BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//pretalx//pretalx.com//sotm-africa-2023//talk//PWV7RW BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:WAT BEGIN:STANDARD DTSTART:20000101T000000 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=1 TZNAME:WAT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT UID:pretalx-sotm-africa-2023-PWV7RW@pretalx.com DTSTART;TZID=WAT:20231130T120000 DTEND;TZID=WAT:20231130T122000 DESCRIPTION:I am writing to formally propose a session for the State of the Map Africa conference that focuses on the activities of YouthMappers chap ters in Uganda and our sustainability plans and initiatives to improve gro wth\, diversity\, and inclusion within the YouthMappers network. This prop osal aligns with this year's theme\, "Open mapping as a support tool for l ocal development in Africa\," and aims to highlight the significant impact of our work on local communities and the critical importance of fostering inclusivity.\nIntroduction:\nYouthMappers is a global network of universi ty-based chapters dedicated to utilizing geospatial technologies and open mapping for social and environmental impact. In Uganda\, our chapters have actively engaged in mapping initiatives\, fostering collaboration\, and e mpowering local communities. In Uganda\, we have 13 youth mapper chapters in 13 different higher education institutions\, all aimed to use mapping t ools as support tools for local development.\nYouthMappers Activities in U ganda:\nOur chapters in Uganda have undertaken numerous projects aimed at addressing local development challenges. Some notable initiatives include: \nMapping for Health Services: YouthMappers Uganda collaborated with local health organizations to map health facilities and improve access to healt hcare services in underserved areas. These mapping efforts have facilitate d targeted interventions\, optimized resource allocation\, and enhanced em ergency response.\nEnvironmental Conservation: Through partnerships with e nvironmental organizations\, the Geo YouthMappers chapter in Uganda has co nducted a mapping project focused on ecosystem preservation\, including ma pping deforestation patterns\, biodiversity hotspots\, and protected areas in the Budongo forest. These initiatives have contributed to informed dec ision-making and sustainable land management practices.\nDisaster Risk Map ping: YouthMappers Uganda has actively participated in disaster risk mappi ng projects to enhance preparedness and response strategies. By mapping vu lnerable regions\, hazards\, and critical infrastructure\, our chapters ha ve supported local communities in mitigating the impact of natural disaste rs.\nInnovative field mapping of health vulnerability in marginalized Kamp ala refugee communities. A group of geo youth mappers carried out a field data collection within kisenyi II parish\, Kampala city as part of executi ng this project.\nSpot light project: This project was carried out by Make rere University youth mappers and youth from Kampala informal settlements to map power distribution network infrastructure in 25 Kampala slums.\nCol laboration with external collaborators(Youth Tech Solutions) to train youn g children in primary schools in northern Uganda about OSM and other open- source geospatial technologies.\nSustainability Plans:\nEnsuring the conti nuity and growth of mapping initiatives is crucial for sustainable impact. To this end\, YouthMappers chapters in Uganda have implemented the follow ing sustainability plans:\nCollaboration with Local Partners: Our chapters have forged strategic partnerships with local organizations such OSM- Uga nda\, government agencies\, and academic institutions. These collaboration s facilitate knowledge sharing\, resource pooling\, and long-term project sustainability.\nFundraising and Grant Opportunities: YouthMappers Uganda actively seeks grant opportunities and engages in fundraising efforts to s ecure financial resources for project implementation. By diversifying fund ing sources\, our chapters ensure the availability of necessary tools\, tr aining\, and infrastructure.\nCapacity Building and Knowledge Transfer: Yo uthMappers chapters in Uganda emphasize capacity building through training programs\, workshops\, and mentorship opportunities. By equipping local c ommunities with mapping skills\, we empower them to address their own deve lopment challenges effectively.\nInitiatives for Growth\, Diversity\, and Inclusion:\nYouthMappers is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our network. In Uganda\, we have implemented several initiatives t o foster a more inclusive environment:\nOutreach to Underrepresented Group s: Our chapters actively engage with underrepresented groups\, including w omen and marginalized communities\, to encourage their participation in op en mapping activities. Through targeted outreach efforts\, we aim to bridg e the gender and diversity gap in the field of geospatial technologies.\nT raining and Mentorship Programs: YouthMappers Uganda conducts training pro grams and mentorship initiatives\, focusing on providing support and guida nce to members from diverse backgrounds. By nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities\, we create an inclusive space for personal and profe ssional growth.\nAwareness Campaigns: Our chapters organize awareness camp aigns and events to promote diversity and inclusion. These initiatives aim to challenge stereotypes\, encourage dialogue\, and create a supportive a nd welcoming environment for all members.\nConclusion and Recommendations: \nThe activities of YouthMappers chapters in Uganda have made significant contributions to local development\, utilizing open mapping as a support t ool. To further enhance our impact and foster growth\, diversity\, and inc lusion\, we recommend the following:\nStrengthening Partnerships: Continue d collaboration with local organizations\, government bodies\, and academi c institutions will ensure the sustainability and scalability of mapping i nitiatives.\nEmpowering Local Leadership: Encouraging and supporting the e mergence of local leaders within YouthMappers chapters will foster ownersh ip\, self-reliance\, and long-term project sustainability.\nScaling Best P ractices: Sharing success stories\, best practices and lessons learned wit hin the YouthMappers network will inspire other chapters in Africa to repl icate impactful projects and initiatives.\nWe believe that through our col lective efforts and commitment to open mapping\, we can drive positive cha nge\, support local development\, and create a more inclusive and sustaina ble future. DTSTAMP:20260721T075026Z LOCATION:Room 2 SUMMARY:Empowering YouthMappers Uganda: Open Mapping for Local Development and Inclusion - Desire Gift URL:https://pretalx.com/sotm-africa-2023/talk/PWV7RW/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR