Mission, Values & History

Our Mission

At The Bitcoin Learning Center, our mission is to empower disadvantaged communities in Northern Thailand by providing accessible, Bitcoin-focused education, training, and research. We aim to foster sustainable economic opportunities by integrating real-world applications of Bitcoin with practical learning and academic research.

By combining hands-on community education with structured data analysis, we seek to advance financial inclusion and provide individuals and communities with the tools they need to take control of their economic futures.

Our initiatives address the unique challenges faced by underserved populations and strive to create long-lasting, positive change by delivering programs that focus on financial literacy, infrastructure development, and economic growth through Bitcoin.

Our Values

We are guided by the following core values, which are central to our work and reflect our commitment to creating lasting, positive change:

  • Bitcoin-Only Focus

    We are unwavering in our commitment to Bitcoin as the most effective tool for financial empowerment. Our focus remains solely on Bitcoin because we believe it offers unparalleled potential for promoting financial inclusion and sustainable economic opportunities.

  • Education for Empowerment

    We believe that accessible education is the foundation for creating economic independence. Through our structured programs, we equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape and achieve self-sufficiency.

  • Practical Learning with Impact

    Our work blends academic research with real-world applications, ensuring that our initiatives have a measurable and lasting impact on local communities. We focus on actionable insights that directly benefit those we serve.

  • Community-Driven Growth

    Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Through regular meetups and events, we engage with local and international communities, fostering connections that promote Bitcoin adoption and sustainable development.

  • Sustainability through Innovation

    We are committed to creating sustainable economic opportunities by leveraging Bitcoin to solve critical infrastructure challenges, from clean water access to internet connectivity. Our innovative approach ensures that our projects deliver long-term solutions.

  • Transparency & Accountability

    Our partners, donors, and grantmakers trust that every dollar is used effectively. We maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability in all our work, ensuring that every contribution leads to measurable outcomes.

  • Research with Real-World Impact

    We lead data-driven research that contributes to the global understanding of how Bitcoin can address financial inclusion and promote sustainable development. Our findings are shared openly to inspire similar efforts worldwide.

  • Partnerships for Enduring Change

    We build strong, long-term partnerships that support our mission to create lasting change in disadvantaged communities. Together with our partners, we foster economic resilience and unlock opportunities for those who need them most.

Our History

The Kostro Foundation was founded in 2022 by Jimmy Kostro, a seasoned entrepreneur and dedicated Bitcoiner, with a vision to create a sustainable, Bitcoin-powered future for communities in need.

After successfully scaling two logistics companies from the ground up, Jimmy decided to focus his efforts on giving back and creating lasting social impact. With his background in business and Bitcoin, he saw an opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by disadvantaged populations in Northern Thailand—specifically, the need for financial literacy and sustainable infrastructure.

2017:
Jimmy’s journey with Bitcoin began, seeing its potential as a tool for economic empowerment and inclusion.

2022:
The Kostro Foundation was officially established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a mission to provide education and resources to children’s homes around Northern Thailand. The foundation quickly expanded its work to include:

  • Building essential infrastructure, such as kitchens, bathrooms and internet access in remote villages.

  • Providing scholarships for several Hill tribe students and offering training programs to equip them with the tools needed to thrive in the modern economy.

  • Establishing The Bitcoin Learning Center in Chiang Mai, which serves as a hub for Bitcoin education, research, and community engagement.

2024:
The foundation held its first major event—the grand opening of The Bitcoin Learning Center in Chiang Mai. The event brought together over 75 Bitcoiners from Southeast Asia and beyond to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in Bitcoin education and community-driven growth.

Today:
Our foundation continues to grow, leading impactful projects that combine Bitcoin education, research, and real-world applications to drive meaningful change. Our monthly Bitcoin meetups and quarterly BitDev events hosted by our partner BOB Space in Bangkok have become pillars of our community engagement, and we are constantly expanding our reach to serve more communities across Northern Thailand.

Looking Forward

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on the future. We are actively pursuing new partnerships and grant opportunities to expand and continue our work and make an even greater impact in the communities we serve. By empowering individuals through Bitcoin education and providing sustainable economic solutions, we aim to create a world where financial inclusion is a reality for everyone.

We invite you to join us in this mission and be a part of creating lasting change.