Inspiring the Next Generation: UCC YouthMappers Brings GIS and Open Mapping to University Practice Senior High School
- UCC YouthMappers
- 11 minutes ago
- 6 min read
"What if a single day could change how hundreds of students see Geography?"
For many senior high school students, Geography is often seen as a subject of maps, landscapes, and exams. Yet behind every digital map, humanitarian response, navigation system, and smart city lies the power of geospatial technologies. At UCC YouthMappers, we believe that introducing young people to this field early can spark curiosity, shape career aspirations, and empower them to become changemakers in their communities. With this vision in mind, we embarked on an educational outreach to University Practice Senior High School on 25 June. Our objective was simple yet ambitious: to introduce students to YouthMappers, demystify studying Geography at the university level, showcase the exciting possibilities within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and demonstrate how anyone can contribute to mapping their communities through open geospatial technologies. More than an outreach program, the day became a shared learning experience that connected university students with future geospatial professionals.
A Community Comes Together
This outreach was one of the largest educational initiatives undertaken by UCC
YouthMappers. Thirty dedicated members of our chapter came together to plan, facilitate, and deliver the programme. Their commitment reflected the collaborative spirit that defines YouthMappers, where learning is built on teamwork, mentorship, and service.
Our audience was equally inspiring. More than 300 students from the Geography, ICT, and General Science classes participated throughout the programme. Bringing together students from these different academic backgrounds created lively discussions and demonstrated that geospatial technologies are relevant across multiple disciplines.
The interactions between university students and senior high school students quickly became one of the day's greatest strengths. Questions flowed freely, experiences were shared openly, and conversations extended beyond the scheduled presentations. Students were not only learning about GIS, but they were learning from peers who had once stood where they now stood, wondering what opportunities awaited them after senior high school.
The Outreach Begins
As we arrived at University Practice Senior High School, we were greeted by an atmosphere of excitement and curiosity. Students gathered with eager expressions, many wondering what YouthMappers was and why a group of university students had come to visit.
That curiosity quickly transformed into enthusiasm. The programme began with an introduction to UCC YouthMappers and the global YouthMappers network. We shared our chapter's journey, highlighting how students around the world collaborate to create open geographic data that supports humanitarian efforts, disaster response, sustainable development, and community resilience. For many students, this was their first encounter with the idea that maps are living resources created by volunteers across the globe.
The presentation soon evolved into an engaging discussion about Geography and GIS. Students asked thoughtful questions about studying Geography at the University of Cape Coast, career opportunities after graduation, and the practical applications of GIS in today's world. Many admitted they had previously believed Geography offered limited career prospects. Together, we explored the many directions a geospatial career can take, from urban planning and environmental management to disaster risk reduction, remote sensing, surveying, research, and software development. By the end of the session, it was evident that perspectives were beginning to change.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
While the presentations introduced ideas, the practical session brought those ideas to life. Students were divided into smaller groups, allowing every participant to engage directly with the technologies that power modern mapping.
One station introduced students to Mapillary, where they learned how street level imagery contributes to improving maps and supporting better decision making. Many were fascinated to discover that images captured with an ordinary smartphone could become valuable geographic information used by people around the world.
Another group explored OSMAnd, learning how to create and edit Points of Interest on OpenStreetMap. Seeing familiar landmarks appear on a digital map after their own contributions helped students appreciate that mapping is something they can actively
participate in, not simply observe.
Using KoboToolbox, students experienced how digital forms simplify field data collection for research, community surveys, and humanitarian projects. They quickly understood how technology can replace traditional paper questionnaires while improving efficiency and accuracy.
Perhaps the most surprising demonstration came through Stellarium. Many students initially associated GIS solely with Earth's surface. Stellarium expanded that perspective by showing how geospatial concepts also support astronomy and the observation of celestial bodies. Watching constellations, planets, and stars appear on screen sparked lively conversations and reminded everyone that spatial thinking extends far beyond our planet.
Throughout every session, students eagerly volunteered, experimented with the applications, and exchanged ideas with our members. Their confidence grew with each activity, and what began as curiosity gradually transformed into genuine excitement about geospatial technologies.
More Than Numbers, A Lasting Impact
Although over 300 students participated, the true impact of the outreach cannot be measured by attendance alone. One of the day's most significant achievements was the introduction of YouthMappers as a community where students can continue learning, collaborating, and making meaningful contributions through open mapping.
The enthusiasm from both students and teachers led to exciting conversations about establishing a YouthMappers chapter at University Practice Senior High School. Their readiness to create a chapter reflects the lasting impression the outreach made and opens the door for sustained engagement with geospatial education. This possibility perfectly aligns with our mission. Rather than limiting our impact to a single event, we hope to nurture communities where students continue learning, mapping, and inspiring others long after the outreach has ended.
Reflections from Our Chapter
As YouthMappers, one lesson continues to stand out after every outreach.
"People learn best by doing."
Watching students confidently use mapping tools after only a short introduction reminded us that practical experiences often leave a deeper impression than lectures alone. Concepts that may seem complex become accessible once students are allowed to explore them firsthand. The outreach also reinforced the importance of reaching students before they enter university. Early exposure helps students make informed academic decisions, broadens their understanding of career opportunities, and encourages them to pursue disciplines they may never have previously considered.
For us, this outreach was also a reminder of our responsibility as university students. Beyond developing our own technical skills, we have the opportunity to mentor, inspire, and support those who will one day continue this work.
That responsibility lies at the heart of YouthMappers.
Why This Matters
Educational outreach creates ripple effects that extend far beyond a single day. By introducing students to GIS and open mapping early, we inspire future geospatial professionals who may one day address challenges in urban planning, environmental conservation, disaster management, agriculture, and public health. Through practical demonstrations, we bridge the gap between classroom theory and real world application. Students leave with a clearer understanding of how technology can solve problems within their own communities.
We also encourage young people to become contributors rather than consumers. Platforms such as OpenStreetMap enable anyone to improve geographic data, ensuring communities are better represented and more resilient.
Perhaps most importantly, we strengthen awareness of YouthMappers itself. The discussions surrounding the establishment of a YouthMappers chapter at University Practice Senior High School demonstrate that this outreach was not simply about sharing information. It was about planting the seeds for a lasting geospatial community.
Acknowledgements
This outreach would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of many individuals.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Julia Quaicoe, our Chapter Advisor, whose guidance and commitment continue to shape the vision of UCC YouthMappers. We are equally grateful to Dr. Racheal Olawoyin for her invaluable support throughout the planning and execution of this initiative.
Our appreciation also goes to Mr. Daniel Osie, an alumnus whose encouragement and contributions helped make the outreach a success, and to our Chapter President, Mr. Blessing K. A. Owusu-Ansah, whose dedicated efforts in planning, coordination, and the successful execution of the outreach were instrumental in bringing the initiative to life.
His leadership united our members' collective efforts, making this initiative possible.
Finally, we thank the administration, teachers, and students of University Practice Senior
High School for warmly welcoming us and embracing this opportunity with such enthusiasm and curiosity.
Looking Ahead
As we concluded the day's activities, one thought remained with us.
" Every mapper begins as a curious learner."
By opening doors to GIS, Geography, and open mapping, we are helping young people discover that they can contribute meaningfully to their communities through knowledge and technology. Whether these students become surveyors, planners, researchers, GIS analysts, or humanitarian mappers, we hope this outreach marks the beginning of their journey.
At UCC YouthMappers, our mission extends beyond producing accurate maps. We believe in building confident, skilled, and community minded individuals who will use geospatial technologies to create lasting change.
"Because in the end, we are not just creating maps. We are creating mappers."
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