My First Experience with Geospatial YouthMappers at MUBAS: A Journey of Discovery and Motivation

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On the 6th April 2024 marked a significant milestone in my academic journey at MUBAS as I embarked on a new adventure with the Geospatial Youth Mappers program. Despite being in my third year and pursuing a program unrelated to geospatial mapping, I found myself immersed in an exciting world of mapping and data contribution that left me feeling inspired and motivated.

Figure 1: Caroline (left) taking a photo after the mapathon with other to contributors after being number 3

The session focused on the Nkhotakota District, which had recently experienced devastating floods. As a newcomer to the program, I eagerly absorbed everything taught during the session. From learning about mapping tools to understanding the importance of contributing data for disaster response and management, every moment was a revelation.

What made the experience even more rewarding was the sense of accomplishment I felt at the end of the session. Placing third overall in contributing data and being recognized as the top female contributor filled me with pride and a renewed sense of determination. It was validation that even as a newcomer, I had the ability to make a meaningful impact.

Although my current academic pursuits may not directly align with geospatial mapping, I quickly realized the invaluable lessons and skills I gained from the session. Beyond academic boundaries, the experience taught me about collaboration, problem-solving, and the power of technology to drive positive change in communities.

Figure 2: Photo was taken after her first Mapathon (6 April 2024)

Most importantly, my first encounter with mapathon ignited a newfound passion within me. The thrill of contributing to a cause greater than myself and the opportunity to gain real-world experience resonated deeply. It was a moment of clarity where I realized that this journey with Geospatial Youth Mappers was not just about mapping data—it was about personal growth, exploration, and discovering my potential to effect change.

As I reflect on yesterday’s experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and inspiring community. With each mapping task and contribution, I am excited to continue learning, growing, and making a difference, both within the program and beyond.

About the Author 

Caroline Mbambo is a third-year student pursuing Bachelor of Commerce Entrepreneurship at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). She joined Geospatial Youthmappers Chapter at MUBAS in March 2024 and had her first mapathon on 6^th April 2024.

Caroline's interest in technology sparked when she was only seven years old and she joined Geospastial Youthmappers because she could see the value of employing mapping technology for community development.

In her leisure time, Caroline enjoys playing Video games and watching documentaries that tell true tales. These activities provide her with amusement and insightful perspectives into the lives of others.