Crecimiento is a movement born with the goal of transforming Argentina into a global leader in blockchain technology and innovation, ensuring that the benefits of this advancement reach millions. From the beginning, APRENDO has played a pivotal role, leading the social impact pillar with the mission of ensuring that technological development is not just in the hands of a few, but generates profound change in the most vulnerable communities. In August 2024, this effort took on a new dimension at Aleph’s pop-up city: Aleph, the City of Growth, where we elevated our ideas and projects to the next level.

Daily Life at the Co-Work: Community and Collaboration

Throughout August, we worked at the Aleph Cowork space, where we connected daily with developers, entrepreneurs, and the Crecimiento community. Each day presented an opportunity to meet new people, discuss blockchain and its social impact, and, most importantly, continue building bridges between technology and social causes. The beauty of this space was how everything flowed organically: casual conversations over coffee could lead to deep collaborations, and workshops were formed among individuals who might not have known each other at first but shared a desire to create something significant. We fully integrated into this environment, adding our vision from APRENDO and exploring how technology can transform vulnerable communities.

Blockchain Inclusion Toolkit: Technology for Vulnerable Communities

One of the most significant projects we participated in during Aleph was the co-creation of the Blockchain Inclusion Toolkit (BIT), developed through weekly sessions at the Huerta Cowork. While APRENDO led the process, the BIT was a collective effort enriched by the collaboration of developers, entrepreneurs, and experts from the Aleph community.

The primary goal of the Blockchain Inclusion Toolkit is to use blockchain as a tool to empower vulnerable communities. Through the BIT, we aim to provide technological tools that allow individuals to access digital and financial education and explore innovative solutions, such as access to microcredits through crypto platforms.

Looking ahead, the BIT also has the potential to support local entrepreneurship by offering training and access to microcredits, enabling entrepreneurs from vulnerable communities to develop their projects.

Additionally, one of the key pillars we are designing is to offer local artists not just an NFT workshop but also the opportunity to participate in artistic residencies within Crecimiento. This program will include mentorship and ongoing support, helping artists establish and grow in the digital space.

At APRENDO, we will remain focused on our education pillar, expanding our digital literacy and blockchain courses throughout Argentina. We encourage any community member interested in joining to help make the other pillars of the BIT, such as supporting entrepreneurs and artists, a reality. We believe this collaborative effort can turn blockchain into a platform for development and social transformation, ensuring its benefits reach the communities that need it most.

Aleph Social Impact Summit: Blockchain for the Benefit of Society

On August 15, we hosted the Aleph Social Impact Summit, a key event that brought together social organizations with developers and blockchain experts. Our intent was clear: to foster a space for exchange among those addressing the challenges and realities faced by entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities.

During the collaborative workshops, we explored together how technology can be a catalyst for change, improving key aspects such as funding, the expansion of social projects, and the creation of more efficient volunteer networks. This event clearly demonstrated the importance of forging ties between technology and social initiatives.

What’s Next?

What began at Aleph doesn't end there. At APRENDO, we will continue bringing our digital literacy and blockchain courses to communities across Argentina, alongside the Crecimiento movement. We aim to build on the foundation of the Blockchain Inclusion Toolkit so that not only more people can access technological opportunities, but also new actors can step up to lead different facets of this project.

We invite everyone interested in contributing to the BIT to get involved, whether in education, entrepreneurship, culture, or other areas, so that together we can continue advancing the development of vulnerable communities and bring the benefits of blockchain to every corner of the country.

Tom Grau Baena
Director of APRENDO
@tomerston