Bitcoin ($BTC) crowdfunding campaign that originally raised just 6.1 million sats ($1,690 at the time) to send Ugandan educator Brindon Mwiine to $BTC Prague has helped transform a struggling rural school into a campus serving more than 100 children. According to Mwiine, donations from Bitcoin supporters around the world ultimately funded classroom construction, teacher salaries, student programs, farmland, and school supplies in eastern Uganda. The project has since grown into one of the most ambitious Bitcoin circular economy initiatives on the continent.
From Bitcoin Conference to School Campus
In his May 15 blog post, Mwiine said the journey began when 34 donors contributed enough Bitcoin to send him to $BTC Prague in 2023. At the conference, he connected with leaders behind several Bitcoin circular economy projects who encouraged him to bring Bitcoin-based community initiatives back to Uganda.
That search eventually led him to an orphanage and nearby school in Bugiri.
What started as simple Bitcoin education quickly revealed more urgent needs. The orphanage lacked electricity, beds, mattresses, plates, and toothbrushes. Donations funded those essentials before attention shifted to Starlight Elementary School, which was facing possible closure after inspectors found it failed to meet education ministry requirements.
Bitcoin Kampala stepped in, launching additional crowdfunding campaigns and eventually entering an agreement to help administer the school.
Over the following years, teachers began receiving part of their salaries in Bitcoin, students participated in “Fruits for Sats” educational programs, and donors helped acquire farmland to improve food security.
Salaries and Infrastructure Funded With Bitcoin
In 2025, the organization formally acquired Starlight Elementary School and began a major rebuilding effort.
According to Mwiine, four classroom blocks were renovated or constructed, with materials ranging from cement and paint to desks and blackboards purchased using Bitcoin-funded donations. Older students were also paid in sats for construction work on the campus.
The school now serves more than 100 children and employs 22 staff members.
Support came from organizations including Bitcoin Beach, Trezor Academy, Geyser, and several Bitcoin circular economy projects around the world.
For Mwiine, who lost both parents and describes himself as an orphan, the goal extends beyond Bitcoin adoption. As he wrote:
“A child who has lost both parents does not need a charity. He needs a system that does not leave when the year ends. He needs adults who do not disappear. He needs an institution he can graduate from and look back at.”
At press time on May 29, $BTC was changing hands at the price of $73,555.48, up 0.5% in the last 24 hours, but down 4.9% over the past seven days and losing 4.5% across the month, according to the most recent chart information.
Looking ahead, the project plans to add electricity, internet access, an ICT lab, volunteer programs, and expanded educational partnerships.