by a passion to bring change to his community, Mendelking, along with a young student named Val Papouche, has begun offering online Bitcoin education across the country.
The duo enrolled in the “My First Bitcoin Diploma” program and are now focused on spreading Bitcoin literacy. Their plan includes community meetings and workshops where they distribute educational material about Bitcoin. They aim to integrate Bitcoin education into local schools and businesses to strengthen the regional economy through a circular economy model.
Their efforts have garnered the support of the Human Rights Foundation, which provided funding for salaries, equipment, and educational material production. This endorsement highlights the international recognition of their work and the potential impact of Bitcoin in regions suffering from economic and social instability.
As Mendelking and Papouche continue to open new doors for Bitcoin knowledge and adoption, they exemplify how even the smallest initiative can contribute to the rebirth of a nation. Their project underscores the transformative power of Bitcoin, not just as a cryptocurrency, but as a tool for social and economic empowerment in areas most in need.