In a remarkable demonstration of community collaboration and youth engagement, on the 25th of May (which also happens to be Africa Day), Chinhoyi witnessed the launch of a transformative open mapping initiative at the Chinhoyi University of Technology. The event, part of the GeoConnect project sponsored by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team Eastern & Southern Africa (OMH-ESA), marked a significant milestone in the districts’ journey towards comprehensive digital mapping and data collection.
The inaugural event, the Chinhoyi OSM Project Launch and First Mapathon, saw an enthusiastic turnout of over 60 participants, including 38 females, showcasing a commendable gender balance. This diverse group came together with a shared goal: to contribute to the OpenStreetMap (OSM) platform, an open-source, collaborative project that aims to create a free, editable map of the world.
OSM Zimbabwe played a crucial role in the success of the event, providing expertise and training to the participants.
Their involvement ensured that attendees, many of whom were new to OSM, received hands-on experience and guidance on how to effectively contribute data to the platform.
The presence of officials from the Chinhoyi Municipality further underscored the event’s significance, as they engaged with the participants to learn more about OSM and its potential benefits for local planning and development.
In just a few hours, the participants managed to map out an impressive 1,700 buildings and 78 kilometres of road. This achievement not only highlights the participants’ dedication and hard work but also demonstrates the power of collaboration and the positive impact of engaging youth in community projects.
Mr. T. Muromo, our Community Engagement and Outreach Officer, delivered an inspiring talk on networking opportunities and the benefits of volunteering. Drawing from his own experiences, he encouraged the youth to seize such opportunities, emphasizing how volunteering can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth.
The event also featured an empowering address by our Programs Manager, Miss L. Pondo, who called on the female participants to lead by example and drive change within their communities. She highlighted the importance of their contributions and urged them to continue inspiring others through their efforts in initiatives like the Chinhoyi OSM project.
The Chinhoyi OSM Project Launch and First Mapathon exemplifies the potential of youth engagement and community collaboration in achieving significant outcomes. The success of this event sets a promising precedent for future initiatives and reinforces the importance of inclusive participation in community development projects.
As this transformative project continues to unfold, the Chinhoyi community looks forward to further contributions and the lasting impact these efforts will have on local development and planning. The event not only marked the beginning of a significant mapping project but also ignited a spirit of community and collective action that will undoubtedly drive future successes.
This initiative, supported by OMH-ESA, stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and the invaluable contributions of young people in shaping the future of their communities.
The Chinhoyi OSM Project Launch and First Mapathon has indeed set a high standard for what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
