BITCOIN IN HAITI

Introduction

We propose the first Bitcoin-only initiative in Haiti—YesBitcoinHaiti. This project seeks to empower Haitians through Bitcoin education and adoption, providing them with the knowledge and skills to leverage Bitcoin for life improvement, economic growth, financial inclusion, and empowerment.

Our vision is to give quality Bitcoin education to all and help build a circular economy in Haiti. Our mission is to provide local Bitcoin diploma certificates, host meetups and workshops, and build a sustainable Bitcoin ecosystem by facilitating community member and business onboarding.

Background Story

YesBitcoinHaiti was founded on February 24, 2024, by Phanor Mendelking (also known as 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. Finding safety in Saint Michel de L’Atalaye, Phanor was introduced to Bitcoin by an American friend, Armand. Inspired by the liberating potential of Bitcoin, Phanor has become an advocate for financial empowerment in Haiti. In April 2024, he was joined by Papouche, a passionate 21-year-old student, to embark on the project’s first phase, with the shared mission of spreading Bitcoin education and creating opportunities for financial freedom in Haiti.

Why Bitcoin in Haiti?

Haiti has faced immense hardships, exacerbated by corruption, inflation, and a lack of financial stability. Bitcoin offers a beacon of hope for Haiti, providing:

  • Financial Inclusion: Extending financial services to the unbanked population, empowering them to manage their resources without reliance on traditional banks.
  • Efficient Transactions: Enabling swift and low-cost money transfers through the Lightning Network, a crucial advantage for remittances from the Haitian diaspora.
  • Global Market Access: Offering participation in the global economy, independent of Haiti’s often unreliable financial infrastructure.
  • Empowerment through Education: Fostering financial literacy and equipping Haitians with the knowledge to build a future rooted in self-sovereignty and economic opportunity.
  • Protection Against Inflation: Providing a store of value that safeguards against the effects of Haiti’s high inflation rate.

Objectives

Our goals are divided into three phases:

  1. Phase 1: Support local leaders Val and Papouche in completing the Bitcoin Diploma and pursuing further Bitcoin education.
  2. Phase 2: Launch education and business onboarding initiatives in St. Michel de L’Atalaye, host community meetups, and distribute Bitcoin materials and sats via the Lightning Network.
  3. Phase 3: Expand collaborations with schools, sports teams, art projects, and churches. Initiate programs like the “Sats for Lunch” program and translate the Bitcoin Diploma into Haitian Creole.

Join the Movement

YesBitcoinHaiti welcomes your support. Together, we can empower Haitians to take control of their financial future and unlock the potential of Bitcoin. Contact us to learn how you can get involved.