Connecting with Community Through Mapping: Reflections on a Transformative Year

YouthMappers in Bangladesh embarked on a transformative journey, empowering local communities through geospatial data and technology. Collaborating with universities, they initiated mapping projects aimed at addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. With a focus on capacity building, they trained youth in mapping techniques, fostering a new generation of skilled mappers. These efforts expanded access to critical information, facilitating disaster preparedness, urban planning, and healthcare initiatives. Through partnerships with NGOs and government agencies, YouthMappers facilitated data-driven decision-making, driving sustainable development and resilience. Their inclusive approach fostered a sense of ownership among communities, leading to grassroots participation in mapping activities. By harnessing the power of spatial data, over the years YouthMappers in Bangladesh ignited positive change, creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Currently in the YouthMappers community in Bangladesh, there are currently 26 chapters, but the level of activity within these chapters fluctuates significantly over time. This inconsistency is primarily due to the transient nature of participant involvement; individuals often join and leave, and chapter committees can disband altogether. Through conversations with numerous chapters and personal experience as a chapter member, it has become clear that sustained interest in mapping is challenging to maintain. Focusing solely on mapping activities tends to deter participants in the long term, prompting chapter leaders to seek other avenues to engage members. As a result, they often highlight opportunities such as fellowship programmes and conferences as enticing perks, suggesting that through mapping, one can travel to different countries, earn income, and gain various benefits. However, without proper guidance and the development of soft skills, participants struggle to capitalize on these opportunities, which are typically limited in availability. Consequently, compared to the vibrant club culture present in Bangladesh, chapters within the YouthMappers community lag behind in attracting and retaining participants, leading to eventual collapse.

The challenges facing YouthMappers chapters in Bangladesh underscore the importance of diversifying activities and providing comprehensive support to sustain engagement. While mapping serves as the foundation of these chapters, solely focusing on this aspect risks alienating potential participants in the long run. Leaders must recognize the need to offer more than just mapping opportunities, prioritizing the development of soft skills and providing guidance on how to leverage mapping experiences effectively.

Thus while being a Regional Ambassador of Community Outreach,  to enhance the quality of the YouthMappers chapter community, I crafted some engaging interactive sessions in the title of Connecting with Community: Let's Switch to Mapping, focused on bolstering community building within the realm of YouthMappers and OpenStreetMap. The session centered on fostering leadership skills, experting mapping techniques, and introducing Kobo Toolbox for data collection and analysis. The primary aim of the module was to broaden participation, cultivate members' enthusiasm for mapping, and deepen their understanding of the mapping community's role in providing humanitarian support to those in need.

The sessions were designed to be dynamic and engaging, blending educational content with interactive, game-like activities to capture interest and sustain participation. It emphasized the collaborative nature of mapping and the vital role of community involvement in driving meaningful change. Through hands-on exercises and discussions, participants developed practical skills and explored strategies for effective leadership, with a particular focus on empowering women in tech. Highlighting the challenges women faced—such as systemic biases, unequal opportunities, and imposter syndrome—the session underscored their resilience and the value of diverse perspectives in fostering innovation. Promoting women’s leadership not only advanced gender equality but also contributed to building a more inclusive and impactful tech ecosystem.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of those workshops have been witnessing chapter members take ownership of their learning and put their skills into practice. Seeing their initiatives and accomplishments presented at SOTM Asia was a proud moment that validated the collective efforts of the community. It proved that YouthMappers in Bangladesh have the potential to make a lasting impact, not just locally but also on a broader scale.

However, sustaining this momentum remains a challenge. Many chapters continue to face fluctuations in activity levels due to transient participation and organizational changes. Through my workshops and mentorship, I aimed to address these issues by promoting long-term engagement strategies, emphasizing soft skill development, and encouraging members to leverage their mapping experiences for broader opportunities.

Now, as my term as Regional Ambassador comes to an end, I feel confident that the seeds of growth planted during this year will continue to flourish. While I may be stepping away from this formal role, my commitment to the YouthMappers community remains steadfast. I will always be here to support the network and cheer for its progress.

YouthMappers in Bangladesh have come a long way, and the journey is far from over. With continued efforts, collaboration, and passion, I have no doubt that the community will keep thriving and creating a brighter future through mapping and geospatial innovation.

About the Author

Amena Rashid is a Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering Student student at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University and the president of the YouthMappers at BSMRMU Chapter. Also the former Regional Ambassador of Asia Pacific Region, YouthMappers.