Yes Bitcoin Haiti was founded on February 24, 2024 by Phanor Mendelking (also known by Val), a 34 year-old Haitian from Port-au-Prince, who was tragically displaced due to devastating gang attacks that caused significant loss of life and property. Having to escape the turmoil, Val found a safe haven in the peaceful countryside of Saint Michel de L'Atalaye.

His introduction to Bitcoin came through an American friend, Armand, who educated him on the fundamentals of fiat money, inflation, central banks, and the liberating potential of Bitcoin. Inspired by this knowledge and amid ongoing chaos in Haiti, Val has become an advocate for Bitcoin. 

In April, he was joined by a passionate 21 year-old student named Papouche who was inspired by the idea of bringing financial empowerment into the hands of all Haitians. When they embarked together on the first phase of the project and enrolled in the Mi Primer Bitcoin Diploma, the mission became clear: 

Empower the Haitian community by spreading awareness and education about Bitcoin, aiming to create opportunities for financial freedom and empowerment for not only their community but all of Haiti. 

Phase 1 (COMPLETED in June 2024) 

• Trained and empowered local leaders, Val and Papouche, to complete the Bitcoin Diploma and advance their Bitcoin education.

• Introduced Bitcoin to the community through meetups, educational sessions, and merchant outreach. 

 Phase 2 (COMPLETED in January 2025) 

• Established a Bitcoin Education Center at the primary school Institution Mixte Marie-Rose Estève in St. Michel de L’Attalaye:

  • • • Secured a 1 year lease for our classroom 

      • Furnished the classroom

      • Installed solar power and Starlink for reliable power and internet

• Completed the 1st cohort of students and awarded 15 graduates with the Bitcoin Diploma certificate.

• Completed the translation of Mi Primer Bitcoin Diploma to Haitian Creole and printed 50 hard copies for our education center. (https://github.com/MyFirstBitcoin/Translation)

• Hosted multiple meetups and workshops in St. Michel de l'Attalaye and surrounding communities, reaching new students and community members.

• Expanded outreach efforts by engaging with local businesses to integrate Bitcoin payments.

Phase 3 (2025-2027) 

• Graduate 50 students every 6 months with the Bitcoin Diploma.

• Expand education by launching new student cohorts and teaching the Bitcoin Diploma in new regions like Grande-Rivière.

• Onboard more educators and train local leaders to support long-term sustainability.

• Increase merchant adoption by partnering with local businesses, sports teams, art initiatives, and churches.

• Launch a "Sats-for-Lunch" program, allowing global supporters to sponsor meals at our primary school using Bitcoin.

Phase 4: Sustained Growth & National Expansion (2030 Vision)

• Develop Bitcoin-based job opportunities, including creating and self-sustaining businesses

• Lay the foundation for commerce in Cap-Haïtien’s tourist sector, encouraging hotels, restaurants, and beach businesses to accept Bitcoin.

• Advance remittance solutions, improving access to on and off-ramp options for local communities.

• Form long-term partnerships with global organizations to foster collaboration. 

• Scale education efforts nationally, supporting additional cities and rural areas in Haiti.

• Encourage local entrepreneurs and businesses to build Bitcoin-native services, such as P2P marketplaces, circular economy hubs, and merchant platforms.

• Develop financial literacy programs to help Haitians securely save, transact, and invest in Bitcoin.

• Advocate for a supportive regulatory environment in Haiti, working with policymakers to ensure Bitcoin-friendly policies.

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