Unlocking Bitcoin Knowledge: Insights from El Salvador’s BTC Office Director on the Importance of Cryptocurrency Education

In 2021, El Salvador made headlines when President Nayib Bukele declared bitcoin (BTC) as legal tender. This move gave bitcoin equal standing with the U.S. dollar, the country’s official currency.

Since then, El Salvador has built a bitcoin reserve of about $630 million and developed a strong regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. They’ve also launched plans for $1 billion in bitcoin-backed government bonds and successfully attracted Tether, a major stablecoin company, to move its headquarters there.

One standout achievement has been the country’s innovative Bitcoin education program. Stacy Herbert, who leads El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office, emphasizes the need for skilled professionals. “Bitcoin country needs Bitcoin engineers,” she explains. “We’re producing them, and it’s creating a positive feedback loop.” Graduates find work, form connections, and foster a tech culture in San Salvador.

Herbert notes that when big firms like Tether consider setting up shop, they want a talented workforce. “A lot of students are finding ample opportunity because there’s huge demand,” she says. The better the Bitcoin education, the more companies see El Salvador as an attractive place to do business.

With a vision akin to a “Singapore 2.0,” Bukele focuses on cultivating a smart and optimistic talent pool in El Salvador.

Herbert has been passionate about bitcoin since 2010, even speaking about it on international TV. After moving to El Salvador in 2021, she launched an educational program named CUBO+ to train Bitcoin developers. Later, she was appointed to lead the Bitcoin Office, established in November 2022.

The Bitcoin Office not only shapes policy but also markets El Salvador’s bitcoin initiatives. Herbert initiated a plan to introduce Bitcoin education in high schools, which has now expanded nationwide. Students learn to set up Bitcoin and Lightning Network nodes, as well as the workings of ASICs—specialized devices for mining bitcoin. The hands-on experience has sparked enthusiasm among students.

CUBO+ also offers an intense boot camp for about 100 to 125 university students, focusing on Bitcoin theory and philosophy. From this group, just 21 students are selected for advanced opportunities, including workshops abroad. Herbert proudly states, “100% of the students found jobs,” with some earning nearly $4,000 monthly compared to an average of $600 for new computer science graduates in the country.

Additionally, around 80,000 civil servants have completed a three-day Bitcoin certification. A new program covering artificial intelligence and robotics is also on the way, aiming to set a foundation for a robust economy. “It’s about more than just Bitcoin—it’s a mindset shift about sovereignty and independence,” Herbert adds.

Herbert’s team at the Bitcoin Office includes three employees from the CUBO+ program, reflecting the educational initiative’s impact on public service.

Recently, the Salvadoran government decided to make Bitcoin payments optional for businesses as part of a $3.5 billion agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Herbert believes these changes won’t affect the overall vision, stating, “The priority is always the people. Let’s do what helps the people the most.”

Despite some adjustments in its bitcoin acquisition strategy, El Salvador remains committed to its initiatives. The government continues to buy additional bitcoin regularly. Herbert views El Salvador’s early actions as historic and believes that other nations will need to catch up to its innovative strategies.

The country has struggled with peace and prosperity throughout its history. However, through Bukele’s leadership and Bitcoin initiatives, there’s a fresh optimism. “El Salvador deserves the good times that are coming,” Herbert says. “We’re just starting these good times.”