BITCOIN BOMA GRADUATES FIRST ELEVEN COHORTS

 

Bitcoin education taking shape in Malawi...

Written by Pacharo Nyirenda

Bitcoin Boma officially launched its first Bitcoin Diploma for Malawians on January 5th, 2025. In collaboration with My First Bitcoin, an open source platform for Bitcoin education, targeting grassroot adoption around the world, gave a green "light node status" to Bitcoin Boma after a successful overwhelming vote of confidence from fifty representatives to endorse Bitcoin education initiatives in Malawi. 

In mid November, 2024 pipelines were being interconnected. A draft on the left side of the table proposed a clear picture of how Bitcoin education initatives will unfold based on the vision that needed to be achieved, “education and awareness.” By this time, Bitcoin Boma did not have any physical address, classroom block or office. What were the odds of possibly executing a successful Bitcoin education program without a single desk or pen?The national education curriculum of Malawi does not offer any educational material regarding cryptocurrencies. The word “cryptocurrency” around the academic avenues is unofficially heard of however, on the opposite side of the block, word on the corner,  streets and foreign exchange dealers ‘crypto’ was a common daily subject. Cryptocurrencies like USDT, Tether and Bitcoin were becoming the common denominator on spread sheets and balance books. To have access to a variety of foreign exchange one had to loiter around exchanging the local currency for some "crypto" and they are off to Dubai, perhaps United Kingdom to import stock. Some politicians also started to loiter and design a manifesto for campaign come 2025 suggesting blockchain solutions for Malawi. 

Interestingly in 2019, Reserve Bank of Malawi called for an open table discussion  on cryptocurries. As reported, the idea was to caution, make a proper assessment on credibility of these instruments. Another package under the sleeve was piloting a Malawian electronic cryptocurrency called the “Malawian e- kwacha.” Later in 2020, RBM warned the public against use, dealing and transacting with cryptocurrencies citing risks of scams, theft and money laundering being financial crimes.

However, near the Indian and Atlantic oceans, north, south, east and west of Africa, cryptocurrencies were a daily hot seat and a norm for exchange markets. News of piloting studies and central banks issuing centralized banking digital currencies carried headlines on business media outlets. Ever since St Johns Hopkins run the COVID simulations in  2019, developed nations have pushed for digitized economies through cryptocurrencies backed by central banks and the state. Talks of digitizing finance and eliminating cash was one of the agendas of the World Economic Forum with more emphasis given on the public health concern of COVID-19 which later fueled the theory of a financial reset. It was also during this time most banks, commercial institutions and mobile service providers encouraged use of digital transactions and services via internet, insisting the public take advantage of a wide array of internet services that promote digital transactions to ease pressure on having physical cash with emphasis of safety and stay at home.

Bitcoin Boma embarked on its vision of providing Bitcoin education in September 2024 when its application for a light node passed a vote over fifty Bitcoin educator representatives from various countries. This was truly a great moment and milestone for Bitcoin Boma to directly collaborate with My First Bitcoin for educational resources, grassroot adoption, which worked hand in hand with the vision set forth right. The efforts of Ian Foster who represented Malawi in El-Salvador, the first country that made Bitcoin legal tender really paid handsome dividends and from then on the journey was set to embark on Bitcoin education to Malawi.

December, 2024 was Christmas carols and spreading the gospel across all Bitcoin Boma platforms of our first enrollment for Bitcoin education diploma. Learning platforms had been set. My first Bitcoin student handbook had been reviewed and presentation slides were underway. The Diploma had a structured timeline of thirteen weeks. It introduced specific topics and expected outcomes through the chapters and laid out all orange patterns for the red pilling. 

The schedule was tight, heavens opened and rains started pouring heavily. In some parts of the country the maize had sprouted well. In no time, an inflow of names started to appear via our Google registration forms. Questions of fees and costs were common but it was safe to say it was a free education program. The days paced quickly to 2025 a brand new year with the 5th of January around the corner. Bitcoin Boma had only a phone and an improvised desktop directly connected to the national grid for operations. With persistent load sheds and electricity cuts we were in for the treat. In a snap of a second we had arrived on January 5th and the nerves were crawring on how our first session is going to hold the expectations. Finally, we hosted over twenty new cohorts on our Google Meet, our main medium for the program.  It was amazing to see some of our brothers and sisters from DRC Congo and Kenya who joined to learn with us.

The first week and chapter was about the power of money. How many dumbbells can money lift to showcase its strength in a financial gym? Obviously, a lot of dumbbells and bench presses. In this chapter we had the privilege of exploring the definition of money from our own personal perspective. We enjoyed the freedom to learn its functions in the society from an individual to a national basis. What stood out from this chapter were the true characteristics and qualities of commodities that represented money and a medium of exchange. Personally, it was like describing an ideal perfect lady fitting all quality and beauty checks to pin a man down. Humans are obsessed with qualities and perfection. What made a commodity satisfy the free market as money? We closed the chapter with types of money that have existed throughout mankind.

In the second chapter, third and last week of January, we gained speed and momentum. We buckled the seat belts and travelled in a time machine back to the genesis block or rather barter trade. Our cohorts appreciated how value was exchanged with no physical cash, using rare commodities. It was a long journey from Barter trade landing on precious metals, gold and silver. Would you accept payment in gold and silver bars or coins? Or would you rather take Talley sticks from King Henry I of England? Or the giant stones of Rai, the decentralized Micronesian island of Yap.  We took some spins on all types of money and landed on the early prototypes of paper money witnessing a shift from sound to unsound money. There was a sense of precise attention, we were mesmerized by what history unfolded in front of our eyes. We wrapped up this chapter by discussing where we are today with FIAT currencies and a world towards cashless societies.

The curtains were raised and the show was on. It was Valentine's month of February. The expectation was to see how the romance played out between two rival families with their siblings in love.  No one stood, all were seated with anticipation hoping the protagonist will vanish with his lover just to be surprised by a twist of the plot, jumping into chapter three which uncovered the dark side of FIAT currencies.

Our cohorts were exposed to how our financial system is hinged upon acts of deceit, debt, inflation, debasement and loss of purchasing power. The underlying theme was Banks control the currency supply and this gives them enormous power of creating something from nothing. When banks flood the economy with currency it has a direct impact on the purchasing power of a currency over time as the market reacts, adjusting prices to equilibrate excess currency. We ended on high on note on this one, learning acts fractional reserve banking and lending.

Back to the future, chapter four in the second week of February, we managed to stamp on a decentralized financial model that started with the cypherpunk movement. Their motive was simple: share encrypted communications and protect free speech. The first peer to peer network, cryptographic messages to Digi-cash by David Chaum. It was powerful to learn the limitations of FIAT and the role of the cypherpunks in finding a solution to overcome censorship resistance, centralized FIAT with a peaceful decentralized approach to liberation.

Ladies and gentlemen, unveiling the protagonist in a decentralized approach to finance, Bitcoin. Chapter five, third week of February to early March was packed with the all promises cohorts were waiting for, the reason why they registered and embarked on this incredible journey, introduction to Bitcoin. Cohorts took on the mysterious hunt for Satoshi Nakamoto. The German shepherds sniffed, a deep scout was deployed and search warrants were issued. Unfortunately we did not find Satoshi  however, he left blueprint tracks for us to walk in study and discover what he had left us. His identity was imprinted in an innovative technology that works, Bitcoin.  We discussed in-depths of what Bitcoin is to how one can use Bitcoin, send or receive it and of course the Blockchain and its on chain layer. The lessons were woven with how transactions are secure on the Bitcoin network. 

Things took another positive step in chapter six, the second week of March as cohorts unlocked their knowledge on Bitcoin wallets and the lightning network. It was about understanding the key differences between a self-custodial and custodian wallet and how they are used. A lot of questions were thrown at the tutors here. What is the best wallet to use for Bitcoin? What about the pros and cons. It was a marvel to appreciate how Bitcoin allows one to entirely take the responsibility of keeping their private keys. The question of on chain versus off chain was the subject matter, acknowledging the first layer of Bitcoin and its security as a feature to scalable lightning solution the second layer of Bitcoin.  This chapter summarized how lightning transactions broadcast on the network. The fun part was cohorts installed their bitcoin wallets and experienced sending and receiving transactions.

The third week of March, chapter seven was a journey to conquer and reach the peak of Mulanje mountain. This chapter unveiled how transactions work on-chain layer wallets using the UTXO model. Here with the guidance of Glen, founder of Bitcoin Ubuntu, we explored inner workings and Math inside the wallets when one taps “Send” on their wallet. We appreciated how the double spending problem was solved using the UTXO model. It was more physical and somewhat technical; cohorts were advised to bring along their computer tool kits for chapter eight which was going to opening the Asic miner rig.

Power supplies, cables, bootable drives and a set of screw drivers were all intact for chapter eight. The first week of April, Cohorts opened the case box of the Asic miner and saw for themselves the motherboard, the spinning fans and a general overview of Bitcoin mining in action. They nodded how Bitcoin is intertwined with the immutable Blockchain ledger. We enjoyed this chapter together cranking the Asic miner build, whilst others tested the fan speeds and circuit boards. One suggested getting a graphics card to test out for some few Sats, well if they were not too late to the mining pool party.

The hash functions were explained and we came out dusty and dirty, the fan noises kept ringing “mining jingle bells”.It had been a long way, the second week of April signaled we are arriving towards the destination. In this chapter, our cohorts learned Bitcoin's intrinsic value, the Lindy effect, challenges faced with Bitcoin and understanding the energy usage of Bitcoin, risks and of course everyone's favorite, trading and investing in Bitcoin. In all walks, the question that seems to linger is investing and earning a profit via Bitcoin to FIAT. There was some caution here emphasizing on investing what you're not willing to lose. 

From Bits to Bitcoin, fitting the puzzle was the final chapter, the last week of April. Not much was discussed as we felt the after effects of this course. Our first cohort was truly a memorable learning experience, a test of the waters and a proof of work that anything is possible. We had doubts reaching that far as we had challenges whilst navigating. 

We faced constant network connection challenges, electricity blackouts during sessions and tight commitments to our personal schedules. Thankfully, our team was supportive and stood strong, providing support as we lined towards the edge. Tutors gave encouragement and unconditional support throughout the program. In the end we managed to graduate eleven cohorts who successfully fulfilled the requirements for the Bitcoin Diploma education program.

On July 7th Bitcoin Boma sang whistles of joy and praise to the first cohorts that finished the racing track. It was a special moment graced by the co-founders of Bitcoin Boma, special guest of honor and tutor Olev Maimets and our outstanding student, Lezina Chiphazi who zapped a speech on how they have gained knowledge from the program.

On this particular day, Nick Twyman cofounder for Bitcoin Boma opened the floor, congratulating the new cohorts for an incredible achievement. He applauded for the great effort, persistence and consistency the cohorts demonstrated during their course of study. He explained how Bitcoin Boma began as a simple idea and what he envisioned for Bitcoin adoption in Malawi. To witness them graduate was a realization of a dream come true.

Olev Maimets, our special guest of honor and tutor pinned the message of how Bitcoin is hope for Malawi and the world. He excitedly congratulated the cyber hornets, reminded them of their duty to the world. The theme was on the significance of the peaceful revolution of Bitcoin and how it restores sound money, people and freedom, the very ingredients Malawi needs to cure from chains of debt, inflation and misery.

Lezina our best outstanding performing student emphasized on the importance of the Diploma and how it has added to the resume of financial literacy giving a blueprint of how Malawi can truly benefit from Bitcoin. She explained how Bitcoin offers the opportunity for Malawians to become sovereign, financially independent and how Bitcoin is a reliable insurance against harsh inflation and debasement of the FIAT currency system.

Shabana Moses, another grad, also added remarks thanking Bitcoin Boma for the education initiative. She explained how excited she was for graduating and how Bitcoin has positively transformed her perspective of money and finance, positively encouraging longevity to educate Malawians about Bitcoin.

Yankho Ngolleka, founder of Women of Satoshi expressed his unwavering joy and support to the grads. He gave them a round of applause and extended the best wishes. He emphasized that the journey of learning has just begun, instilling the hunger to learn and having an open mindset to pursue further knowledge and exploring opportunities in the Bitcoin space. He encouraged women in the cohort to collaborate, create local initiatives and create Bitcoin circular economies as these fuel and fire for Bitcoin adoption in Malawi. He further extended the opportunity for women to join Women of Satoshi cooperative to teach young women about Bitcoin in Malawi.

Laughter, excitement and accomplishment were written, emojis and stickers lasted over a minute and finally, cofounder for Bitcoin Boma Grant thanked all the cohorts, tutors and zapped some Sats to the cohorts as a fountain of youth to begin their journey in sending, receiving and onboarding Bitcoin.

Join me for another read as I prepare for Bitcoin Boma Cohort 2 and the positive impact of Women of Satoshi in Malawi as the journey continues for Bitcoin Adoption in Malawi.