Summary:
Bitcoin circular economies are emerging in Suriname, driven by local advocates.
Suriname is home to two Bitcoin initiatives: Bitcoin Sranan and Bitcoin Alfonsdorp.
Residents are learning to use Bitcoin for payments and savings, combating 59% inflation.
Over 110 merchants have been onboarded by Bitcoin Sranan, improving their economic situation.
Education efforts are tailored to local contexts to combat skepticism from past Bitcoin scams.
Thanks to the efforts of hardworking Bitcoin advocates, Bitcoin circular economies are beginning to grow in Suriname.
These economies, the first and most well-known of which is Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, are small-scale jurisdictions where Bitcoin is commonly used as currency among residents and merchants. They often include a Bitcoin education center and are led by respected locals.
Suriname has recently gained attention due to its pro-Bitcoin presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe, who is advocating for the adoption of Bitcoin. Currently, there are two Bitcoin circular economies in the country: Bitcoin Sranan and Bitcoin Alfonsdorp.
In both locations, residents are learning how to make and accept payments in Bitcoin, using it as a savings technology amidst soaring inflation rates as high as 59% in recent years.
Bitcoin Sranan
Founded in the capital, Paramaribo, in 2021 by Parbhoe after witnessing the impact of Bitcoin in El Salvador, Bitcoin Sranan aims to educate locals. Terence Coronel, a dedicated local, has taken charge of this initiative. He spends his days educating community members using the Mi Primer Bitcoin curriculum and onboarding merchants.
Coronel shares his approach: “I’m here to let you know that you can accept money through Bitcoin instead of just with bank transfers.” He assists interested individuals in downloading the Blink Wallet, a Bitcoin wallet for payments via the Lightning Network, and conducts test transactions to familiarize them with the process.
Despite challenges, including getting locals to commit to a 10-week course on Bitcoin, Coronel has successfully onboarded 110 merchants, many of whom express gratitude for the support they receive through Bitcoin transactions.
Bitcoin Alfonsdorp
Inspired by his experience at the Bitcoin Sranan education center, Terence Karijondomo established a Bitcoin education initiative in Alfonsdorp. A technically-minded indigenous citizen, he aims to teach Bitcoin as a gateway to imparting essential ICT skills.
Karijondomo emphasizes the importance of educating the younger generation about Bitcoin to prevent them from falling into negative paths. He is also aware of the skepticism surrounding Bitcoin due to previous scams that have affected many in Suriname.
Tailoring Bitcoin Education To The Local Context
A local Bitcoin enthusiast, known as NOMAD, highlights the need for tailored Bitcoin education in Suriname. He suggests using popular local forms of entertainment, like cabarets, to introduce Bitcoin concepts in relatable and engaging ways.
NOMAD stresses that while some methods that worked in El Zonte might be applicable, a significant portion of the education must be customized for Suriname's unique context.
Suriname's journey towards embracing Bitcoin reflects a growing desire for financial autonomy and resilience in the face of economic challenges, showcasing the potential of Bitcoin circular economies to transform lives and communities.
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