CodePRO: The Program Promoting the Inclusion of Paraguayan Labor in the Bitcoin Industry

One of the pillars of CodePRO is its inclusive access policy. The program values curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn

Paraguay is making its mark on Latin America's technological map with an initiative that connects energy infrastructure, digital talent training, and real employability.

This is CodePRO 2025, a program promoted by Penguin Academy, the educational arm of Penguin Group. In less than two years, this program has transformed the lives of dozens of young Paraguayans and proposes an innovative model of social development supported by renewable energy.

The proposal is based on a concept that the organization has called the Penguin Circle, which finances the education and training of young Paraguayans using the income generated by the data center for mining Bitcoin operated by Penguin Group.

As Delia Garcete, CEO of Penguin Academy, sees it, the educational program guarantees students “a future in the technology industry,” which is one of the most in-demand and globally projected industries.

“We use clean energy to produce technology; this technology generates value, and we reinvest that value in people. Thus, what begins as electricity in Itaipú ends up becoming human potential,” summarizes Garcete. In a country with one of the largest hydroelectric capacities in the world, Penguin Group's strategy is to turn that comparative advantage into an engine of social transformation.

Inclusion from scratch: no prior technical requirements

One of the pillars of CodePRO is its inclusive access policy. No prior experience in technology or specific knowledge is required. The program values curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Garcete recalls the case of a participant who entered the program without having his own computer.

“He thought programming was impossible. But he started from scratch, with a simple ‘Hello, world,’ and broke down the mental barrier that separated him from the world of technology. That's exactly what we're looking for: people willing to transform their present,” she says.

During the first weeks of the program, instructors observe the participants' performance, resilience, and adaptability. Beyond technical skills, comprehensive training is prioritized, says the director.

In general, CodePRO's structure combines intensive technical training with soft skills development. It begins with “Day 0,” a space for basic familiarization with digital tools. Participants then face a technical boot camp and, later, the Dive, a key stage in which they solve complex challenges independently.

Changing trajectories

Over the course of eight months, the program covers programming in Python and JavaScript, data structures, web development, SQL, modern frameworks, data science, and artificial intelligence. But it also includes workshops on communication, teamwork, personal organization, and empathy.

"CodePRO not only changes trajectories, it changes ways of thinking, of relating, of seeing oneself. That's why, when we talk about results, we're not just talking about employability, we're talking about lives being rewritten with more opportunities, more tools, and more confidence," says Garcete.

Since the program's launch in 2024, more than 1,000 applications have been received. Of those who graduated, 98% say they are satisfied with their experience and 85% are already in the workforce. In addition, there are now more than 15 partner companies that trust the Penguin Group's educational model.

Among the notable stories is that of Olaf, a 29-year-old with previous experience in event production. Today, he works in technology, manages multiple programming languages, and has discovered new ways of relating and collaborating.

When he joined CodePRO, he not only learned to program in Python, JavaScript, and C++, but also discovered what it means to work as a team, trust others, and keep pace with challenging projects.

“When we talk about results, we're not just talking about jobs. We're talking about lives being rewritten, people gaining confidence, autonomy, and a new perspective on the future,” says Garcete.

Fair access model and regional vision

One of the most innovative elements of the program is the use of the Income Share Agreement (ISA). Thanks to this model, students do not pay during their training. They only begin to repay a percentage of their income once they find a job in technology. This model reduces economic barriers and opens up opportunities in traditionally excluded communities.

“The entire CodePRO 2.0 group chose this model. That speaks to the real need that exists. We cannot talk about inclusion without thinking about fair access,” says Garcete.

Penguin Academy is currently working with social organizations, companies, and local governments to expand its reach to more regions within the country.

Looking ahead, the plan is to scale CodePRO beyond Paraguay. The organization is already in talks with regional companies and multilateral organizations to adapt the model to other countries with similar energy structures.

“Our vision is to build a network of local digital talent with global impact. Paraguay has everything it needs to become a benchmark for technology training with social impact. And CodePRO is just the beginning,” concludes Garcete.