Youth at the Forefront: How Mapping Transformed Skills and Communities in Chinhoyi

In Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, a transformative movement has emerged, led by the vibrancy and enthusiasm of local youth. The Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project, championed by GeoConnect, has not only equipped young people with valuable geospatial skills but also empowered them to shape the future of their community.

Youth as Catalysts for Change

The project began with a vision: to bridge the gap between outdated spatial data and the pressing need for accurate information to guide urban development. Recognizing the untapped potential of Chinhoyi’s youth, the project engaged students, interns, and members of the Geospatial Society Club at Chinhoyi University of Technology as key contributors.

With little to no prior mapping experience, these young individuals quickly rose to the challenge. Through comprehensive training on tools like ODK, ID-Editor, and JOSM, they gained technical expertise and developed a deeper understanding of how spatial data can drive meaningful change.

Transformative Training and Collaboration

Training sessions began with the basics of OpenStreetMap (OSM), empowering participants to contribute to global geospatial data platforms. Over time, the sessions advanced to include attribute naming, map validation, and fixing offsets from previous mapping efforts.

Community Impact: More Than Just Maps

The results of the project speak volumes. Youth mappers contributed significantly to mapping 10,000 buildings, 700 kilometres of roads, and 9,000 amenities across Chinhoyi. However, the impact extends far beyond the numbers.

By mapping and documenting previously unmapped features and correcting outdated information, the youth ensured that the maps truly reflected the reality of their communities. This inclusivity has fostered a sense of ownership and pride, particularly among young women, who made up a significant portion of the mapping team.

Moreover, the updated maps have sparked conversations among residents. Roads that were previously unnamed are now recognized, giving the community a shared sense of identity and heritage.

Challenges as Opportunities for Growth

The journey was not without its challenges. Many youth mappers were initially unfamiliar with the tasking tools and processes. Additionally, fieldwork brought unique hurdles, such as resistance from some community members.

However, these obstacles became opportunities for growth. The youth developed not only technical skills but also communication and problem-solving abilities. Enumerators learned to engage with residents effectively, fostering trust and understanding within the community.

Inspiring Future Leaders

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project is the empowerment of youth as future leaders in geospatial innovation. Many participants have expressed interest in pursuing further opportunities in mapping and urban planning, inspired by their experiences.

As GeoConnect reflects on the project, one thing is clear: investing in youth is investing in the future. By equipping them with the tools to map their world, we’ve not only transformed their skills but also their communities.

The Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives. It demonstrates how, with the right support and resources, thanks to the Open Mapping Hub – Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA-Hub), young people can lead the charge in building resilient, data-driven communities that are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.