DISCOVERING MY PASSION FOR MAPPING: A JOURNEY WITH YOUTHMAPPERS

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In January 2023, I began my journey as a freshman studying Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. As a "tabula rasa" student, I arrived on campus eager to explore new opportunities. During my first lecture, various student groups introduced themselves, promoting different academic societies. One group, however, stood out and captured my attention: their name, YouthMappers.

YouthMappers' mission is to map locations to advance Sustainable Development Goals and make a positive global impact. Intrigued by their vision, I eagerly joined, believing I could contribute to putting my village on the global map.

We were introduced to various software tools like OSM, ArcGIS, and Mapillary, which significantly broadened my knowledge and skills despite my initial challenges with using such technology. YouthMappers quickly became my passion. Their motto, "We don't just build maps, we build mappers," resonated deeply with me. By the end of my first semester, mapping had become one of my primary interests. This interest led me to participate in a significant project named the Flood Label Project, which was organized by my chapter.

In August 2023, UCC YouthMappers, comprising 40 students and 5 supervisors, embarked on a data collection mission in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal District, specifically targeting the communities of Abee and Simiw. These areas, along with several others in the district, were frequently affected by flooding, posing severe threats to human life, shelter, biodiversity, and the community at large.

As a level 100 student, I initially had a limited understanding of data collection. I thought it involved merely taking pictures, but our training for the fieldwork revealed a much deeper process.

Upon arriving in the flood-affected communities, I was struck by the residents' testimonies of how flooding had devastated their lives. This experience opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by these communities. The poor road conditions in these areas, which hindered our travel, raised numerous questions in my mind. How do these people communicate with relatives outside the community? How do they travel? What are the costs? How do health services operate in emergencies? Are government agencies aware of their problems? Can they be found on a map for their problems to be identified and addressed? These unanswered questions highlighted the urgent need for better infrastructure and services in rural areas.

During our visits, the language barrier was another challenge, as the locals spoke a dialect unfamiliar to us. However, this also allowed me to learn a few words in the local language.

In summary, my experience with YouthMappers taught me that data collection had more to it than I could imagine. It involves engaging with people, understanding their challenges, and recognizing the uneven distribution of development. This journey has broadened my perspective and stands as one of the most fascinating experiences I have ever had.

Also, this experience has enlightened my academic understanding of data collection and personal development, such as interpersonal relationships and the spirit of teamwork. I therefore use this as an opportunity to encourage students to join YouthMappers as we join hands to build up the spirit of humanitarianism.

About the Author

Atampuri Godfred Assibi is a Geography and Regional Planning student at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and the current Financial Secretary of the University of Cape Coast YouthMappers chapter.