My engagement with OpenStreetMap began through my involvement as a YouthMappers volunteer, where I developed a strong interest in the power of open geospatial data for development and humanitarian action.

Calvin Amevienku is my name, a YouthMappers volunteer regional ambassador to Ghana. I have had the opportunity to support and connect student chapters, promote mapping activities, and encourage youth participation in open mapping across my region and beyond. This role has deepened my understanding of how collaborative mapping contributes to capacity building, digital transformation and community resilience.

Through my continued involvement with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), I have contributed to humanitarian mapping efforts that support data availability for underserved communities and crisis response. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for the role of volunteers in building and maintaining high-quality open geographic data.

Being nominated as a 2026 HOT Voting Member is both an honour and a responsibility that aligns closely with my work as a YouthMappers Regional Ambassador. It represents a transition from active contribution to meaningful participation in governance and decision-making within the HOT community.

If selected, I aim to represent the perspectives of YouthMappers and regional contributors, particularly from Africa, ensuring their voices are reflected in HOT’s decisions. I am especially interested in strengthening youth engagement, supporting local chapters, and advancing capacity building initiatives that sustain long-term participation in open mapping.

I am committed to contributing constructively to HOT’s governance processes and to strengthening collaboration among HOT, YouthMappers, and local mapping communities worldwide.

Cheers!

On the 22nd and 23rd of November 2024, I visited the Ho Technical University (HTU) YouthMappers chapter for an exciting two-day program sponsored by OSM Ghana. These two days were not just about mapping but about igniting passion, fostering collaboration, and sharing stories that inspire.

Day One: Presentations and Knowledge Sharing

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…and suddenly, I woke up early in the morning just to realize that I was in Lagos on 8th October. Ask yourself what brought me here? Hehehehe… Of course, State of the Map Nigeria Conference 2024. Well, well, my journey was tiring but adventurous as well. Now, let’s double our steps to catch up with other activities. It’s a movie. Oh, sorry, it’s a story. You might need a glass of chilled water. Probably!

Welcome to Nigeria!

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Volunteerism, commitment, and dedication are our hallmarks as YouthMappers!

Now, repeat after me: YouthMappers Ghana… Right! We volunteered to contribute to developing a sustainable, eco-friendly urban environment in Koforidua collaboratively, and collectively (SDG 11). Using OpenStreetMap to put streets and landmarks in the right places—because let’s be honest, we’ve all been “LOST” thanks to outdated maps nau…! 😅 This is what we do while building technical skills. 🖐🏾High five to all contributors, validators, Bullet OSM and OSM Ghana.

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Come closer and let’s have a quick, impactful conversation…

Hear me out. As a student, there are countless opportunities you can tap into, especially when it comes to personal and professional growth and one of the best social clubs to join is YouthMappers.

Imagine being part of a global movement where university students like you are trained free of charge to use powerful mobile mapping apps and software, contributing directly to sustainable development. It’s not just about learning new skills—it’s about making our communities visible, especially those that are too often overlooked. But wait, here’s the real question: How committed, dedicated, and ready are you to volunteer and contribute to OpenStreetMap? 🤔 It’s more than mapping—it’s about creating change, ensuring no place is left behind, and bringing solutions to real-world problems.

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Giving back to the community has been the focus. On 26_07_24, I had the opportunity to meet the UMaT YouthMappers chapter while attending the 5th WAIMM Students Conference (an annual 3-day conference). I introduced YouthMappers, the basics of JOSM, and OpenStreetMap, especially to the chapter’s ‘youngies’, and explained who we are and what we do. I also shared some success stories to vindicate the benefits of YM, such as broadening interpersonal geospatial knowledge, connecting and networking with like-minded individuals, and belonging to a community of youth who are mappers. We swiftly discussed Mapillary and how it complements JOSM data validation, and also what it takes for a chapter to be sustainable.

Link to the Facebook post with attached images: (https://web.facebook.com/CalvinMenttor/posts/pfbid0NRFz1kToPUASQdr8VQksd1yfduot5jDB8FtoHUns7oNWunagQ3F5e8yfHcFfHhinl)

On March 15th and 16th, OpenStreetMap Ghana (Sir Mawutor) and I visited UCC YouthMappers to familiarize them with how to fly a drone to map and to also map with Mapillary. It turned out to be an excellent result—a massive turnout. Appreciation to Dr. Julia (the Patron) and Dr. Mensah (the GIS lecturer) for creating an enabling environment for the Chapter and to the vibrant TEAM for rendering voluntary service to the membership. This is far-reaching. 🗺️🤌🏾

Link to the facebook post: (https://web.facebook.com/CalvinMenttor/posts/pfbid0SVoqAjDeEgqpPNrt2AS6yyerh3ZnMYH31x25LFaXsGBe5iV3N71dRuF5Ke2VSXrXl)

I am grateful to YouthMappers for providing me with the knowledge and abilities that would enable me to impact and transform deprived communities and contribute to sustainable development. 52 students, 26 countries, and 49 academic institutions—it was incredible to meet these young future leaders who are enthusiastic, passionate, and have the zeal for change through this inspiring leadership summit in Jamaica.

Big thanks to everyone who helped make the summit a success, including the speakers, navigators, photographers, and event planners. I have learned a lot in addition to mapping by learning about the traditions of my fellow nations and dispelling certain misconceptions about Jamaica, the host nation.

I would again like to thank YouthMappers for giving me international exposure. This built my confidence as a change-ready youth leader. I appreciate the recognition.

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