My First Bitcoin, a prominent Bitcoin education initiative in El Salvador, has ceased local operations and ended its partnership with the Ministry of Education. The nonprofit, which trained over 27,000 students since 2021, is now shifting focus to global support for educators worldwide to expand cryptocurrency literacy beyond national borders.
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El Salvador’s Bitcoin policy shifts: Recent IMF bailout led to reversals, including halting government BTC purchases and revising the Bitcoin law for optional business acceptance.
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The program provided free classes, a Bitcoin Diploma, and instructor training, bridging cryptocurrency knowledge for beginners in public schools and communities.
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Global expansion: My First Bitcoin aims to reach billions by advising international teachers, with pilots already in Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia, Africa, and Europe.
Discover why My First Bitcoin shut down in El Salvador amid policy changes. Explore the nonprofit’s pivot to worldwide education and its impact on global crypto adoption. Learn more today.
What is the My First Bitcoin shutdown in El Salvador?
My First Bitcoin shutdown in El Salvador marks the end of a key educational partnership that introduced Bitcoin literacy to thousands. Launched in 2021 as El Salvador embraced Bitcoin as legal tender, the nonprofit delivered free classes to students and adults. Despite training over 27,000 individuals, operations halted in April 2025 following government policy adjustments tied to an IMF bailout.
How has El Salvador’s Bitcoin policy influenced educational programs?
El Salvador’s evolving Bitcoin policies have significantly impacted initiatives like My First Bitcoin. In December 2024, the country secured a $1.4 billion IMF bailout, which required winding down Bitcoin-related projects and stopping official BTC purchases. This led to revisions in the nation’s Bitcoin law in January 2025, allowing businesses to optionally accept the cryptocurrency rather than mandating it.
By mid-2025, reports from the IMF indicated no new Bitcoin acquisitions since the deal, though the Bitcoin Office website continued to promote ongoing efforts. These changes dissolved the formal collaboration between My First Bitcoin and the Ministry of Education, where the program had integrated its curriculum into public schools in 2024. Arnold Hubach, Director of Communication for My First Bitcoin, confirmed no new initiatives would launch locally, citing the policy shifts as a key factor.
Expert analysis from financial observers, such as those cited in IMF statements, highlights how such international financing influences national crypto strategies. The government’s Bitcoin holdings now stand at about 6,374 BTC, valued at roughly $654.8 million based on current market data from public trackers. This treasury reflects a scaled-back commitment, affecting educational outreach that once aimed to embed Bitcoin knowledge nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did My First Bitcoin end its operations in El Salvador?
The shutdown stems from policy reversals following El Salvador’s $1.4 billion IMF agreement in December 2024. This deal mandated reductions in Bitcoin initiatives, leading to the end of the partnership with the Ministry of Education. No specific reasons were detailed by the government, but the focus shifted away from local classroom support.
What is the future of Bitcoin education after the My First Bitcoin shutdown in El Salvador?
After the My First Bitcoin shutdown in El Salvador, the organization is expanding internationally by supporting teachers and programs globally. Founder John Dennehy emphasizes scaling from national to worldwide impact, targeting billions through online networks and pilots in multiple countries. This ensures Bitcoin education continues responsibly in diverse communities.
Key Takeaways
- Policy-driven closure: El Salvador’s IMF bailout prompted the end of Bitcoin education partnerships, highlighting geopolitical influences on crypto adoption.
- Proven impact: Over 27,000 students received training via free classes and a formalized Bitcoin Diploma, establishing a foundation for global replication.
- Global pivot: Shift to international advisory roles, with implementations in Argentina, Costa Rica, and beyond, to foster widespread cryptocurrency literacy.
Conclusion
The My First Bitcoin shutdown in El Salvador closes a significant chapter in national Bitcoin education but opens doors to broader international efforts. As policies like those influenced by the IMF reshape local landscapes, the nonprofit’s focus on advising educators worldwide ensures continued growth in cryptocurrency understanding. With a mission to empower billions, My First Bitcoin’s transition promises sustained progress in secure and responsible Bitcoin adoption across the globe—stay informed on these developments to navigate the evolving crypto world effectively.
