How Two Ugandans Help in Making Crypto a Part of Daily Life (Part Two)

“At first, I had a negative impression of cryptocurrency, but after experiencing it, I think it is very quick. It is convenient to convert crypto to local currency.” - Vincent, supplies vendor for Binance Charity

Read part one of this story, about Dr. James Kimera Ssekiwanuka, founder of Jolly Mercy Learning Centre, on this blog.

Binance Charity Foundation’s pilot projects in Uganda are improving the lives of 3,700 school students who enjoy free lunch for a full year. But beyond the end beneficiaries of Binance Charity’s projects, blockchain has also improved the lives of people who have contributed to the process of sending aid to those in need.  

Cryptocurrency, the new technology that disrupts local community outreach, has actively made its mark to people who otherwise would have just received aid passively.

When Binance Charity introduced its blockchain-powered charity platform, most people are skeptical of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Promoting charitable giving by using blockchain is not an easy thing in Africa, but we are making it work, thanks to the many Africans who have and helped us advance our cause. We introduce you to the people who played huge roles in Africa’s blockchain revolution.

At Binance Charity, we want to see to it that every person who participates in our programs also see the benefit of blockchain technology. Here’s the story of Vincent, the first vendor to accept cryptocurrency payments for the Binance Lunch for Children program, and a cryptocurrency convert.

We previously talked about Dr. James Kimera Ssekiwanuka (below left), founder of CALM Africa and Jolly Mercy Learning Centre, on this blog.

Vincent: “I can’t believe it’s real money!”

Vincent had been struggling with his store for a long time. Before CALM Africa reached out to him to participate as a vendor for Binance Lunch for Children program, he had heard about blockchain and even attended a seminar. And while he started as a skeptic to blockchain and cryptocurrency, like most Ugandans, he eventually agreed to be part of the lunch program because the reputations of Binance and CALM Africa.

He opened a crypto wallet under Binance Charity’s guidance in January. He used this wallet to receive crypto payments from students who got donations from the Lunch for Children program. Nowadays, 3 months after his first real contact with crypto assets, his perception of cryptocurrency has totally changed.

“At first, I had a negative impression of cryptocurrency, but after experiencing it, I think it is very quick, although it is sometimes affected by the network,” said Vincent. “It is convenient to convert crypto to local currency.”

We shot a video on the day he first received the Uganda shillings on his account on Yo!Payment, an aggregator that serves as a fiat gateway connected to crypto assets on Binance Uganda. We could see the excited expression on his face during the shoot. He said, “I can’t believe it is real money!”

Vincent recently opened his second retail store in Kasangati, in the same district where Jolly Mercy Learning Centre, the first beneficiary of Binance Lunch for Children, is located. He put up his own capital for the expansion of his business, because the good partnership with Binance for Children program reinforces his trust in getting the crypto and converting to Ugandan shillings seamlessly. “I am not worried about my business development because I think this is a sustainable and long-term project," said Vincent.

Vincent is also active in raising some suggestions on improving Binance Charity’s programs based on his understanding of blockchain in the local context. Vincent thinks that education is critical because most Ugandans don’t understand technology. It is also necessary to make crypto wallets accessible for non-smartphone users so more people can participate.

“I have been sharing with my friends about my experience with Binance Lunch for Children program. Their attitude towards blockchain also became positive. My friends are wondering if they can use crypto for their normal businesses,” said Vincent.

Vincent now believes that blockchain technology can make their lives easier and better.

Donate to the Binance Lunch for Children program on this page. To see which schools we are reaching through the program, go to our website here. Read part one of this story here.