The views and content expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of any organization. YouthMappers is a voluntary network, and all participation in its activities is independent and self-directed. Any projects, data, or findings referenced here are the result of voluntary contributions from YouthMappers members.
Our Open Data Day celebration was held at Jordan University College, where JUCo YouthMappers invited other geospatial enthusiasts to celebrate the day with the theme: "The Power of GIS in Determining Flood Protection Zones and Evacuation Routes."
The event featured an interactive and insightful training session, equipping participants with various tools and techniques to address climate change. This included exploring open platforms like Wikipedia as a resource for climate action and communication.
The event started with a short introduction where the chapter president, Mr. Kelvin Manase, welcomed and introduced the guests attending the event, including GeoTe representatives and other YouthMappers from universities like SUA and Ardhi University.
We also had a presentation from the chapter advisor, Mr. Mkubya Wambura (PhD), where he congratulated the chapter on its efforts, highlighting that it is the most active student-led chapter on campus. He also emphasized the significance of open data in the modern world.
Next, Mr. Joseph Mangu introduced the event and described its main objectives, ensuring every attendee understood the purpose of the gathering.
The proposed event's overall goal was to strengthen and involve young professionals in climate action efforts to promote global resilience to floods and droughts while creating opportunities for them to implement, scale, and sustain their projects.
GeoTe representatives shared insights on how GIS and geospatial technologies can be used to address local challenges faced by communities. They demonstrated how GIS techniques have been essential in projects related to flash flood preparedness and evacuation route planning.
A training session followed, where participants were introduced to various tools used for data collection, analysis, and storage. This session aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills for future projects, empowering them to contribute effectively.
What Was Learned
Some of the lessons learned during the session included:
The importance of open data and knowledge platforms, with a focus on the role of Wikipedia in advancing climate action and communication.
Challenges in building climate resilience.
The role of technology in climate resilience.
Data analysis for climate resilience.
Emerging trends and future directions in technology for climate resilience.
Participants were highly engaged and expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations.
Acknowledgment
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Open Knowledge Foundation for their financial support, which was instrumental in organizing the program. Their assistance allowed us to cover logistics and resource requirements, ensuring the success of the event.
We also sincerely thank GeoTe for their invaluable collaboration and the expertise of their resource persons, which significantly enriched the event. Additionally, we appreciate Jordan University College for hosting us and providing the opportunity to engage with students.
About the Author
Joseph Mangu Walwa is a graduate of Jordan University College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He is competent in project management, monitoring, and evaluation. Joseph introduced the YouthMappers chapter at the college during his final year of studies in 2022. Through his leadership, JUCo YouthMappers secured various grants to empower youth in applying soft skills to address community challenges.
Currently, as a YouthMappers alumnus, Joseph continues to excel. He recently won a tech challenge, leading a project on the use of GIS to select suitable sites for wastewater treatment. Joseph believes that youth-led projects enhance technical skills and foster a sense of ownership and empowerment in solving local challenges.
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