OUR JOURNEY WITH THE MAP & CLEAN AFRICA & CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE 2025

On September 20, 2025, our team, KabU YouthMappers from Kabale University, joined hundreds of youths across Africa and the Caribbean for the MAP&CLEAN Challenge, a collaborative initiative with Yoma, UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT).

Where We Made a Difference

We focused our efforts around Kabale Town, working in the areas captured in our shared digital map: https://umap.hotosm.org/en/map/chatmap_960. The map pinpoints exactly where we cleaned, helping us document the geographical scope and impact of our work.

What We Did

Our activity centered on two major components:

1. Community Clean-Up

We cleared litter, removed waste from public places and walkways — a case in point being Mwajari Market in Kabale Municipality and Kabale Central Market — and improved the appearance of the areas. Alongside physical cleaning, we engaged local members to understand their views on waste, responsible disposal, and environmental upkeep in the areas we managed to reach.

2. Digital Mapping

Using tools provided through the MAP&CLEAN initiative, we updated and improved the digital map of our cleaned area. This includes adding landmarks, defining regions that needed cleaning, and highlighting zones vulnerable to waste build-up. The map (https://umap.hotosm.org/en/map/chatmap_960) will help local authorities, NGOs, and citizens track and sustain environmental health.

Why This Matters

The MAP&CLEAN Challenge goes beyond just one day of action. It highlights the power of young people in shaping the future by combining technology with on-the-ground community work. We are supporting:

• Credible Evidence: Having a precise map of where work was done offers transparent proof of action and helps others see what areas need further attention.

• Sustainability: Mapping isn't just for the moment; it sets a reference for future clean-ups. It helps anyone involved later to see what was done, where, and how much remains.

• Community Engagement & Visibility: By visually representing the clean-up area, it becomes easier to mobilize others, attract support, and raise awareness.

Reflections & Next Steps

Participating in this challenge was both inspiring and empowering. It was much more than cleaning streets — it was about ownership, responsibility, and showing that youth can use technology for environmental good. Seeing the physical area on the map, and being able to share that with our community, was especially motivating.

Looking Forward

This was just the beginning. We are motivated to:

• Continue monitoring the mapped areas to ensure cleanliness is maintained.

• Expand mapping to adjacent regions that also struggle with waste management.

• Use this mapped work to seek support for long-term waste disposal solutions.

About the Author

Muhumuza Paul is a student at Kabale University, Uganda, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. He serves as the current President of the Kabale University YouthMappers Chapter 2025 (KabU YouthMappers) and is passionate about mapping and using spatial technology.