Children are among the most vulnerable when it comes to the corrupt fiat money system. Can Bitcoin offer a way out of gangs, violence, and financial oppression?
My guest Reyna Chicas, Teacher Lead for Mi Primer Bitcoin, and I discuss the impact of Bitcoin education on young people in El Salvador, highlighting the transformation it brings in terms of financial literacy, empowerment, and hope. She shares the safety improvements in the country and personal experiences in overcoming past fears and restrictions.
Reyna serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Mi Primer Bitcoin. Her role involves strategic planning and execution for MPB's global impact. She also supports the administrative aspects of collaboration with the Ministry of Education, onboarding and training of new teachers, and fostering partnerships with educational institutions and enterprises in El Salvador.
1. The project with the Ministry of Education of El Salvador.
2. What is the Node program for Mi Primer Bitcoin?
3. About the new 2024 version of the Bitcoin Diploma.
https://miprimerbitcoin.io/en/my-first-bitcoin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReynaChicas2
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[00:00:33]
Unknown:
Children are among the most vulnerable population on planet Earth when it comes to the fiat money supply. There is a money printer that can go print infinite amounts of dollars at the stroke of a keystroke now instead of a pen by centralized banks and authorities to fund forever wars, drop bombs on innocent children, turn them into gang members, turn them into militia people, drug dealers, and not let them have a chance for hope in the future. And our next guest is on a mission to help educate young people about Bitcoin with the Bitcoin diploma from me, Premier Bitcoin. It's my honor to get to interview Rayna Chikas, And she is on a mission just like I am to help make the world a much better place through Bitcoin adoption and understanding that if we do not have a peaceful money, we cannot have a peaceful world and why Bitcoin is the most peaceful money out there. Tune in.
Hey, aloha, love tribe. Welcome to Bitcoin for Peace. I have somebody here with me who I got to hang out with in Madera, Portugal. I also got to hang out with her in El Salvador. She is on a mission to help young people learn about Bitcoin. She's the lead teacher for me, Premier Bitcoin in El Salvador. Welcome, Rayna Chicas. What's up, my soul sister?
[00:02:00] Unknown:
Hello, Valerie. Thank you. Oh, that's a nice presentation. Yes. I'm really happy to be here. Super excited.
[00:02:07] Unknown:
Nervous, but I'm really glad that we're gonna hang out on camera again. Yeah. We're just gonna chill and relax, and it was so great to get to spend several moments with you in Madera at Bitcoin Atlantis for the Me Premiere Bitcoin event, the UN conference, and for the the night before. It was just great. Let's let's talk about what are you up to? What's going on, and what's hot and fresh? And I know you just came from something very special in El Salvador. You wanna tell everybody?
[00:02:35] Unknown:
Yes. Of course. Well, where to start? Right? We we have so much going on. Just a quick recap. Say, last week, it was full of full of events. At the end of the week, I was like, there's no place like El Salvador right now, honestly, to do all of these things. Yeah. On Tuesday, we had a graduation from a 120 students. Wow. Evening, we had a charity gala on. We worked to visit a town here with a partnership that is very excited for us coming, coming up soon. And on Thursday, we graduated, you know, the first cohort of the public school teachers that we taught last year with the minister of education there. He was there at the government office. And on Friday, we I got to attend at least one day to the Halloween party, and it was amazing. It was really good.
I heard it was a lot, at least 500 people, which is I was surprised that place is huge, so you didn't even feel it. Wow. But, you know, you get to see, some friends, make new friends, like, in every conference. Really cool. And we have just released also our 2024 Beacon diploma version. Oh, right. I'm happy also to announce that I'm working already in the Spanish translation. It's a lot of work, so it's really it's I'm really, like, honored, you know, to feel like I'm gonna put a little bit of of my knowledge in it. And, we had actually just a meeting an hour ago with, the team from the Ministry of Education here to go to the next phase of this pilot. Mhmm. So in 2 weeks on April 22nd, we start with the next group of teachers from the Coolidge School System, and they are going to be a 129.
Just this first group for one day, and then we're gonna visit all the schools. Do they what they really also care the most about, I mean, on top of the knowledge, is the fact that we they want us to do, you know, sending subs, helping the teachers in the schools. Like, every kid has their wallet, and that's very important for us. So although it's a lot of work for all the team that is involved, you know, to travel seriously throughout the country, is very rewarding. Yesterday, we started a new Bitcoin diploma to you know, it's it's just like a lot. Like, I feel sometimes it's a lot and but I don't know if you feel this well, but it's the fact that you just, I wish I had more hours in the day. You know? Oh my god. I know. A long day. It's just that you just don't have enough time for everything that's coming and everything that we're doing, so I'm really excited also to share a little bit.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
It's so it's amazing. Like, you guys have been on fire since day 1, and I've been a huge fan of me premier Bitcoin. And, you know, obviously, educating young people is they're the future, whether they're in El Salvador or anywhere on planet Earth. And I think what we're missing is financial literacy. We're missing financial empowerment. We're missing the even the understanding from young people and obviously adults that there's a different way for them to create their own future. And so to me, Bitcoin is such an opportunity for young people to see the world through a very, very unique and different lens than anything before.
And so I'd love to hear a little bit about, like, who's the bit just for the audience here who doesn't know what the Bitcoin diploma is and anybody who's listening who's, you know, new to is, like, why is is El Salvador doing this? Like, can you help people, you know, just for a couple minutes tell everybody what's a Bitcoin diploma, who's it for, and why is it started in El Salvador?
[00:06:05] Unknown:
Yes. Of course. We, well, you know, just for the audience, let's say nobody knows about me, Premier Bitcoin. We are an NGO, and we're a nonprofit based in El Salvador. We teach Bitcoin financial literacy and Bitcoin education to young kids. We started our Bitcoin diploma in 2022 was the creation of the first one. And then, what we did was basically, you know, just make this book. It was 10 chapters. So it was the first one to be used on a public school. We started teaching, on our own on schools for the, let's say, the youngers in the in the in in the some, areas of the country. And then after it kicked out, you know, we started with our 1st introductory class end of 2021.
Last year, 2023 was, you know, we grew exponentially. So this version that we created on 2022 has been through different changes throughout, you know, the history, let's say. We are on I believe this is version 5 already, 2024, we call it, because it's it's this year. So it's very exciting to see what this first, let's say, product brought to us, not only, you know, attention, but the demand that we saw. You know? This is what led us also to work with the minister of education. They basically the the materials that they're using to teach the the the teachers in in the public schools is basically, like, the base material is is the big con diploma is our curriculum. It's 10 chapters. So we say 10 weeks. Right? But it depends. I mean, someone could teach it in a week if you do, you know, 1 2 hours every day. And then also, we have this is very excited because we this one was created basically, you know, for teenagers. Like, we we get them in their high school year and adults, and it goes from 0. It goes from, I know nothing about Bitcoin, to self custody.
So you go, you know, financial like, what is money? Why do we need it? What is what gives money value? What gives what makes money money. Right? Like, what is it? And then we go through the evolution, the history of money, when we started trading, bargaining, and then now to, you know, digital money, cryptocurrencies, all of that. Like, everything that has gone through history, so so they can also sort of understand. We talked about the gold standard, you know, Nixon shock, the whole thing, and it's so surprising. I mean, kids, I get it. But with adults, when we've done open enrollments in communities, they have no idea how money is created.
They didn't really know that, you know, money like, the dollars, US dollar, is not backed by gold. I was having I mean, not an argument, but the other day with a lady that she thought that, yeah. But if the US does it, then that means that every country has to print money. And I'm like, they do? Like, you know, every country has they they and so they started with little what, you know, every time. So now after, you know, this is great, with this new version diploma now, there is more people in communities around the world reaching out. Hey. How can you get this? How can I implement it? How can I teach it in my in my community with my school?
So I'm actively creating, with the help of, you know, one of our teachers, Gerardo, who's great, and the team, of course, teacher lesson plan guide. So this new version can have that extra resources to be to make it easier to teach it. And then we've recently started also a partnership collaboration, let's say, still with the minister of education, but also with Lina from the leader holder where we're gonna create, the curriculum for young gradients. This is gonna be so 2024 is gonna be the year for development. And then on 2025, we we expect to launch the pilot in the schools, but this is going to start at 7 years old. So there is gonna be 2 books 2 workbooks created, 7 to 9, and then 10 to 12, and then 13, 14. We can use the BECOME diploma. Right? And it could exit the one from MPB.
And this was when we had that meeting, you know, the the ministry offices, at a moment when we went out, I was like, this is massive. You know? The the fact that we're gonna get these concepts of course, they're not gonna know, you know, learn now how to run a node. But by the time they get to, you know, 10th grade, 11th grade, they're gonna have so much knowledge that the BICON diploma is gonna be something like, what is this? You know? I already know this. And another super exciting thing about that is that it's going to be open source. So it's like, everything, you know, that we want to create is also gonna be. So this, is gonna start, yeah, Alexa, next year, and we also have new partnership, but all based on education. So it's it's really you know, I'm I can only be grateful and proud to be part of this team. How we started, literally, with 1 school. And last year, we already told over 30,000 students in person, and that's not even escalated to online.
And then we we have also a live network that has over, you know, 20 countries already and a big community of 25 people translating this Bitcoin diploma into more than 25 languages.
[00:11:33] Unknown:
Oh my gosh. 25 languages, 30,000 people so far in person in less than 2 years? That's Yeah. Insane. I mean,
[00:11:44] Unknown:
holy way to go. High five. I wish I could hug you. Yes. I know. Right? We can only see, you know, what's coming. Like, that's we seriously have more demand that we can cover. Like, I we we can talk for hours for the other things that probably, yeah, I'm not gonna say it publicly yet until they are official, but it's so much coming that, yeah, I'm so excited about the future.
[00:12:05] Unknown:
I'm so excited about the future. How are you guys raising money? Like, how are you
[00:12:09] Unknown:
funded? So we have fund well, the community, you know, the generous community for, donors and sponsors and also grants. We have grants. Now we are going to start I mean, all of our classes have been for free so far. Right? Mhmm. The only ones that we are gonna start, there is also a new development of, curriculum for business because here in El Salvador also companies are starting to see, hey. I need my employees to learn about this. Yeah. And, truly, they don't want, you know, just to self custody. Right? They they want to also the employees bring up new ideas. They need to learn what we create so they can have ideas for the business, which is it's valid. Right? Like, everybody needs to to make a living somehow. So these companies, they are definitely gonna at least pay and cover the cost for these classes. So then it's it's not a an expense.
And last, Thursday that we have when is it? Tuesday? Tuesday, 2nd, that we had our, charity gala. Also, it was really cool. It was amazing. We had Stacy, Max, which was, you know, the most phenomenal. I didn't expect to have so much fun with him as an auctioneer, I think you called it. Uh-huh. And we raised over I believe it was 1 1.2 BTC. Oh, wow. From the auction, and we had really great items. You know, we had a 30 minute call with Jack Dorsey, with Jeff, sign. We have a little hauler donated by Lina, signed by president. So a lot of people, you know, was excited to attend, and it's it's it was very intimate. So the I mean, it's it's for fundraising. Right? So it's a very top, restaurant in El Salvador. You know, it's one of the top 10 in Latin America.
And even the owners are very generous that they, you know, donate the space and everything because they just they just like project. They like what we're doing, and they like the community as well. And, few of the ones that attended, it was basically their first time also in El Salvador. They signed up for the dinner because it was, like, a 6, 7, 8 course dinner. So it's like a fancy dinner, but it's it was really, really cool. It's set up with 50 people probably. And so that's how we are racing right now. We still need, of course, more. So whenever you feel generous to the audience, feel free. We really appreciate it.
But there is so much, you know, that we can contribute as well. Right? We need to we need to be contributors, not just consumers, for everything that that's that's coming. And look up other projects as well if you feel like, you know, looking into the or GitHub, let's say, some of the ones, the contributors that are there, the, like, network, and they go with our curriculum to their own communities. We try to, you know, teach them extra resources. So it's really it's it's a great community. So when you are helping, let's say, me, Premier Bitcoin, it's not that you are doing it just for El Salvador. We this basically serves to pay, let's say, or international relationships, manager, the international expansion, the 28 nodes, 22 countries and counting. Like, it's like Joan likes to say, it's a global movement for sure.
[00:15:19] Unknown:
It's definitely a global movement. It's so special, and, obviously, education is the most important thing for all of us to understand in any parts of life, not just Bitcoin and, you know, personal growth and health and wellness and relationships and, obviously, money. So, okay, so let's look at this, the Light Node Education Network. I'm on I'm sharing the screen right now. Yep. Oh my god. What's behind in the numbers? This is a updated real life. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Talk to me. So how many nodes and 10 piece do we have?
[00:15:48] Unknown:
Yeah. And this is a decentralized education network. Right? Like, it's made of numerous Bitcoin communities around the world, teaching the Bitcoin diploma using me for my Bitcoin educational resources. Oh, right. And, basically, we want to call El Salvador the genesis block because, you know, we are the 1st nation to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender, so it needs to be successful. We need to, you know, be the best example that we can be for the world, and that's why we work so hard towards you as well. And Love it. This is a self government network as well. Like, these 33, they basically, you know, a new commit that if you, for example, in your area, you want you're teaching a BCO diploma, you want to join the network, then you apply, and it's the network the one that approves or denies that you join.
So it's it's it's a lot of, you know, like, proof of work in there as well. It's not just, oh, yeah. We we say yes to everyone. They they got approved. So last time, I believe the last main assembly, it was 5 that were applied from Iran, and only one got approved, which was Isabella. So they're getting picky, let's say. You know, like, they're they're they're getting harsher to to include the acquisition at Isla in in Mexico.
[00:17:03] Unknown:
Oh my god. This makes my heart sing to see all of this. I mean, wow. This is seriously so cool. I'm I'm just blown away. I mean and this is so early. This is what's so fascinating to me. It's so early to see this and to see, you know, what is going on around the planet here with this. What oh my gosh.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
Sorry. Imagine what what are you gonna be in 1 year 5 years. I can only I can only and this is only if we if we'll put it this way, this is only Bitcoin education. Right? Like, it's just not let alone all the other, companies or, ecosystems, like, within the same Bitcoin ecosystem, but, everything else happening outside. Right? Developers and all of these, you know, like, bring all of these open source projects as well really great in their own areas. And I I wonder, like, that why it's why is that right? And I think it's just because it basically, it's the foundation of what's to come. Like, it lays the foundation of what's to come. Yeah. And we can only, you know, most if Bitcoin is a tool that's meant to be used all around the world, then it must be taught by people all around the world. Yes. And so that's why I also, like, you know, all over teachers and like, teaching materials resources are, and I'm sure that are gonna continue to be open source.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
Well and I think too, it's, like, super important, I would imagine, you know, in different countries, you know, definitely the cultural differences that people have about money. Right? And, obviously, we understand that there's cultural differences and laws even for women, you know, that women aren't allowed they don't have property rights in certain areas. And so, obviously, we don't wanna go to the hardest thing first. We wanna work on what's gonna have the most likelihood of success and go outward from there, and, hopefully, it'll get contagious enough where people are understanding. I mean, obviously, I believe Bitcoin is a tool for peace. And so I believe it's a tool for inner peace when we feel more at ease and stable, understanding that everything that we're doing from a work perspective isn't getting melted and rug pulled from us, which creates a lot of stress inside of our minds. And then, obviously, it, you know, is a a scarce money that can't just go get printed out of thin air to go buy bombs and drop them on innocent people. And so I believe that, you know, again, where we keep going, where we have the likelihood of success and then just let that kind of keep going out, and then they all keep connecting with each other. And it looks like it seems like it's going to be like a giant light bright or Christmas tree with all the lights lit up all around the world. You know? And when we think about all the nodes around the world that are you know, people are running nodes in the network and you see all those cool visualizations. It's like our heart nodes get lit up too.
It's not just digital currency. It's like our hope for the future and thinking about the planet being healthy again and thinking about our relationships with each other and
[00:20:14] Unknown:
the the relationship to the future, I think, is so important. Agree. Yes. You couldn't say it better because at the end, you know, the same way, like, nobody learns the same way. Right? Like, not everybody gets interested in the same things and path in bitcoins. Some might like the technology side of it. Some would like development and coding and programming. Some would like the educational part like I did, for example. And the same way, the people are into Bitcoin for different reasons. You know? Some are due to personal sovereignty, and maybe so they would like to, you know, work in that side of working with communities or activists and, you know, to work to empower those groups or advocate for policies that support, you know, individual rights and freedoms. And that's where it also because it's included. So some might see it as a saving or investment tool. Some might be combining. But the thing is that it opens so many possibilities and options to a new work, either to work, to earn, without intermediaries to save, but all is focused on building a better future.
And I know that I speak from El Salvador. A lot of people might think that it's easier to work Bitcoin or earn in Bitcoin, but that's why we're here. Right? Because this this thing, its movement is moving so so fast. And like I said, having we can see it on all of the demands that we're having. This is only Bitcoin Education, so that's why I think it's so important. And I'm, you know, like, super excited of what we're doing and where we get to contribute and and share here with you and with your audience because we're basically trying to create a world where nobody misses out their potential because of where they are born or where they are in the world right now, which is what happens in all of these communities.
For example, from our data, we wanted to have Felix, one of our notes in Kenya, and we we fought really hard to get him there and then visas and everything. Was just not the organizers there, they throw a fantastic letter. We did. We were very specific. Then we tried to bring him to El Salvador for Bitcoin week last week. And even the authorities here in El Salvador, they were really helpful to, you know, to provide letters to the Ministry of Immigration here. No. No. No. And he couldn't even get into the plane. And this sounds sad, but but it gets us excited is that he was so positive after. Like, he was okay. I couldn't get, but I wanted to he I want to run, you know, another meetup here, how you guys do it, what are the best practices. He had tripled the enrollment that he does for his online classes. It's it's amazing. Like, they just basically keep it going. But us, you know, like, the ones that have better even me, like, in, I feel like, oh my god. I still don't have that much of, obstacles. You know? I I was still able to go to my data, but people, you know, in Western Europe and everything that just take a lot of things for for granted, this is the time to help us build, to build for those people as well so they can I mean, they all no need help directly, like, just, you know, aid him? We can just help him to empower them, their own community, so nobody is gonna be judged or gonna miss the potential of the war. It's gonna miss out those people just because they were born on the wrong place, on the wrong country.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. And that that's the thing that I think so many of us have to remember. And, I mean, I I know we take it I take it for granted a lot of times, my freedoms and everything that is so just like, well, of course, I can turn water on. Of course, I can turn electricity on. Of course, I can get a plane ticket pretty much anywhere in the world without having my government lock me up or hold me back and not give me permission to move freely or move my money freely. They just I just saw yesterday, I don't know if you saw this, I think it's Chechnya just made a law, and and so they're I don't know if it's a country or section in Russia, whatever. It's somewhere in Russia. And they're not you're not allowed to play music that is under 80 beats per minute or over, like, like, a 112 or some random you know, some number.
So, basically, no sexy music and no fast music. Yeah. And so I was just like, okay. You know? So just as simple as stuff of the freedom of going to Spotify and being able to select any kind of songs I want even though some of them are not great for your soul. You know? It's just knowing that you have that the freedom, the choice. You know? And and and I, again, I know from experience in certain parts of my life being without choice, And I know what a number that did on my mental health and what a number that did on my just internal feeling of goodness, you know, and it just makes you feel, like, small. And so for when I hear you tell me about Felix and getting disappointed twice trying to come, you know, to Madera and to El Salvador, I can't imagine what it must feel like to get your hopes up and then not get to do it and then still maintain a hopeful composure, you know, that takes a lot of inner strength and a lot of of of warrior spirit. And so people like him and other folks out there who are struggling, I I wanna give so much more love and support to them and just know, like, I don't know what it's like to be going through what you're going through, but you're you're not forgotten and you're not alone.
[00:25:54] Unknown:
You know? And And I think they get that strength, like you said, that strength because they they see a hope of a new comment. They they they are helping building it, and I'm sure he's gonna make it, like, the same way. I heard one of the panels in my data as well, which is one of these developers from the Trust, I believe. Yeah. She's from Nigeria, and she sort of explained the same. Right? Like, she said, like, for us, travel is so much documentation, so much, you know, to be able to be here, and it's exactly what we want to basically do here and have a you know, set a good example that this is possible and replicate it everywhere to get the freedom, to get the choice, like you said, to choose your path.
Maybe they're not even gonna work in Bitcoin itself, But it gives you so much, hope for what can another person in different scenarios can create for their own. So I think, definitely, we see it differently depending where we come in on our ways of on our life and or backgrounds. Or even here in El Saba, for example, it wasn't you know, I was privileged enough and lucky lucky that I got, you know, very well education from my parents. So all of that adds up. You know, the fact that I speak English and Spanish speaking countries, it's another thing. So these are all the tools that we want to create also for for these notes, you know, and these incredible people like Felix that they have their own community because they're basically doing it the same with their own community and express imagine that circle of perfect and good energy. You know? Like, he was just disappointed. Probably his friends went sad for him, but he just basically switched up and is like, let's keep building.
He just basically, you know, okay. That's okay. I'm gonna go bed, have a nap, and then tomorrow is a new day, and he keep just he he keeps going. That's that's why I'm so amazed, and it happens with a lot of this community because it's like us. Right? They they are doing it with their own resources, with their own funds. Eventually, that's why we also try to to help them, like, basically, how to how to raise funds and and be that guy for them is to guide them and empower individuals and organization with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully establish and operate themselves as well. Right? Not just, okay. Here he is and no. We want them to also step by step provide and provides that road map or teams that are looking to grow also our nonprofit organization and, you know, with documents and structure that it follows the steps needed. And all of this is is hard work at the end too. Right? Like, we to, you know, to to continue with demands for them. If you if every day you have 33, you know, communities texting you from different time scenarios, like, it's it's a lot, but it's it's what keeps us going as well. I think it's all of these success stories.
And especially I think sometimes especially the hard ones because we just want we want to change that. It it's on fuel to keep going. Like, we need to change this word and do it in the best way we can. And for us, it's through Bitcoin independent, impartial Bitcoin education. That's that's also really important. Like, it has to be community led. It's like you said, it's different. It's different context. It's hard here, for example, for us to go to community and say, hey. Start saving. And people is like, say what? Like, I barely go, you know, check by check. So Yeah. It's a different scenarios. But even that, we're trying now to create, like, financial, personal finances courses for the day to day even because we've seen. Once you go out and then you try to teach something and then you see, oh, okay. Hold on.
A little bit pause or, like, small pause, and then, okay, we have to sort of redo this again and and maybe help people with this too. So we we see the need, and we are so grateful also for all the, you know, Bitcoin is that's what I love about the big commune community is donating your time, your knowledge. That's also valuable. That's so invaluable, actually, for us to their best resources, what they can do to show up to one of our own conference because they know, you know, that's gonna help us to to sell tickets, all of that. It's would really, really appreciate it. And then when we go to someone that it's I don't know. For example, like, Ben from about He's so an expert for that. Right? They are so open to help us and to build.
We have, with Volcano Energy, for example, a partnership on BTC Education. You know, they are basically they're all these, to go and then use, you know, sustainable energy. They are a renewable energy Yeah. Company in. And this will be an amazing collaboration because it will bring that knowledge of sustainable energy, technological innovation because of their focus on on geothermal and solar and wind projects. So I can only think, okay. Say these kids from the north side of El Salvador where there is very few to do. They don't know what they're gonna do when they finish high school. And now that I said, oh, I can have this job. And that's what I mean. Right? They're at a private company. They they don't have to do it, but they are collaborating now with that. Hey. What can we do? Right? How can we help? And this is gonna help us to just be stronger. It's not gonna be the vision. It's basically just collaborating the same way that we collaborate with Beacon Beach with this, project in with the minister of education for the teachers. So everybody here, I can see it that on their own, but, say, when we go to with to the Bitcoin to have in party, we see it's like hanging out with friends again. Right? It's like going to see your big family.
[00:31:44] Unknown:
It's a family reunion. Every Bitcoin event is a family reunion. You're like, I
[00:31:50] Unknown:
Exactly. Yes. Everybody from their own frontier. So it's it's amazing. And say we contagious this spirit to younger kids, they're gonna have this knowledge and freedom and critical thinking since a very young age. It's not gonna be in their brains. There is no competition here. We all, contribute. We're gonna have a much better work. I I can only feel hopeful of what the world we're we're building.
[00:32:13] Unknown:
I think it's so powerful. And and, you know, you were speaking about just going to the next level, obviously, after we, you know, have these these young people and even the older folks educated about, okay, what's Bitcoin? What's financial literacy? What's, you know, the possibilities for my future? And then, okay, let's go apply that now into some other job training, some skill development, some career ideas and thinking for, like, do I wanna work in a Bitcoin company? Do I wanna start a restaurant? Do I wanna have a daycare for children? Do I wanna be a teacher? Whatever it might be, it's just continuing to give that that those seeds of hope through education and through demonstration, you know, and show it because, you know, a lot of people don't know what they don't know until they know it.
Right. Then it's just kinda like, you know, you don't you, young you know, you're like, woah. I can go have this career. Me? Really? Are you sure? Yeah. You, babe, and and all your friends. And so, that's what I think is so it's so exciting when you see the the light bulbs come on, you know, for the for everybody. And then when there's that reinforcement of the community and the mentorship that comes with it, I I think it's very, very it's contagious and super powerful. Can you share, if if you don't obviously keep privacy with with anybody, You know, I I I titled this episode, you know, can Bitcoin education help children escape poverty?
Can you share any, you know, any stories or something where, you know, you've seen one of the students turn into perhaps a teacher that now is like, cool. I'm gonna go open up my own node here in this part of El Salvador with my family or something that maybe some some folks listening could understand, like, how this has helped transform somebody's life from, possibly a place of hopelessness or meaninglessness into a place of hope and meaning and impact.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
Yes. For sure. I mean yeah. And let's talk about this one because he shared it publicly on on a podcast with Javier Pastado a while ago, and he Gerardo is one of our all star teachers, honestly. Like, every time you're with these young kids yesterday. So we opened this new become diploma at a new school that yesterday was our first time with the group, the last year of high school. And, I only talk a little bit, like, hey. I'm just gonna say what we do, what we are, but then do it. You would like, do it yourself, introduce what but we teach. And he also tell a little bit about his story. Right? He's like, well, how old do you think I am?
And he goes, for some reason, he looks a little bit older, and everybody's like 25, 27. He's like, no. And then he's like, I'm 19. And I took the BCOI diploma on 2022, 2 years ago, just like you at your school. And, you know, now I'm a teacher from Bitcoin, and it's not just the job, let's say. Right? You know, the way it's what you see, he is so much knowledgeable now also, like, even he got in his own rabbit hole. He likes, you know, the technical part, and he was raised by a single mom. He was working at construction at 12 years old already, he barely, you know, finished high school. And he tells me, I mean, what I'm making now, let's say, if we want to go with with the salary part, it's like, what?
Five times, 3, 4 times more than I was making, and I already told because he had to help his mom. And then, of course, what we see on his brilliant future, I'm like, Gerardo, what he's doing already at 19, I can only imagine where he's gonna be at 25, barely 25, you know, like, just already because that's the thing. Right? Like, all of these new tools that students that are now in their high school year are gonna have for the future, but we're talking about 1, 2, 3 years from now. Like, for Gerardo, that was just 2 years ago. So pretty soon, it's just like you said, we can talking about the future, but the future is here now already, like, for next year. Because they are about to go out in the world not knowing how really money works, unsure, or, you know, or unaware sometimes also how or continuous loss of purchasing power works and also with not many opportunities.
So either they will work on Bitcoin or not, all of this new knowledge is already tremendously helpful, which is what he also expressed it to the students yesterday. I was like, you are about to go to work next year, most of them, because that's the majority here in El Salvador. Like, it's I don't know the numbers. I can ask, I guess, the people in the in the Ministry of Education, the actual numbers of, how many people from students when they graduate from high school university. It's not very normal. 18, you graduate from high school. Basically, the first thing you do here is is look for a job. And he tell them, how do you know how you're gonna manage your money? It doesn't matter how much you make, but are you gonna be able to provide yourself financially, or are you just gonna earn and spend and or spend because you don't know, you know, how much works, like, you don't know about this also new technology that can serve you for savings and, you know, sort of value.
So it's different for sure. The attention that he gets from the students. Like, they were all quiet for someone like me. Right? Like, they just see me that, oh, yeah. She's the one from this organization and whatever. We had to be here. But with Gerardo, they were like, oh, paying attention, and and that's a powerful story. Right? That's just one of of many too that we're gonna have. Yesterday was also another student at the school. He he saw us with the teachers, and you can see him super young. And, hey, my name is Jorel, and I am, you know, in the council of, students program with the Ministry of Education.
And somehow he heard about us, and he was also the one that made the contact that he wanted Mi Pima Pico at his school. So imagine he has not even graduated. He he made the contact. Hey. We should call them and because they could come to our school and teach us. So I'm, like, just 18. Again, I asked him, you know, how's your English going? All of these questions just to see your potential, and and you can see their rights. I also asked them because that community in Ciudad del Gallo is here. It was very dangerous. Like, back in the day, it's very dangerous. Like, almost everywhere in Lazada. It was very dangerous. And, I asked him, how was, like, here before? Do you think it would have still be able to come?
And he was like, no. No. No. No. Right now, it's just so easy, you know, for me to say, hey. We want a group of teachers, and it doesn't matter your age. For example, with Gerardo, I wouldn't I would never risk sending him as a teenager to any other community that's not his own because you will never know. So that's also another switch now that is flipping for these kids that are in 17 that they don't feel super tied up, you know, like, with with the dangerous part or or what it was before with the violence in El Salvador. Now it's our turn to also switch that hope. Okay.
So we had this problem aside now. Right? Okay. What are we gonna do? Because that's that's also important. Before, I think it was help from different parts. But if we are eliminating certain obstacles, then our job is basically to put that extra mile there for them to get, oh, yeah. So there is hope. Right? So there is there is something that I can learn or there is something I can dedicate or I can just be a freelance if I want, and I can get paid from anywhere in the world easy
[00:39:43] Unknown:
without intermediaries. All of that, it's possible now. It's so exciting. So so you're saying that before all of Bitcoin adoption and president Bukele coming in, it was so unsafe that you wouldn't even consider sending any of your students outside of their own zone. But now you would feel more confident knowing that that's a possibility because these have been removed. I mean, I remember when I was there 2 years ago, the first time I got to come and we got to go to one of the schools, and the kids were saying, you know, we're so happy we can go out now and get groceries and walk down the street, and we don't feel scared, and we don't have to have an adult that's, you know, protecting us. And, I mean, it's still I mean, just any kid shouldn't, you know, depending on how old they are, of course, but but there was there seemed to be, like, a settling of the energy and the system of not being so in terror all the time. I can't imagine what that's like, you know, for years years years decades with what was going on in El Salvador. So, I mean, what a breath of fresh air to be able to move freely in your own country and feels much safer than you've ever felt before and then feeling much more on purpose and alive.
You know? How has it changed for you, Reyna? Like, what's it been like? Oh, you just froze up, hopefully. Yes. Oh, there you go. Okay. Cool. What's it what's it been What's the transition been like for you over the last, you know, 2, 3, 4 years?
[00:41:20] Unknown:
Just personally. It's I think it's exactly what you yes. I'm here. But I think it's I never thought it that way, but it's like, you know, you said a breath of fresh air. Mhmm. Because say we were here, you know, like, pick a country and talking about all of this freedom and stuff when we were basically in prisons in our own country. You know? Like, couldn't go to visit a family because they live in a area that is too dangerous. I couldn't go visit some friends that live also in areas that I cannot enter. So it's a different and it still happens, honestly. It still it's it's like PTSD. Right? Because still yesterday, when I told my mom when I was going, and she was like, who are you going with?
Because it's just like, are you taking your computer? All of those questions. And she was like, is someone else going with you? And she was like, just be careful, please. This used to be one of the most dangerous areas. I I let me know when you get there. So that's you know, and we've been in 2 years already without, say, most of the bios and the guns, roughly. So to live, you know, 2 years and still having those fears only tells you that it's been so many years seriously in terror in a way. Yeah. But it's just it's it's it's basically been, like, unlearning how it was and what we can do with our own life, with our own sovereignty, with all or, dreams and hopes and hobbies, whatever I like. If I like to go to the park with a bike, then I can do it now. But I couldn't do it just 2 years, 3 years ago because I'm a woman, and that was dangerous here. So even that part, I think it's at least to me, it's also been a little bit liberating because I I was so dependent either on a male, you know, because I want it or because they want it. It's because it was the way. Couldn't go out that much at night.
Even on the years, I believe that probably unconsciously, that's when I took that decision of going to Guatemala, was on 2017 2016, 2017. I lived there for 4 or 5 years roughly, and it was those years where we basically hold the title of the most dangerous country in the world. So it's interesting how even though that was happening, we will still have this love for a man, for people, for we didn't want to say it's so bad here. Don't come. Right? But we would basically have to to just warn people or warn our family to just be careful if they're worried or I worked in the tourism main street in Guatemala, so I will also be open to tourists. Hey. You can go to El Tunco here, Santa Ana, and get out. You know? So now it's so amazing to me when I met I met a a a having party, you know, it's new people from Australia, from, Germany, and all of that. And, like, yeah. No. It's my first time, but I'm actually checking how to move in.
That will have never been the conversation nor even 3 years ago. And I think the most what I I love about, you know, old people here is also that we're so welcoming. Mhmm. Yes. You are. There is no, you know, prices, I mean, if you want to call it. Like, whatever you look like, you we're always gonna be kind. So all of these people that is coming here and to build and they want to, you know, grow with their family, they're gonna be welcome anyway. So it's it doesn't feel like, what are these tourists coming here, and they're gonna make everything more expensive. Because at the end of the day, it's also expensive everywhere. But because we don't have that violence, that there is this hope of everybody now can, you know, be an entrepreneur, have their own little coffee shop. You just put your little car like Chorito, and size it, and you're not gonna be, extortioned by the guns. Right? So it's a different levels helping, the parents, you know, to, I think, like, call the kids, and then, even to me as a grown old woman was you know, my dad would never let me use Uber, the app app, because it was dangerous too. Yeah. So everything that we could build now that is possibly even is good, it's possible because of that.
[00:45:34] Unknown:
It's incredible. And I think, you know, what what do you like, when you were at the having party, which sounds great. I've I've FOMO. I I missed that. But, when you're talking to people who want to move to El Salvador, you know, obviously, like, there's a lot of Bitcoiners who are excited to start being a part of a community, you know, that is, like, all arrows are pointing forward in the same direction towards a better future together. And what what are the things that they wanna leave behind? Like, did you hear have any questions or any opportunities to kinda say, like, yeah. I'm leaving behind just
[00:46:13] Unknown:
Yeah. I believe my favorite was, forgot her name. She was from Australia, and she told me I've been here, you know, like, 48 hours, 24 hours, but because of my friends have told me and I've seen so far is that everybody's so kind. You know, it's very family oriented, which is also true. Like, you know, Saba is pretty traditional. And then what they're leaving, behind, I think, is that fresh or negativity on their own systems. But I think what they say is also maybe sometimes it's unconscious that you just don't feel that there is a bitter on your work until you see something else. Like you said, you don't know what you don't know. Right? And when you come here, and they're like, oh my god. People are so nice, and then they just met you, and then they meet, of course, people that has been living here, expats from 1 to 2 years, and they loved it, and they have. Bring their kids. So they're leaving behind, I think, probably I don't know. Culture is is hard to to name it, but I guess that culture of just working, working, working, not feeling what's the end, what is it for, you know, having that mentality of until retirement, but not that balance of I'm having fun. I am also happy. What I do is it's just it happens to us at Bitcoin, especially, you know, the the leadership team. We're so busy, but we feel that we still okay. Let's go for a coffee, and we're gonna have a work meeting, but we also have that part of of a little bit of freedom, you know, and and fun and and to decompress.
And one of the the things that she I love that she told me was that I I just don't feel happy anymore. And, of course, you know, I'm gonna miss my family, and I'm gonna miss, I guess, sometimes, you know, comfort comfort to you, like, that there are a lot of things in the western world, like, in Australia that, of course, you're not gonna have here now yet. But I'm sure that they are come meals, so they could they can open their own vegan company, for example. And I'm happy to hear that that's what they see here. Yeah. Because then if they're leaving it behind and then there is a reason why they see a difference here. There's a different word. It sounds cliche a little bit sometimes. Right? Like, oh, but it's this optimism.
I think it's optimism, and it gets collective. Of course, it's hard. I mean, not everybody that I talk to, I have this interaction and superannuity with you. It changes. We're still living a fear at work. We're still living with inflation and the monetary currency. But still, I mean, imagine, that grade with 35 kids yesterday. Right? Like, over 10 weeks, they're gonna have a different mentality and a more optimism than we can build. They can go to their families, and it's contagious. So then if new people here comes to you, then that means that they feel that they cannot contagious that in their own country.
They probably feel, like, hopeless, and they're like, okay. I'm trying to do something. I'm trying to live with a purpose, doing something meaningful, but it's just not possible here. So I gotta look where can I do it?
[00:49:15] Unknown:
Yeah. Exactly. And I think the contagious nature of hope and fear are real. You know? And so if you're living in a society or an environment, a family it's it does. It gets on you, you know, and the same thing with hope. And, like, my experience in, you know, coming to El Salvador twice, I I call El Salvador hope in action, and it is because it's not just like, la, la, la, let's sprinkle fairy dust and everything. It's like, no. There's a lot of proof of work that goes into creating this this better feeling, this better culture, this better community, and and it's not it's not easy. Like you said, it's not like sunshine and rainbows every single day. It's hard work, like, and you wish you had more hours in your day because you know like, Wow, there's I knocked down 25 dominoes today, but there's still 10,000,000 out here. Holy cow. But you're still just doing it 1 at a time.
And I think that's so powerful. And for a lot of us, you know, who have, you know, whatever the creature comforts of certain areas in the world, it still doesn't replace that feeling of the community and that feeling of connection. And I think for a lot of us, we feel so disconnected from each other in our own homes and in our own neighborhoods because we're not sharing the same values. We're not sharing the same vision. You know? And I think, unfortunately, COVID did a lot of huge damage to separate us and then instill fear as we're separated so that we stay in that fear state. It's very easy to control a population if you keep them separated and afraid.
You know? And so when we're united and hopeful, it's kinda hard to stop, you know.
[00:51:14] Unknown:
It's kinda hard to stop. You know? I think in any place that you have a lot of people together, there is every you know, every mind is new as a word. Right? Like, everybody has their own ideas and their own backgrounds and everything. They don't, nationalities, of course, even your own culture. Yeah. But that's what I feel, and I think it happens to all of us when we hang out at at Bitcoin conference. That part of feeling purpose and building very something. Like, if we we might have a bad day, but we just come, like, energized. And we can feel tired after 3, 4 days talking, talking, talking to so many people, but it also is, like, super energized. I've I've never felt anything like that in my life, honestly.
I've started I've started feeling it these days, and then I I think it was just to its peak on my data because it's probably the pieces that I've been at a workplace in my life. You were cruising around. You're just. You're like, I'm much. You know? Like, you're in yeah. I know. And then but then I'm like, this is so strange how your body, of course, is a little bit tired of waking up early, going to bed late, and walking because we walk a lot in in Europe, which is which is good. Mhmm. And then at the same time, feeling this sparkle on your heart. I don't know what it was. And then, obviously, it happened at last week again when we had a lot of early early days. I remember John was saying at the Torreticala, we were there until midnight, and I had to go to this other area 6 AM next day. So it's it's a lot. You know? And then, eventually, again, another early day to go to the Halloween party because 2 hours away, but we just love it. And then when we were in the way back, we were pretty, you know, tired, but at the same time, still talking about plans and still talking about structured and when is our next board meeting coming and what we should touch on.
And then we we need more teachers and we need more days and that. So it's it's really cool. So that, of course, if you feel aligned with that and then you want to create something like that and you just feel disconnected from where you are with your community, and, sadly, sometimes even with your own family. I think it's it's just valid that everybody can look for for that. Hopefully, this is not gonna be like, you know, oh, everybody has a better grip. It's great. I love everybody coming here, and we welcome them. But I do hope that also we basically start to replicate this sense of community and purpose and alignment everywhere because that's how we're gonna also create a better world to wherever you are. It doesn't matter if you feel privileged because it's, but it doesn't matter if you feel, undervalued because it's the southwest.
Because at the end, only a few people are gonna be able to do that as well. You know? Everybody can feel that way, but not everybody can, like, force to sell everything or have a house to sell and come and move all the way to the other side of the world. Right? Probably a lot of people feel the same way, and just their situation doesn't allow them to make a change, economically speaking. Right? Like Yep.
[00:54:18] Unknown:
Yeah. There's a, I don't know if you know this song. It's an old hippie song because I'm an old hippie, but it's by Crosby, Stills, Nash. I don't know if Neil Young was on this, but it's it's, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. Love the one you're with. And, you know, so it's like if you're not just like Felix. Right? He wasn't able to jump on that plane and come and, you know, become a part of, you know, physically the community, but he's taking that energy and doing it where he's located. And for so many of us too, you know, it's like, I have to be where I'm at right now because of my children, and it's my choice, and I love it, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But it's like, I wish there were more Bitcoiners around me, so I need to do my part to gather Bitcoiners close by and make little micropods and then, you know, go to the devs and the meetups and all this stuff. And so, you know, it it's it it takes a little bit of work, but then it's just like shifting, like, okay. If I'm not gonna go do this, what can I do here, and how can I make the garden grow and flourish, you know, inside of my heart and inside of the relationships that I'm involved in, you know? And yeah, it's just kind of battling that, you know, the negativity soup and the FUD that's contagious and then making sure you go put fuel in your fuel tank with the hope, you know? And and like you said, even after you're doing these big events, you know, you're drained a little bit, but you're truly your battery is charged even though you just did, like, a marathon. It's like your battery somehow got it got somehow, there's juice in it. You know? And so so I think it's really, like, for those of you listening who haven't been able to get to El Salvador or you haven't been able to go to any Bitcoin conferences or meetups, do it. Do it.
Because I know it. It's so important and it because there is there's an afterglow, you know, and there's there's an energy around us after we get these these engagements and interactions with everybody, and then it it kinda oozes out into our daily lives too, you know, and the positivity. I went through some sadness, of course, and some depression after Madera, and I was so excited, but I was just like, I like waking up and just seeing everybody right away, you know, and being right there and knowing that everybody's gonna be, you know, close by. And so so I think where the people are building different citadels and they're building these micro communities and these circular communities, it's like, keep going and then sharing resources like you guys are doing with the the open source education and all the models that you're creating and sharing. I think it's super important.
I know we're kind of at an hour here. Is there anything you wanna share with the folks who are listening about how they can support me from your Bitcoin and how they can, you know, keep moving the needle forward on their big dreams and missions with Bitcoin and beyond?
[00:57:12] Unknown:
Yes. Thank you, Valerie. Yeah. This is a great conversation. I think Mhmm. I feel like we can talk for hours. We can talk a little bit better. I know. You. Let's go. Mornings, after after all of this conferencing, we hang out. So thank you. Thank you for having me, and thank you everybody that also contributes, you know, for us with a few stats, with, sources. There is so many ways that you can. I mean, at the moment, we already have pretty much languages, but we have a translation team on our Telegram group. If you feel like your, language, you know, it's not you can translate the diploma to your language so more people in your own community can learn it or you can share it. You can do that. Visit our website too. You can go to where it's at on our GitHub. You can download for free all of the sources. It's, you know, PDF. It's open source.
And then, of course, we have an active campaign on Geyser. That's if you want to donate some. You can donate also to, the nodes. Some of them have their own fundraising, but we also do know the grants, like, from our, you know, from MPB. We give a grant also to the notes, based on proof of work. So you can help us with that as well, attending one of our meetups here, sharing on Twitter, resharing, reaching out if you feel that there is a skill or that you you have and that you can contribute. We we can always use it. You can go through our Twitter and say, hey, guys. I guess I can help you with this. I can create videos for you, Anything that's helpful. But, of course, if, let me if that is out of reach, you know, so you can you want to donate some sets, we'd really appreciate it too.
[00:58:50] Unknown:
Well and next time you guys do an auction, you know, if you're doing any other new galas or whatever, like, I I would love to contribute a a DJ set. So if anybody wants to Nah. On a DJ set, they'll have to get me where they need me, but,
[00:59:08] Unknown:
but I'll be happy to come and rock their party, whether it's a big party, small party. I don't care. But if you know, who knows if anybody would bid on that? But just whatever. It's something you can throw in your your thing. Let's go see how Max, auctions that sucker off. I know. Right? That'd be great. Yes. Thank you, Valerie. Yes. That's good. Yeah. We're going to do the I mean, we we plan to do the once a year. So it should be around every April, and that would be awesome, and to have you. And then for anyone that hasn't listened to, like, I was thinking then the happy party, the playlist would have much better if Valerie was here. So we could a little bit of everything, not talking about the DJ, but, yes. Awesome. Awesome to see you, to contribute as well. The panel that we did together, women panels was awesome. There is just so much, you know, so much coming, and I'm so excited of of everybody joining and everybody finding out about us and then feeling refueled so they can go on their own park. Bitcoin is about proof of work. We gotta do it, people.
[01:00:11] Unknown:
We gotta do it. And, yeah, thank you so much. And, yeah, thank you so much for inviting me to the the women's panel for the UN conference. That was amazing to get to do that with you guys. And it just we're so early. We're just scratching the surface, and I'm just so happy to be on this journey with you guys. And I love what you're doing, Reyna, and what everybody at me premier bitcoin is up to. You guys are such a great role model and inspiration for how to how to scale education for everybody and how to scale Bitcoin in a really, meaningful and step by step way that makes a lot of sense and that's accessible. And I think that's really so powerful.
So, yeah, so thanks for being on the show. And, everybody, you guys go follow Reina hold on. I gotta pull your thing up. Go to Reina Chicas 2. I've got that right. Right? That's right. Spelled a 2nd ago. And then you guys can also go to whoever's listening. So follow on x@reynaChicas, the number 2, and then me premiere bitcoin.io. And then it's my first bitcoin is x. Right? I think Yes. My first bitcoin,
[01:01:16] Unknown:
underscore. It's Underscore. On Twitter. Yes. It's also my profile, anyone. It also type. And, yeah, my my meter bitcoin dot I o.
[01:01:27] Unknown:
Dot I o. It's awesome. And, yeah, go donate some sats even if it's a few sats. Every sats adds up. Right? And who knows what those suckers are gonna be worth in 10 years? Like, when,
[01:01:37] Unknown:
Geraldo's doing his thing in 10 years, who knows what Bitcoin's gonna be doing in 10 years? He's getting better with the English, but I told him that the other day. I'm like, you I have so much to to share and to talk. Let's just let's just get there. He he's amazing. Yeah. And, basically, we want to replicate that, but in everyone. Right? That level of love and purpose and dedication to so many young men's, I can yes. I had a podcast the other day also with an 18 year old. Amazing. This is amazing. Yeah. What the that these kids are doing.
[01:02:08] Unknown:
Yeah. So let's I know. Let's keep sharing the stories of success. I think that gives everybody, a sense of, like, oh my gosh. This stuff's working. Yay. Let's keep doing more.
[01:02:17] Unknown:
So everything is not working. Yeah. Just check up on Twitter, see your interviews. We just did a video of the last graduation, what they think, put some captions there because in Spanish, but they are so hopeful. Even my mom, when she saw it, she was like, this kid's already at 18. I already know that. You know? Like, imagine if we would have known. I'm like, yes. I wish because that means that you have Bitcoin early.
[01:02:40] Unknown:
Totally. I know. Right? And now we think about all these young kids who are gonna have it, and it's just gonna be built into their their operating system. It's not something that they have to go unlearn. They're just getting the foundation at the at the young level. It's so important. So, alright, sister. I love you so much. I can't wait to get down there and to see you, and I wanna keep supporting me from your Bitcoin in any way I can. And, everybody who's listening, make sure you follow Reina and me from your Bitcoin, and I'll talk with you soon. Thanks again for sharing your time. Star. Thank you for having me. Yeah. For sure. Alright, everybody. Peace, love, and warm aloha. Yay.
Children are among the most vulnerable population on planet Earth when it comes to the fiat money supply. There is a money printer that can go print infinite amounts of dollars at the stroke of a keystroke now instead of a pen by centralized banks and authorities to fund forever wars, drop bombs on innocent children, turn them into gang members, turn them into militia people, drug dealers, and not let them have a chance for hope in the future. And our next guest is on a mission to help educate young people about Bitcoin with the Bitcoin diploma from me, Premier Bitcoin. It's my honor to get to interview Rayna Chikas, And she is on a mission just like I am to help make the world a much better place through Bitcoin adoption and understanding that if we do not have a peaceful money, we cannot have a peaceful world and why Bitcoin is the most peaceful money out there. Tune in.
Hey, aloha, love tribe. Welcome to Bitcoin for Peace. I have somebody here with me who I got to hang out with in Madera, Portugal. I also got to hang out with her in El Salvador. She is on a mission to help young people learn about Bitcoin. She's the lead teacher for me, Premier Bitcoin in El Salvador. Welcome, Rayna Chicas. What's up, my soul sister?
[00:02:00] Unknown:
Hello, Valerie. Thank you. Oh, that's a nice presentation. Yes. I'm really happy to be here. Super excited.
[00:02:07] Unknown:
Nervous, but I'm really glad that we're gonna hang out on camera again. Yeah. We're just gonna chill and relax, and it was so great to get to spend several moments with you in Madera at Bitcoin Atlantis for the Me Premiere Bitcoin event, the UN conference, and for the the night before. It was just great. Let's let's talk about what are you up to? What's going on, and what's hot and fresh? And I know you just came from something very special in El Salvador. You wanna tell everybody?
[00:02:35] Unknown:
Yes. Of course. Well, where to start? Right? We we have so much going on. Just a quick recap. Say, last week, it was full of full of events. At the end of the week, I was like, there's no place like El Salvador right now, honestly, to do all of these things. Yeah. On Tuesday, we had a graduation from a 120 students. Wow. Evening, we had a charity gala on. We worked to visit a town here with a partnership that is very excited for us coming, coming up soon. And on Thursday, we graduated, you know, the first cohort of the public school teachers that we taught last year with the minister of education there. He was there at the government office. And on Friday, we I got to attend at least one day to the Halloween party, and it was amazing. It was really good.
I heard it was a lot, at least 500 people, which is I was surprised that place is huge, so you didn't even feel it. Wow. But, you know, you get to see, some friends, make new friends, like, in every conference. Really cool. And we have just released also our 2024 Beacon diploma version. Oh, right. I'm happy also to announce that I'm working already in the Spanish translation. It's a lot of work, so it's really it's I'm really, like, honored, you know, to feel like I'm gonna put a little bit of of my knowledge in it. And, we had actually just a meeting an hour ago with, the team from the Ministry of Education here to go to the next phase of this pilot. Mhmm. So in 2 weeks on April 22nd, we start with the next group of teachers from the Coolidge School System, and they are going to be a 129.
Just this first group for one day, and then we're gonna visit all the schools. Do they what they really also care the most about, I mean, on top of the knowledge, is the fact that we they want us to do, you know, sending subs, helping the teachers in the schools. Like, every kid has their wallet, and that's very important for us. So although it's a lot of work for all the team that is involved, you know, to travel seriously throughout the country, is very rewarding. Yesterday, we started a new Bitcoin diploma to you know, it's it's just like a lot. Like, I feel sometimes it's a lot and but I don't know if you feel this well, but it's the fact that you just, I wish I had more hours in the day. You know? Oh my god. I know. A long day. It's just that you just don't have enough time for everything that's coming and everything that we're doing, so I'm really excited also to share a little bit.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
It's so it's amazing. Like, you guys have been on fire since day 1, and I've been a huge fan of me premier Bitcoin. And, you know, obviously, educating young people is they're the future, whether they're in El Salvador or anywhere on planet Earth. And I think what we're missing is financial literacy. We're missing financial empowerment. We're missing the even the understanding from young people and obviously adults that there's a different way for them to create their own future. And so to me, Bitcoin is such an opportunity for young people to see the world through a very, very unique and different lens than anything before.
And so I'd love to hear a little bit about, like, who's the bit just for the audience here who doesn't know what the Bitcoin diploma is and anybody who's listening who's, you know, new to is, like, why is is El Salvador doing this? Like, can you help people, you know, just for a couple minutes tell everybody what's a Bitcoin diploma, who's it for, and why is it started in El Salvador?
[00:06:05] Unknown:
Yes. Of course. We, well, you know, just for the audience, let's say nobody knows about me, Premier Bitcoin. We are an NGO, and we're a nonprofit based in El Salvador. We teach Bitcoin financial literacy and Bitcoin education to young kids. We started our Bitcoin diploma in 2022 was the creation of the first one. And then, what we did was basically, you know, just make this book. It was 10 chapters. So it was the first one to be used on a public school. We started teaching, on our own on schools for the, let's say, the youngers in the in the in in the some, areas of the country. And then after it kicked out, you know, we started with our 1st introductory class end of 2021.
Last year, 2023 was, you know, we grew exponentially. So this version that we created on 2022 has been through different changes throughout, you know, the history, let's say. We are on I believe this is version 5 already, 2024, we call it, because it's it's this year. So it's very exciting to see what this first, let's say, product brought to us, not only, you know, attention, but the demand that we saw. You know? This is what led us also to work with the minister of education. They basically the the materials that they're using to teach the the the teachers in in the public schools is basically, like, the base material is is the big con diploma is our curriculum. It's 10 chapters. So we say 10 weeks. Right? But it depends. I mean, someone could teach it in a week if you do, you know, 1 2 hours every day. And then also, we have this is very excited because we this one was created basically, you know, for teenagers. Like, we we get them in their high school year and adults, and it goes from 0. It goes from, I know nothing about Bitcoin, to self custody.
So you go, you know, financial like, what is money? Why do we need it? What is what gives money value? What gives what makes money money. Right? Like, what is it? And then we go through the evolution, the history of money, when we started trading, bargaining, and then now to, you know, digital money, cryptocurrencies, all of that. Like, everything that has gone through history, so so they can also sort of understand. We talked about the gold standard, you know, Nixon shock, the whole thing, and it's so surprising. I mean, kids, I get it. But with adults, when we've done open enrollments in communities, they have no idea how money is created.
They didn't really know that, you know, money like, the dollars, US dollar, is not backed by gold. I was having I mean, not an argument, but the other day with a lady that she thought that, yeah. But if the US does it, then that means that every country has to print money. And I'm like, they do? Like, you know, every country has they they and so they started with little what, you know, every time. So now after, you know, this is great, with this new version diploma now, there is more people in communities around the world reaching out. Hey. How can you get this? How can I implement it? How can I teach it in my in my community with my school?
So I'm actively creating, with the help of, you know, one of our teachers, Gerardo, who's great, and the team, of course, teacher lesson plan guide. So this new version can have that extra resources to be to make it easier to teach it. And then we've recently started also a partnership collaboration, let's say, still with the minister of education, but also with Lina from the leader holder where we're gonna create, the curriculum for young gradients. This is gonna be so 2024 is gonna be the year for development. And then on 2025, we we expect to launch the pilot in the schools, but this is going to start at 7 years old. So there is gonna be 2 books 2 workbooks created, 7 to 9, and then 10 to 12, and then 13, 14. We can use the BECOME diploma. Right? And it could exit the one from MPB.
And this was when we had that meeting, you know, the the ministry offices, at a moment when we went out, I was like, this is massive. You know? The the fact that we're gonna get these concepts of course, they're not gonna know, you know, learn now how to run a node. But by the time they get to, you know, 10th grade, 11th grade, they're gonna have so much knowledge that the BICON diploma is gonna be something like, what is this? You know? I already know this. And another super exciting thing about that is that it's going to be open source. So it's like, everything, you know, that we want to create is also gonna be. So this, is gonna start, yeah, Alexa, next year, and we also have new partnership, but all based on education. So it's it's really you know, I'm I can only be grateful and proud to be part of this team. How we started, literally, with 1 school. And last year, we already told over 30,000 students in person, and that's not even escalated to online.
And then we we have also a live network that has over, you know, 20 countries already and a big community of 25 people translating this Bitcoin diploma into more than 25 languages.
[00:11:33] Unknown:
Oh my gosh. 25 languages, 30,000 people so far in person in less than 2 years? That's Yeah. Insane. I mean,
[00:11:44] Unknown:
holy way to go. High five. I wish I could hug you. Yes. I know. Right? We can only see, you know, what's coming. Like, that's we seriously have more demand that we can cover. Like, I we we can talk for hours for the other things that probably, yeah, I'm not gonna say it publicly yet until they are official, but it's so much coming that, yeah, I'm so excited about the future.
[00:12:05] Unknown:
I'm so excited about the future. How are you guys raising money? Like, how are you
[00:12:09] Unknown:
funded? So we have fund well, the community, you know, the generous community for, donors and sponsors and also grants. We have grants. Now we are going to start I mean, all of our classes have been for free so far. Right? Mhmm. The only ones that we are gonna start, there is also a new development of, curriculum for business because here in El Salvador also companies are starting to see, hey. I need my employees to learn about this. Yeah. And, truly, they don't want, you know, just to self custody. Right? They they want to also the employees bring up new ideas. They need to learn what we create so they can have ideas for the business, which is it's valid. Right? Like, everybody needs to to make a living somehow. So these companies, they are definitely gonna at least pay and cover the cost for these classes. So then it's it's not a an expense.
And last, Thursday that we have when is it? Tuesday? Tuesday, 2nd, that we had our, charity gala. Also, it was really cool. It was amazing. We had Stacy, Max, which was, you know, the most phenomenal. I didn't expect to have so much fun with him as an auctioneer, I think you called it. Uh-huh. And we raised over I believe it was 1 1.2 BTC. Oh, wow. From the auction, and we had really great items. You know, we had a 30 minute call with Jack Dorsey, with Jeff, sign. We have a little hauler donated by Lina, signed by president. So a lot of people, you know, was excited to attend, and it's it's it was very intimate. So the I mean, it's it's for fundraising. Right? So it's a very top, restaurant in El Salvador. You know, it's one of the top 10 in Latin America.
And even the owners are very generous that they, you know, donate the space and everything because they just they just like project. They like what we're doing, and they like the community as well. And, few of the ones that attended, it was basically their first time also in El Salvador. They signed up for the dinner because it was, like, a 6, 7, 8 course dinner. So it's like a fancy dinner, but it's it was really, really cool. It's set up with 50 people probably. And so that's how we are racing right now. We still need, of course, more. So whenever you feel generous to the audience, feel free. We really appreciate it.
But there is so much, you know, that we can contribute as well. Right? We need to we need to be contributors, not just consumers, for everything that that's that's coming. And look up other projects as well if you feel like, you know, looking into the or GitHub, let's say, some of the ones, the contributors that are there, the, like, network, and they go with our curriculum to their own communities. We try to, you know, teach them extra resources. So it's really it's it's a great community. So when you are helping, let's say, me, Premier Bitcoin, it's not that you are doing it just for El Salvador. We this basically serves to pay, let's say, or international relationships, manager, the international expansion, the 28 nodes, 22 countries and counting. Like, it's like Joan likes to say, it's a global movement for sure.
[00:15:19] Unknown:
It's definitely a global movement. It's so special, and, obviously, education is the most important thing for all of us to understand in any parts of life, not just Bitcoin and, you know, personal growth and health and wellness and relationships and, obviously, money. So, okay, so let's look at this, the Light Node Education Network. I'm on I'm sharing the screen right now. Yep. Oh my god. What's behind in the numbers? This is a updated real life. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Talk to me. So how many nodes and 10 piece do we have?
[00:15:48] Unknown:
Yeah. And this is a decentralized education network. Right? Like, it's made of numerous Bitcoin communities around the world, teaching the Bitcoin diploma using me for my Bitcoin educational resources. Oh, right. And, basically, we want to call El Salvador the genesis block because, you know, we are the 1st nation to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender, so it needs to be successful. We need to, you know, be the best example that we can be for the world, and that's why we work so hard towards you as well. And Love it. This is a self government network as well. Like, these 33, they basically, you know, a new commit that if you, for example, in your area, you want you're teaching a BCO diploma, you want to join the network, then you apply, and it's the network the one that approves or denies that you join.
So it's it's it's a lot of, you know, like, proof of work in there as well. It's not just, oh, yeah. We we say yes to everyone. They they got approved. So last time, I believe the last main assembly, it was 5 that were applied from Iran, and only one got approved, which was Isabella. So they're getting picky, let's say. You know, like, they're they're they're getting harsher to to include the acquisition at Isla in in Mexico.
[00:17:03] Unknown:
Oh my god. This makes my heart sing to see all of this. I mean, wow. This is seriously so cool. I'm I'm just blown away. I mean and this is so early. This is what's so fascinating to me. It's so early to see this and to see, you know, what is going on around the planet here with this. What oh my gosh.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
Sorry. Imagine what what are you gonna be in 1 year 5 years. I can only I can only and this is only if we if we'll put it this way, this is only Bitcoin education. Right? Like, it's just not let alone all the other, companies or, ecosystems, like, within the same Bitcoin ecosystem, but, everything else happening outside. Right? Developers and all of these, you know, like, bring all of these open source projects as well really great in their own areas. And I I wonder, like, that why it's why is that right? And I think it's just because it basically, it's the foundation of what's to come. Like, it lays the foundation of what's to come. Yeah. And we can only, you know, most if Bitcoin is a tool that's meant to be used all around the world, then it must be taught by people all around the world. Yes. And so that's why I also, like, you know, all over teachers and like, teaching materials resources are, and I'm sure that are gonna continue to be open source.
[00:18:31] Unknown:
Well and I think too, it's, like, super important, I would imagine, you know, in different countries, you know, definitely the cultural differences that people have about money. Right? And, obviously, we understand that there's cultural differences and laws even for women, you know, that women aren't allowed they don't have property rights in certain areas. And so, obviously, we don't wanna go to the hardest thing first. We wanna work on what's gonna have the most likelihood of success and go outward from there, and, hopefully, it'll get contagious enough where people are understanding. I mean, obviously, I believe Bitcoin is a tool for peace. And so I believe it's a tool for inner peace when we feel more at ease and stable, understanding that everything that we're doing from a work perspective isn't getting melted and rug pulled from us, which creates a lot of stress inside of our minds. And then, obviously, it, you know, is a a scarce money that can't just go get printed out of thin air to go buy bombs and drop them on innocent people. And so I believe that, you know, again, where we keep going, where we have the likelihood of success and then just let that kind of keep going out, and then they all keep connecting with each other. And it looks like it seems like it's going to be like a giant light bright or Christmas tree with all the lights lit up all around the world. You know? And when we think about all the nodes around the world that are you know, people are running nodes in the network and you see all those cool visualizations. It's like our heart nodes get lit up too.
It's not just digital currency. It's like our hope for the future and thinking about the planet being healthy again and thinking about our relationships with each other and
[00:20:14] Unknown:
the the relationship to the future, I think, is so important. Agree. Yes. You couldn't say it better because at the end, you know, the same way, like, nobody learns the same way. Right? Like, not everybody gets interested in the same things and path in bitcoins. Some might like the technology side of it. Some would like development and coding and programming. Some would like the educational part like I did, for example. And the same way, the people are into Bitcoin for different reasons. You know? Some are due to personal sovereignty, and maybe so they would like to, you know, work in that side of working with communities or activists and, you know, to work to empower those groups or advocate for policies that support, you know, individual rights and freedoms. And that's where it also because it's included. So some might see it as a saving or investment tool. Some might be combining. But the thing is that it opens so many possibilities and options to a new work, either to work, to earn, without intermediaries to save, but all is focused on building a better future.
And I know that I speak from El Salvador. A lot of people might think that it's easier to work Bitcoin or earn in Bitcoin, but that's why we're here. Right? Because this this thing, its movement is moving so so fast. And like I said, having we can see it on all of the demands that we're having. This is only Bitcoin Education, so that's why I think it's so important. And I'm, you know, like, super excited of what we're doing and where we get to contribute and and share here with you and with your audience because we're basically trying to create a world where nobody misses out their potential because of where they are born or where they are in the world right now, which is what happens in all of these communities.
For example, from our data, we wanted to have Felix, one of our notes in Kenya, and we we fought really hard to get him there and then visas and everything. Was just not the organizers there, they throw a fantastic letter. We did. We were very specific. Then we tried to bring him to El Salvador for Bitcoin week last week. And even the authorities here in El Salvador, they were really helpful to, you know, to provide letters to the Ministry of Immigration here. No. No. No. And he couldn't even get into the plane. And this sounds sad, but but it gets us excited is that he was so positive after. Like, he was okay. I couldn't get, but I wanted to he I want to run, you know, another meetup here, how you guys do it, what are the best practices. He had tripled the enrollment that he does for his online classes. It's it's amazing. Like, they just basically keep it going. But us, you know, like, the ones that have better even me, like, in, I feel like, oh my god. I still don't have that much of, obstacles. You know? I I was still able to go to my data, but people, you know, in Western Europe and everything that just take a lot of things for for granted, this is the time to help us build, to build for those people as well so they can I mean, they all no need help directly, like, just, you know, aid him? We can just help him to empower them, their own community, so nobody is gonna be judged or gonna miss the potential of the war. It's gonna miss out those people just because they were born on the wrong place, on the wrong country.
[00:23:39] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. And that that's the thing that I think so many of us have to remember. And, I mean, I I know we take it I take it for granted a lot of times, my freedoms and everything that is so just like, well, of course, I can turn water on. Of course, I can turn electricity on. Of course, I can get a plane ticket pretty much anywhere in the world without having my government lock me up or hold me back and not give me permission to move freely or move my money freely. They just I just saw yesterday, I don't know if you saw this, I think it's Chechnya just made a law, and and so they're I don't know if it's a country or section in Russia, whatever. It's somewhere in Russia. And they're not you're not allowed to play music that is under 80 beats per minute or over, like, like, a 112 or some random you know, some number.
So, basically, no sexy music and no fast music. Yeah. And so I was just like, okay. You know? So just as simple as stuff of the freedom of going to Spotify and being able to select any kind of songs I want even though some of them are not great for your soul. You know? It's just knowing that you have that the freedom, the choice. You know? And and and I, again, I know from experience in certain parts of my life being without choice, And I know what a number that did on my mental health and what a number that did on my just internal feeling of goodness, you know, and it just makes you feel, like, small. And so for when I hear you tell me about Felix and getting disappointed twice trying to come, you know, to Madera and to El Salvador, I can't imagine what it must feel like to get your hopes up and then not get to do it and then still maintain a hopeful composure, you know, that takes a lot of inner strength and a lot of of of warrior spirit. And so people like him and other folks out there who are struggling, I I wanna give so much more love and support to them and just know, like, I don't know what it's like to be going through what you're going through, but you're you're not forgotten and you're not alone.
[00:25:54] Unknown:
You know? And And I think they get that strength, like you said, that strength because they they see a hope of a new comment. They they they are helping building it, and I'm sure he's gonna make it, like, the same way. I heard one of the panels in my data as well, which is one of these developers from the Trust, I believe. Yeah. She's from Nigeria, and she sort of explained the same. Right? Like, she said, like, for us, travel is so much documentation, so much, you know, to be able to be here, and it's exactly what we want to basically do here and have a you know, set a good example that this is possible and replicate it everywhere to get the freedom, to get the choice, like you said, to choose your path.
Maybe they're not even gonna work in Bitcoin itself, But it gives you so much, hope for what can another person in different scenarios can create for their own. So I think, definitely, we see it differently depending where we come in on our ways of on our life and or backgrounds. Or even here in El Saba, for example, it wasn't you know, I was privileged enough and lucky lucky that I got, you know, very well education from my parents. So all of that adds up. You know, the fact that I speak English and Spanish speaking countries, it's another thing. So these are all the tools that we want to create also for for these notes, you know, and these incredible people like Felix that they have their own community because they're basically doing it the same with their own community and express imagine that circle of perfect and good energy. You know? Like, he was just disappointed. Probably his friends went sad for him, but he just basically switched up and is like, let's keep building.
He just basically, you know, okay. That's okay. I'm gonna go bed, have a nap, and then tomorrow is a new day, and he keep just he he keeps going. That's that's why I'm so amazed, and it happens with a lot of this community because it's like us. Right? They they are doing it with their own resources, with their own funds. Eventually, that's why we also try to to help them, like, basically, how to how to raise funds and and be that guy for them is to guide them and empower individuals and organization with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully establish and operate themselves as well. Right? Not just, okay. Here he is and no. We want them to also step by step provide and provides that road map or teams that are looking to grow also our nonprofit organization and, you know, with documents and structure that it follows the steps needed. And all of this is is hard work at the end too. Right? Like, we to, you know, to to continue with demands for them. If you if every day you have 33, you know, communities texting you from different time scenarios, like, it's it's a lot, but it's it's what keeps us going as well. I think it's all of these success stories.
And especially I think sometimes especially the hard ones because we just want we want to change that. It it's on fuel to keep going. Like, we need to change this word and do it in the best way we can. And for us, it's through Bitcoin independent, impartial Bitcoin education. That's that's also really important. Like, it has to be community led. It's like you said, it's different. It's different context. It's hard here, for example, for us to go to community and say, hey. Start saving. And people is like, say what? Like, I barely go, you know, check by check. So Yeah. It's a different scenarios. But even that, we're trying now to create, like, financial, personal finances courses for the day to day even because we've seen. Once you go out and then you try to teach something and then you see, oh, okay. Hold on.
A little bit pause or, like, small pause, and then, okay, we have to sort of redo this again and and maybe help people with this too. So we we see the need, and we are so grateful also for all the, you know, Bitcoin is that's what I love about the big commune community is donating your time, your knowledge. That's also valuable. That's so invaluable, actually, for us to their best resources, what they can do to show up to one of our own conference because they know, you know, that's gonna help us to to sell tickets, all of that. It's would really, really appreciate it. And then when we go to someone that it's I don't know. For example, like, Ben from about He's so an expert for that. Right? They are so open to help us and to build.
We have, with Volcano Energy, for example, a partnership on BTC Education. You know, they are basically they're all these, to go and then use, you know, sustainable energy. They are a renewable energy Yeah. Company in. And this will be an amazing collaboration because it will bring that knowledge of sustainable energy, technological innovation because of their focus on on geothermal and solar and wind projects. So I can only think, okay. Say these kids from the north side of El Salvador where there is very few to do. They don't know what they're gonna do when they finish high school. And now that I said, oh, I can have this job. And that's what I mean. Right? They're at a private company. They they don't have to do it, but they are collaborating now with that. Hey. What can we do? Right? How can we help? And this is gonna help us to just be stronger. It's not gonna be the vision. It's basically just collaborating the same way that we collaborate with Beacon Beach with this, project in with the minister of education for the teachers. So everybody here, I can see it that on their own, but, say, when we go to with to the Bitcoin to have in party, we see it's like hanging out with friends again. Right? It's like going to see your big family.
[00:31:44] Unknown:
It's a family reunion. Every Bitcoin event is a family reunion. You're like, I
[00:31:50] Unknown:
Exactly. Yes. Everybody from their own frontier. So it's it's amazing. And say we contagious this spirit to younger kids, they're gonna have this knowledge and freedom and critical thinking since a very young age. It's not gonna be in their brains. There is no competition here. We all, contribute. We're gonna have a much better work. I I can only feel hopeful of what the world we're we're building.
[00:32:13] Unknown:
I think it's so powerful. And and, you know, you were speaking about just going to the next level, obviously, after we, you know, have these these young people and even the older folks educated about, okay, what's Bitcoin? What's financial literacy? What's, you know, the possibilities for my future? And then, okay, let's go apply that now into some other job training, some skill development, some career ideas and thinking for, like, do I wanna work in a Bitcoin company? Do I wanna start a restaurant? Do I wanna have a daycare for children? Do I wanna be a teacher? Whatever it might be, it's just continuing to give that that those seeds of hope through education and through demonstration, you know, and show it because, you know, a lot of people don't know what they don't know until they know it.
Right. Then it's just kinda like, you know, you don't you, young you know, you're like, woah. I can go have this career. Me? Really? Are you sure? Yeah. You, babe, and and all your friends. And so, that's what I think is so it's so exciting when you see the the light bulbs come on, you know, for the for everybody. And then when there's that reinforcement of the community and the mentorship that comes with it, I I think it's very, very it's contagious and super powerful. Can you share, if if you don't obviously keep privacy with with anybody, You know, I I I titled this episode, you know, can Bitcoin education help children escape poverty?
Can you share any, you know, any stories or something where, you know, you've seen one of the students turn into perhaps a teacher that now is like, cool. I'm gonna go open up my own node here in this part of El Salvador with my family or something that maybe some some folks listening could understand, like, how this has helped transform somebody's life from, possibly a place of hopelessness or meaninglessness into a place of hope and meaning and impact.
[00:34:11] Unknown:
Yes. For sure. I mean yeah. And let's talk about this one because he shared it publicly on on a podcast with Javier Pastado a while ago, and he Gerardo is one of our all star teachers, honestly. Like, every time you're with these young kids yesterday. So we opened this new become diploma at a new school that yesterday was our first time with the group, the last year of high school. And, I only talk a little bit, like, hey. I'm just gonna say what we do, what we are, but then do it. You would like, do it yourself, introduce what but we teach. And he also tell a little bit about his story. Right? He's like, well, how old do you think I am?
And he goes, for some reason, he looks a little bit older, and everybody's like 25, 27. He's like, no. And then he's like, I'm 19. And I took the BCOI diploma on 2022, 2 years ago, just like you at your school. And, you know, now I'm a teacher from Bitcoin, and it's not just the job, let's say. Right? You know, the way it's what you see, he is so much knowledgeable now also, like, even he got in his own rabbit hole. He likes, you know, the technical part, and he was raised by a single mom. He was working at construction at 12 years old already, he barely, you know, finished high school. And he tells me, I mean, what I'm making now, let's say, if we want to go with with the salary part, it's like, what?
Five times, 3, 4 times more than I was making, and I already told because he had to help his mom. And then, of course, what we see on his brilliant future, I'm like, Gerardo, what he's doing already at 19, I can only imagine where he's gonna be at 25, barely 25, you know, like, just already because that's the thing. Right? Like, all of these new tools that students that are now in their high school year are gonna have for the future, but we're talking about 1, 2, 3 years from now. Like, for Gerardo, that was just 2 years ago. So pretty soon, it's just like you said, we can talking about the future, but the future is here now already, like, for next year. Because they are about to go out in the world not knowing how really money works, unsure, or, you know, or unaware sometimes also how or continuous loss of purchasing power works and also with not many opportunities.
So either they will work on Bitcoin or not, all of this new knowledge is already tremendously helpful, which is what he also expressed it to the students yesterday. I was like, you are about to go to work next year, most of them, because that's the majority here in El Salvador. Like, it's I don't know the numbers. I can ask, I guess, the people in the in the Ministry of Education, the actual numbers of, how many people from students when they graduate from high school university. It's not very normal. 18, you graduate from high school. Basically, the first thing you do here is is look for a job. And he tell them, how do you know how you're gonna manage your money? It doesn't matter how much you make, but are you gonna be able to provide yourself financially, or are you just gonna earn and spend and or spend because you don't know, you know, how much works, like, you don't know about this also new technology that can serve you for savings and, you know, sort of value.
So it's different for sure. The attention that he gets from the students. Like, they were all quiet for someone like me. Right? Like, they just see me that, oh, yeah. She's the one from this organization and whatever. We had to be here. But with Gerardo, they were like, oh, paying attention, and and that's a powerful story. Right? That's just one of of many too that we're gonna have. Yesterday was also another student at the school. He he saw us with the teachers, and you can see him super young. And, hey, my name is Jorel, and I am, you know, in the council of, students program with the Ministry of Education.
And somehow he heard about us, and he was also the one that made the contact that he wanted Mi Pima Pico at his school. So imagine he has not even graduated. He he made the contact. Hey. We should call them and because they could come to our school and teach us. So I'm, like, just 18. Again, I asked him, you know, how's your English going? All of these questions just to see your potential, and and you can see their rights. I also asked them because that community in Ciudad del Gallo is here. It was very dangerous. Like, back in the day, it's very dangerous. Like, almost everywhere in Lazada. It was very dangerous. And, I asked him, how was, like, here before? Do you think it would have still be able to come?
And he was like, no. No. No. No. Right now, it's just so easy, you know, for me to say, hey. We want a group of teachers, and it doesn't matter your age. For example, with Gerardo, I wouldn't I would never risk sending him as a teenager to any other community that's not his own because you will never know. So that's also another switch now that is flipping for these kids that are in 17 that they don't feel super tied up, you know, like, with with the dangerous part or or what it was before with the violence in El Salvador. Now it's our turn to also switch that hope. Okay.
So we had this problem aside now. Right? Okay. What are we gonna do? Because that's that's also important. Before, I think it was help from different parts. But if we are eliminating certain obstacles, then our job is basically to put that extra mile there for them to get, oh, yeah. So there is hope. Right? So there is there is something that I can learn or there is something I can dedicate or I can just be a freelance if I want, and I can get paid from anywhere in the world easy
[00:39:43] Unknown:
without intermediaries. All of that, it's possible now. It's so exciting. So so you're saying that before all of Bitcoin adoption and president Bukele coming in, it was so unsafe that you wouldn't even consider sending any of your students outside of their own zone. But now you would feel more confident knowing that that's a possibility because these have been removed. I mean, I remember when I was there 2 years ago, the first time I got to come and we got to go to one of the schools, and the kids were saying, you know, we're so happy we can go out now and get groceries and walk down the street, and we don't feel scared, and we don't have to have an adult that's, you know, protecting us. And, I mean, it's still I mean, just any kid shouldn't, you know, depending on how old they are, of course, but but there was there seemed to be, like, a settling of the energy and the system of not being so in terror all the time. I can't imagine what that's like, you know, for years years years decades with what was going on in El Salvador. So, I mean, what a breath of fresh air to be able to move freely in your own country and feels much safer than you've ever felt before and then feeling much more on purpose and alive.
You know? How has it changed for you, Reyna? Like, what's it been like? Oh, you just froze up, hopefully. Yes. Oh, there you go. Okay. Cool. What's it what's it been What's the transition been like for you over the last, you know, 2, 3, 4 years?
[00:41:20] Unknown:
Just personally. It's I think it's exactly what you yes. I'm here. But I think it's I never thought it that way, but it's like, you know, you said a breath of fresh air. Mhmm. Because say we were here, you know, like, pick a country and talking about all of this freedom and stuff when we were basically in prisons in our own country. You know? Like, couldn't go to visit a family because they live in a area that is too dangerous. I couldn't go visit some friends that live also in areas that I cannot enter. So it's a different and it still happens, honestly. It still it's it's like PTSD. Right? Because still yesterday, when I told my mom when I was going, and she was like, who are you going with?
Because it's just like, are you taking your computer? All of those questions. And she was like, is someone else going with you? And she was like, just be careful, please. This used to be one of the most dangerous areas. I I let me know when you get there. So that's you know, and we've been in 2 years already without, say, most of the bios and the guns, roughly. So to live, you know, 2 years and still having those fears only tells you that it's been so many years seriously in terror in a way. Yeah. But it's just it's it's it's basically been, like, unlearning how it was and what we can do with our own life, with our own sovereignty, with all or, dreams and hopes and hobbies, whatever I like. If I like to go to the park with a bike, then I can do it now. But I couldn't do it just 2 years, 3 years ago because I'm a woman, and that was dangerous here. So even that part, I think it's at least to me, it's also been a little bit liberating because I I was so dependent either on a male, you know, because I want it or because they want it. It's because it was the way. Couldn't go out that much at night.
Even on the years, I believe that probably unconsciously, that's when I took that decision of going to Guatemala, was on 2017 2016, 2017. I lived there for 4 or 5 years roughly, and it was those years where we basically hold the title of the most dangerous country in the world. So it's interesting how even though that was happening, we will still have this love for a man, for people, for we didn't want to say it's so bad here. Don't come. Right? But we would basically have to to just warn people or warn our family to just be careful if they're worried or I worked in the tourism main street in Guatemala, so I will also be open to tourists. Hey. You can go to El Tunco here, Santa Ana, and get out. You know? So now it's so amazing to me when I met I met a a a having party, you know, it's new people from Australia, from, Germany, and all of that. And, like, yeah. No. It's my first time, but I'm actually checking how to move in.
That will have never been the conversation nor even 3 years ago. And I think the most what I I love about, you know, old people here is also that we're so welcoming. Mhmm. Yes. You are. There is no, you know, prices, I mean, if you want to call it. Like, whatever you look like, you we're always gonna be kind. So all of these people that is coming here and to build and they want to, you know, grow with their family, they're gonna be welcome anyway. So it's it doesn't feel like, what are these tourists coming here, and they're gonna make everything more expensive. Because at the end of the day, it's also expensive everywhere. But because we don't have that violence, that there is this hope of everybody now can, you know, be an entrepreneur, have their own little coffee shop. You just put your little car like Chorito, and size it, and you're not gonna be, extortioned by the guns. Right? So it's a different levels helping, the parents, you know, to, I think, like, call the kids, and then, even to me as a grown old woman was you know, my dad would never let me use Uber, the app app, because it was dangerous too. Yeah. So everything that we could build now that is possibly even is good, it's possible because of that.
[00:45:34] Unknown:
It's incredible. And I think, you know, what what do you like, when you were at the having party, which sounds great. I've I've FOMO. I I missed that. But, when you're talking to people who want to move to El Salvador, you know, obviously, like, there's a lot of Bitcoiners who are excited to start being a part of a community, you know, that is, like, all arrows are pointing forward in the same direction towards a better future together. And what what are the things that they wanna leave behind? Like, did you hear have any questions or any opportunities to kinda say, like, yeah. I'm leaving behind just
[00:46:13] Unknown:
Yeah. I believe my favorite was, forgot her name. She was from Australia, and she told me I've been here, you know, like, 48 hours, 24 hours, but because of my friends have told me and I've seen so far is that everybody's so kind. You know, it's very family oriented, which is also true. Like, you know, Saba is pretty traditional. And then what they're leaving, behind, I think, is that fresh or negativity on their own systems. But I think what they say is also maybe sometimes it's unconscious that you just don't feel that there is a bitter on your work until you see something else. Like you said, you don't know what you don't know. Right? And when you come here, and they're like, oh my god. People are so nice, and then they just met you, and then they meet, of course, people that has been living here, expats from 1 to 2 years, and they loved it, and they have. Bring their kids. So they're leaving behind, I think, probably I don't know. Culture is is hard to to name it, but I guess that culture of just working, working, working, not feeling what's the end, what is it for, you know, having that mentality of until retirement, but not that balance of I'm having fun. I am also happy. What I do is it's just it happens to us at Bitcoin, especially, you know, the the leadership team. We're so busy, but we feel that we still okay. Let's go for a coffee, and we're gonna have a work meeting, but we also have that part of of a little bit of freedom, you know, and and fun and and to decompress.
And one of the the things that she I love that she told me was that I I just don't feel happy anymore. And, of course, you know, I'm gonna miss my family, and I'm gonna miss, I guess, sometimes, you know, comfort comfort to you, like, that there are a lot of things in the western world, like, in Australia that, of course, you're not gonna have here now yet. But I'm sure that they are come meals, so they could they can open their own vegan company, for example. And I'm happy to hear that that's what they see here. Yeah. Because then if they're leaving it behind and then there is a reason why they see a difference here. There's a different word. It sounds cliche a little bit sometimes. Right? Like, oh, but it's this optimism.
I think it's optimism, and it gets collective. Of course, it's hard. I mean, not everybody that I talk to, I have this interaction and superannuity with you. It changes. We're still living a fear at work. We're still living with inflation and the monetary currency. But still, I mean, imagine, that grade with 35 kids yesterday. Right? Like, over 10 weeks, they're gonna have a different mentality and a more optimism than we can build. They can go to their families, and it's contagious. So then if new people here comes to you, then that means that they feel that they cannot contagious that in their own country.
They probably feel, like, hopeless, and they're like, okay. I'm trying to do something. I'm trying to live with a purpose, doing something meaningful, but it's just not possible here. So I gotta look where can I do it?
[00:49:15] Unknown:
Yeah. Exactly. And I think the contagious nature of hope and fear are real. You know? And so if you're living in a society or an environment, a family it's it does. It gets on you, you know, and the same thing with hope. And, like, my experience in, you know, coming to El Salvador twice, I I call El Salvador hope in action, and it is because it's not just like, la, la, la, let's sprinkle fairy dust and everything. It's like, no. There's a lot of proof of work that goes into creating this this better feeling, this better culture, this better community, and and it's not it's not easy. Like you said, it's not like sunshine and rainbows every single day. It's hard work, like, and you wish you had more hours in your day because you know like, Wow, there's I knocked down 25 dominoes today, but there's still 10,000,000 out here. Holy cow. But you're still just doing it 1 at a time.
And I think that's so powerful. And for a lot of us, you know, who have, you know, whatever the creature comforts of certain areas in the world, it still doesn't replace that feeling of the community and that feeling of connection. And I think for a lot of us, we feel so disconnected from each other in our own homes and in our own neighborhoods because we're not sharing the same values. We're not sharing the same vision. You know? And I think, unfortunately, COVID did a lot of huge damage to separate us and then instill fear as we're separated so that we stay in that fear state. It's very easy to control a population if you keep them separated and afraid.
You know? And so when we're united and hopeful, it's kinda hard to stop, you know.
[00:51:14] Unknown:
It's kinda hard to stop. You know? I think in any place that you have a lot of people together, there is every you know, every mind is new as a word. Right? Like, everybody has their own ideas and their own backgrounds and everything. They don't, nationalities, of course, even your own culture. Yeah. But that's what I feel, and I think it happens to all of us when we hang out at at Bitcoin conference. That part of feeling purpose and building very something. Like, if we we might have a bad day, but we just come, like, energized. And we can feel tired after 3, 4 days talking, talking, talking to so many people, but it also is, like, super energized. I've I've never felt anything like that in my life, honestly.
I've started I've started feeling it these days, and then I I think it was just to its peak on my data because it's probably the pieces that I've been at a workplace in my life. You were cruising around. You're just. You're like, I'm much. You know? Like, you're in yeah. I know. And then but then I'm like, this is so strange how your body, of course, is a little bit tired of waking up early, going to bed late, and walking because we walk a lot in in Europe, which is which is good. Mhmm. And then at the same time, feeling this sparkle on your heart. I don't know what it was. And then, obviously, it happened at last week again when we had a lot of early early days. I remember John was saying at the Torreticala, we were there until midnight, and I had to go to this other area 6 AM next day. So it's it's a lot. You know? And then, eventually, again, another early day to go to the Halloween party because 2 hours away, but we just love it. And then when we were in the way back, we were pretty, you know, tired, but at the same time, still talking about plans and still talking about structured and when is our next board meeting coming and what we should touch on.
And then we we need more teachers and we need more days and that. So it's it's really cool. So that, of course, if you feel aligned with that and then you want to create something like that and you just feel disconnected from where you are with your community, and, sadly, sometimes even with your own family. I think it's it's just valid that everybody can look for for that. Hopefully, this is not gonna be like, you know, oh, everybody has a better grip. It's great. I love everybody coming here, and we welcome them. But I do hope that also we basically start to replicate this sense of community and purpose and alignment everywhere because that's how we're gonna also create a better world to wherever you are. It doesn't matter if you feel privileged because it's, but it doesn't matter if you feel, undervalued because it's the southwest.
Because at the end, only a few people are gonna be able to do that as well. You know? Everybody can feel that way, but not everybody can, like, force to sell everything or have a house to sell and come and move all the way to the other side of the world. Right? Probably a lot of people feel the same way, and just their situation doesn't allow them to make a change, economically speaking. Right? Like Yep.
[00:54:18] Unknown:
Yeah. There's a, I don't know if you know this song. It's an old hippie song because I'm an old hippie, but it's by Crosby, Stills, Nash. I don't know if Neil Young was on this, but it's it's, if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. Love the one you're with. And, you know, so it's like if you're not just like Felix. Right? He wasn't able to jump on that plane and come and, you know, become a part of, you know, physically the community, but he's taking that energy and doing it where he's located. And for so many of us too, you know, it's like, I have to be where I'm at right now because of my children, and it's my choice, and I love it, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But it's like, I wish there were more Bitcoiners around me, so I need to do my part to gather Bitcoiners close by and make little micropods and then, you know, go to the devs and the meetups and all this stuff. And so, you know, it it's it it takes a little bit of work, but then it's just like shifting, like, okay. If I'm not gonna go do this, what can I do here, and how can I make the garden grow and flourish, you know, inside of my heart and inside of the relationships that I'm involved in, you know? And yeah, it's just kind of battling that, you know, the negativity soup and the FUD that's contagious and then making sure you go put fuel in your fuel tank with the hope, you know? And and like you said, even after you're doing these big events, you know, you're drained a little bit, but you're truly your battery is charged even though you just did, like, a marathon. It's like your battery somehow got it got somehow, there's juice in it. You know? And so so I think it's really, like, for those of you listening who haven't been able to get to El Salvador or you haven't been able to go to any Bitcoin conferences or meetups, do it. Do it.
Because I know it. It's so important and it because there is there's an afterglow, you know, and there's there's an energy around us after we get these these engagements and interactions with everybody, and then it it kinda oozes out into our daily lives too, you know, and the positivity. I went through some sadness, of course, and some depression after Madera, and I was so excited, but I was just like, I like waking up and just seeing everybody right away, you know, and being right there and knowing that everybody's gonna be, you know, close by. And so so I think where the people are building different citadels and they're building these micro communities and these circular communities, it's like, keep going and then sharing resources like you guys are doing with the the open source education and all the models that you're creating and sharing. I think it's super important.
I know we're kind of at an hour here. Is there anything you wanna share with the folks who are listening about how they can support me from your Bitcoin and how they can, you know, keep moving the needle forward on their big dreams and missions with Bitcoin and beyond?
[00:57:12] Unknown:
Yes. Thank you, Valerie. Yeah. This is a great conversation. I think Mhmm. I feel like we can talk for hours. We can talk a little bit better. I know. You. Let's go. Mornings, after after all of this conferencing, we hang out. So thank you. Thank you for having me, and thank you everybody that also contributes, you know, for us with a few stats, with, sources. There is so many ways that you can. I mean, at the moment, we already have pretty much languages, but we have a translation team on our Telegram group. If you feel like your, language, you know, it's not you can translate the diploma to your language so more people in your own community can learn it or you can share it. You can do that. Visit our website too. You can go to where it's at on our GitHub. You can download for free all of the sources. It's, you know, PDF. It's open source.
And then, of course, we have an active campaign on Geyser. That's if you want to donate some. You can donate also to, the nodes. Some of them have their own fundraising, but we also do know the grants, like, from our, you know, from MPB. We give a grant also to the notes, based on proof of work. So you can help us with that as well, attending one of our meetups here, sharing on Twitter, resharing, reaching out if you feel that there is a skill or that you you have and that you can contribute. We we can always use it. You can go through our Twitter and say, hey, guys. I guess I can help you with this. I can create videos for you, Anything that's helpful. But, of course, if, let me if that is out of reach, you know, so you can you want to donate some sets, we'd really appreciate it too.
[00:58:50] Unknown:
Well and next time you guys do an auction, you know, if you're doing any other new galas or whatever, like, I I would love to contribute a a DJ set. So if anybody wants to Nah. On a DJ set, they'll have to get me where they need me, but,
[00:59:08] Unknown:
but I'll be happy to come and rock their party, whether it's a big party, small party. I don't care. But if you know, who knows if anybody would bid on that? But just whatever. It's something you can throw in your your thing. Let's go see how Max, auctions that sucker off. I know. Right? That'd be great. Yes. Thank you, Valerie. Yes. That's good. Yeah. We're going to do the I mean, we we plan to do the once a year. So it should be around every April, and that would be awesome, and to have you. And then for anyone that hasn't listened to, like, I was thinking then the happy party, the playlist would have much better if Valerie was here. So we could a little bit of everything, not talking about the DJ, but, yes. Awesome. Awesome to see you, to contribute as well. The panel that we did together, women panels was awesome. There is just so much, you know, so much coming, and I'm so excited of of everybody joining and everybody finding out about us and then feeling refueled so they can go on their own park. Bitcoin is about proof of work. We gotta do it, people.
[01:00:11] Unknown:
We gotta do it. And, yeah, thank you so much. And, yeah, thank you so much for inviting me to the the women's panel for the UN conference. That was amazing to get to do that with you guys. And it just we're so early. We're just scratching the surface, and I'm just so happy to be on this journey with you guys. And I love what you're doing, Reyna, and what everybody at me premier bitcoin is up to. You guys are such a great role model and inspiration for how to how to scale education for everybody and how to scale Bitcoin in a really, meaningful and step by step way that makes a lot of sense and that's accessible. And I think that's really so powerful.
So, yeah, so thanks for being on the show. And, everybody, you guys go follow Reina hold on. I gotta pull your thing up. Go to Reina Chicas 2. I've got that right. Right? That's right. Spelled a 2nd ago. And then you guys can also go to whoever's listening. So follow on x@reynaChicas, the number 2, and then me premiere bitcoin.io. And then it's my first bitcoin is x. Right? I think Yes. My first bitcoin,
[01:01:16] Unknown:
underscore. It's Underscore. On Twitter. Yes. It's also my profile, anyone. It also type. And, yeah, my my meter bitcoin dot I o.
[01:01:27] Unknown:
Dot I o. It's awesome. And, yeah, go donate some sats even if it's a few sats. Every sats adds up. Right? And who knows what those suckers are gonna be worth in 10 years? Like, when,
[01:01:37] Unknown:
Geraldo's doing his thing in 10 years, who knows what Bitcoin's gonna be doing in 10 years? He's getting better with the English, but I told him that the other day. I'm like, you I have so much to to share and to talk. Let's just let's just get there. He he's amazing. Yeah. And, basically, we want to replicate that, but in everyone. Right? That level of love and purpose and dedication to so many young men's, I can yes. I had a podcast the other day also with an 18 year old. Amazing. This is amazing. Yeah. What the that these kids are doing.
[01:02:08] Unknown:
Yeah. So let's I know. Let's keep sharing the stories of success. I think that gives everybody, a sense of, like, oh my gosh. This stuff's working. Yay. Let's keep doing more.
[01:02:17] Unknown:
So everything is not working. Yeah. Just check up on Twitter, see your interviews. We just did a video of the last graduation, what they think, put some captions there because in Spanish, but they are so hopeful. Even my mom, when she saw it, she was like, this kid's already at 18. I already know that. You know? Like, imagine if we would have known. I'm like, yes. I wish because that means that you have Bitcoin early.
[01:02:40] Unknown:
Totally. I know. Right? And now we think about all these young kids who are gonna have it, and it's just gonna be built into their their operating system. It's not something that they have to go unlearn. They're just getting the foundation at the at the young level. It's so important. So, alright, sister. I love you so much. I can't wait to get down there and to see you, and I wanna keep supporting me from your Bitcoin in any way I can. And, everybody who's listening, make sure you follow Reina and me from your Bitcoin, and I'll talk with you soon. Thanks again for sharing your time. Star. Thank you for having me. Yeah. For sure. Alright, everybody. Peace, love, and warm aloha. Yay.
Introduction to the vulnerability of children in the fiat money supply system.
Mission to educate young people about Bitcoin and promote peaceful money.
Discussion about recent events and activities in El Salvador related to Bitcoin education.
Announcement of the 2024 Bitcoin diploma version and plans for Spanish translation.
Initiation of the next phase of the pilot program with teachers in the Coolidge School System.
Importance of financial literacy and empowerment, especially for young people, using Bitcoin as a tool for peace.
Explanation of the Bitcoin diploma program, its evolution, and impact in El Salvador.
Discussion on the curriculum of the Bitcoin diploma, covering topics from the history of money to cryptocurrencies.
Positive experiences of moving to El Salvador and the welcoming community
Impact of hope and fear on society and the importance of unity
Challenges and rewards of creating a better culture and community
Encouragement to attend Bitcoin conferences and meetups for positive energy and connections
Discussion on scaling education and Bitcoin in a meaningful way
