Building Leaders and Mappers for Sustainable Development: Highlights from the Central University YouthMappers Leadership Seminar

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On 10th May 2024, Central University YouthMappers, Sierra Leone, hosted a highly successful Leadership Seminar and OSM_HOT Tasking Manager Training at the Central University Campus in Mile 91, Sierra Leone. This event aimed to empower students with leadership skills and practical knowledge in geospatial mapping, fostering a generation of leaders committed to sustainable development. The event brought together 100 attendees, comprising students and academics from Central University.

Event Overview

The seminar and training session was honored to feature prominent facilitators, including the YouthMappers Regional Ambassador, Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, Meek Stephen Kassigbie, and Geeks Momoh Lamin from the OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone Team. Their expertise and dedication significantly contributed to the event's success.

About YouthMappers

Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo briefly gave an overview of YouthMappers, highlighting that it is a global consortium of student-led, faculty-mentored, campus-based chapters creating open maps for real-world humanitarian and development projects. With over 5,000 university student mappers in more than 400 campus chapters across 77+ countries, YouthMappers is dedicated to making a positive impact through collaborative mapping initiatives.

Key Highlights

Leadership Fundamentals

The Leadership Fundamentals session, led by Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo, emphasized that leadership is not just a position but a set of skills, behaviors, and attitudes.

Key qualities of a good leader discussed during the seminar included:

• Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential for any leader. Leaders must articulate their vision and ideas effectively to inspire and guide their teams.

• Vision: Leaders need to have a clear vision for the future, setting strategic goals and inspiring others to work towards them.

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is crucial for building strong, supportive relationships within teams.

• Integrity: Honesty and strong moral principles are the foundation of good leadership. Leaders must be trustworthy and ethical in all their actions.

• Decision-Making: Leaders are responsible for making informed and timely decisions, considering various factors and potential outcomes.

• Lead by Example: Leaders should model the behavior they expect from others, demonstrating commitment, hard work, and ethical conduct.

Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo also covered various leadership styles and their impact on teams and organizations, including:

• Autocratic Leadership: Centralized decision-making with little input from team members. Effective in crisis situations but can stifle creativity.

• Democratic Leadership: An inclusive decision-making process that values team input, fostering collaboration and innovation.

• Transformational Leadership: Inspiring and motivating team members to exceed expectations and embrace change.

• Transactional Leadership: Focused on structured tasks, clear objectives, and rewards for performance.

• Servant Leadership: Prioritizing the needs of team members and empowering them to achieve their best. 

YouthMappers Chapter Sustainability Through Effective Communication

Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo also led a session on sustaining a YouthMappers chapter through effective communication. He highlighted strategies for maintaining chapter activities and engagement, emphasizing the importance of clear and consistent communication among members and with external partners.

Key points included:

• Regular Meetings: Establishing a schedule for regular meetings to ensure continuous engagement and progress.

• Transparent Communication: Keeping all members informed about chapter activities, decisions, and future plans.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Encouraging open feedback to understand member needs and improve chapter initiatives.

• Collaboration Tools: Utilizing digital tools and platforms for efficient communication and collaboration. 

Role of Leadership in YouthMappers

Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo discussed the vital role of leadership within YouthMappers chapters. He emphasized how leaders guide and inspire their peers, ensuring the chapter's goals align with the broader mission of YouthMappers. Effective leaders in YouthMappers foster a collaborative environment and drive community development projects forward.

Key areas covered included:

• Project Management: Planning, executing, and monitoring mapping projects to achieve desired outcomes.

• Mentorship: Supporting and guiding new members to develop their mapping and leadership skills.

• Community Engagement: Building relationships with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the relevance and impact of mapping projects.

Types of Quotients a Good Leader Should Have

Participants were introduced to the concept of different quotients that good leaders should possess, such as:

• Emotional Quotient (EQ): The ability to understand and manage one's emotions and those of others.

• Social Quotient (SQ): Skills in building and maintaining interpersonal relationships.

• Intelligence Quotient (IQ): Cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.

These quotients help leaders navigate complex social dynamics and make informed decisions.

Hands-On Practical OSM Training

Following the leadership session, participants engaged in a hands-on practical workshop on OpenStreetMap (OSM) and the HOT Tasking Manager. Conducted in the Computer Lab, Admin Building, Central University, the workshop provided a comprehensive overview of geospatial tools, the OSM iD Editor, and the HOT Tasking Manager. Meek Stephen Kassigbie and Momoh Lamin facilitated and guided the participants through interactive mapping exercises, enhancing their practical skills and understanding of geospatial data.

A detailed discussion on Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and their relevance in modern mapping and data analysis was conducted.

Key activities included:

• Introduction to OSM iD Editor: Step-by-step instructions on how to use the OSM iD Editor for creating and editing map data.

• Using HOT Tasking Manager: A practical demonstration of how to use the HOT Tasking Manager to coordinate mapping projects and manage tasks.

• Interactive Mapping Exercises: Hands-on activities where participants applied their newly learned skills to real-world mapping scenarios.

• Q&A Session: An opportunity for participants to ask questions and clarify any doubts about the mapping tools and processes.

Participants

The event saw the enthusiastic participation of 100 attendees, comprising students and academics from Central University. This diverse group of participants, from various disciplines, brought a wealth of knowledge and energy, contributing to the seminar's dynamic and interactive atmosphere.

Acknowledgments

The success of this event would not have been possible without the support and dedication of several key individuals and organizations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to YouthMappers through the Regional Ambassador, Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo.

Special thanks to:

• The Central University Administration for their continuous support and facilitation.

• The Central University YouthMappers Executive Team for their meticulous planning and coordination.

• The participants (students) for their enthusiastic participation and engagement.

• Madam Zainab S. Koroma, Director of Student Affairs, for her invaluable support and encouragement.

• Mr. Edward Abdul Sankoh, HoD Agriculture, for his leadership and guidance.

Conclusion

The Leadership Seminar and OSM Training were resounding successes, with participants gaining valuable leadership insights and practical geospatial skills. The event not only enhanced participants' knowledge but also strengthened the collaborative spirit within the YouthMappers community.

The event exemplified the power of education and collaboration in building a sustainable future. By equipping young leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are laying the foundation for a more informed, resilient, and sustainable world.

Together, we don't just build maps; we build mappers and leaders for a sustainable future.

About the Author

Ibrahim Abdulai Kargbo is a graduate from Central University Sierra Leone, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in Business Administration and Management. With a passion for geospatial data and mapping, Ibrahim actively participated in various mapping projects. He is a 2023 YouthMappers Leadership Fellow and served as the chapter president of Central University YouthMappers, Sierra Leone from 2021-2022.

In 2021, Ibrahim contributed to the Mapping Power campaign in Sierra Leone. In 2022, he played a vital role in mapping financial institutions and learning facilities in the Mile 91 community. During his undergraduate studies, Ibrahim served as the President of the Creative Young Programmers' Association and as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Central University Students' Union Government.

Committed to youth empowerment, Ibrahim founded the Youth with Creativity and Positive Mindset Network Sierra Leone, promoting peace-building and community engagement. Recognitions include the title of Youth Peace Ambassador at the 2022 Sierra Leone National Youth Leadership Summit and being named one of the 50 Most Influential Students in Sierra Leone in 2022.

Currently, Ibrahim is pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Human Resources Management at the University of Makeni. He also serves as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Central University Sierra Leone, contributing to research endeavors and supporting students' learning.