GeoTE.

With support from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, YouthMappers, GeoTE Tanzania, and RootGIS this event was also an eye-opener to the community on the power of open mapping in addressing and solving several challenges in our community. Dar es Salaam with the most YouthMappers chapters (7) in the country, this conference also aimed to connect and share ideas on sustainable chapter management strategies and mostly connect students with experts and users of geospatial technology. 

YouthMappers Take Center Stage

The YouthMappers community, known for its dedication to empowering young people through mapping initiatives, played a pivotal role in GIS Day celebrations. Engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities organized by YouthMappers drew participants into the fascinating world of geospatial information systems. Participating in a panel that Explored how geospatial technology is revolutionizing agriculture and contributing to food security in Tanzania, Erick Tamba Mnyali ins on the role of public participatory GIS and how it helps bridge inclusive gaps of different stakeholders. Using an example of the crop ground truth identification project, he explained and engaged the audience on the methodology and better practices in data acquisition and dissemination of the results to the community.

YouthMappers Alumni Taking Action:

One of the key highlights was the focus on leveraging GIS for social impact. YouthMappers Chapters in Dar es Salaam actively engaged in discussions about how mapping technologies can address real-world challenges, from urban planning to disaster response. The emphasis on using GIS as a tool for positive change resonated strongly with the youth participants. Simon Karunde a member of SMCoSE YouthMappers participated in a fireside talk where he highlighted several activities in the Monitoring afforestation campaign in Morogoro. Also, Tukupala Mwalyolo, a YouthMappers Alumni at the University of Dar es Salaam, a Drone Pilot and founder of  TukuTech shared how she has been using drones in the mining sector and mostly given several opportunities for young people for example through Youth and Drone Initiative, she helps transform the knowledge of youth interested in drone and technology. 

Tukupala Mwalyolo (UDSM YouthMappers) and Simon Karunde (SMCoSE YouthMappers)

In a remarkable display of the enduring impact of Youth, YouthMappers alumni and Co-founder of SMCoSE YouthMappers “Ghaamid Abdulbasat Hatibu” took center stage during GIS Day in Dar es Salaam, demonstrating the global reach of his contribution to Citizen Science projects. This showcase not only underscored the lasting influence of YouthMappers but also highlighted how a community rooted in learning and collaboration can continue to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. Featured in “Sauti Ya Kijani” Green Voices, Ghaamid showcased the very first episode of this five-part short documentary series that unfolded the untold stories of heroes in the sustainability sector in central Tanzania. 

Ghaamid Abdulbasat (YouthMappers Alumni – SMCoSE YouthMappers)

Hands-On Learning at the Crop ID Mapathon:

One of the highlights of GIS Day 2023 in Dar es Salaam was the hands-on Crop ID Mapathon. YouthMappers dove into this interactive session, putting their skills to the test by contributing to open data in Mwanza and Dodoma using satellite imagery. The event not only honed their mapping abilities but also showcased the practical applications of GIS in agriculture as a powerful reminder of how mapping technology can contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture practices. From mastering mapping software to understanding the intricacies of spatial analysis, participants left GIS Day with a toolkit that extends beyond theoretical knowledge.

YouthMappers Booth

The YouthMappers booth stood as a vibrant hub of geospatial enthusiasm and knowledge exchange. From showcasing impactful projects and community engagements to live demonstrations of mapping tools, the booth provided a glimpse into the diverse and transformative activities undertaken by our dedicated chapters in the country. Engaging conversations and collaborative spirit emanated from the booth, fostering a sense of connection among participants. The booth not only celebrated GIS Day but also served as a testament to the enduring commitment of YouthMappers to learning, collaboration, and making a positive impact through mapping. We were honored to have Mudathir from SUZA YouthMappers in Zanzibar for the two-day conference.

LESSON LEARNT 

During the event, success stories of YouthMappers projects were shared, illustrating how the community has contributed to real-world initiatives. Whether it's supporting local development projects or aiding in disaster response, YouthMappers demonstrated that they are not just the future of mapping but active contributors to the present. As YouthMappers, this was a celebration of youth empowerment, collaboration, and the potential to make a difference through GIS.

• FIND THE PLAYLIST OF THE EVENT HERE