Unima youthmappers
Background
UNIMA YOUTHMAPPERS CHAPTER is an undergraduate chapter at the University of Malawi (previously known to be Chancellor College) and one of the most active chapters in Malawi amongst the 419 university chapters of the YouthMappers in 80 countries across the world.
About Us
We are an organization dedicated to humanitarian action and committed to empower communities by utilizing the power of open mapping technologies. As a dynamic group of young self-motivated individuals, we are also driven by shared dedication to bring about positive change through community outreach activities and strategic use of geospatial data. We equip students with open skills and building community resilience and we are open for any collaboration being within the country or abroad with an aim to contribute to humanitarian needs.
History
University of Malawi (UNIMA) YouthMappers Chapter began as a student initiative by a group of geography and earth science students who were passionate about the potential of Geographic Information System (GIS) and open mapping technologies to solve local challenges. Their goal was to contribute to improve access to geospatial data, particularly in underserved regions of Malawi that lacked detailed maps. In 2017, these students formally established the Unima YouthMappers Chapter after receiving support from the Global YouthMappers initiatives, which provided resources and guidance to help university students engage in open mapping projects. Since its inception, the UNIMA chapter has become a key player in promoting open mapping in Malawi.
Initial Activities and Growth
In the early of the UNIMA YouthMappers chapter focused on building the capacity of its members by organizing training sessions on open mapping tools like OpenStreetMap account and QGIS. These training equipped students with skills to map critical infrastructures like roads, rivers and areas prone to flooding. The chapter also engaged in outreach activities, promoting the importance of mapping and open data to local communities and other stakeholders.
Through active participation in global YouthMappers campaigns and local mapping projects the chapter quickly gained recognition. They worked on various projects aiming at rural mapping areas, many of which were not well represented on the available maps. This data became essential for humanitarian efforts, particularly during disaster, such floods and droughts, where mapping is crucial for effective response and planning.
Today, the UNIMA YouthMappers chapter remains vibrant and active group, regularly engaging in mapping projects that address the needs of vulnerable communities in Malawi. The chapter continues to grow in membership, currently with over 35 students chapter members and over 15 girls who are actively participating from diverse academic backgrounds joining the movement to use open mapping tool as equipment for development which shows the chapter is inclusive, growing and as well as being sustained.
Goals
Equipping students with mapping skills, collaborate with other YouthMappers chapters across the world, taking action toward Sustainable Development Goals through community outreach activities, Partner initiative and integrated research
Mission
To cultivate the generation of young leaders to create resilient communities and to define their world by mapping it
Hierarchy
NDAPILE MKUWU -The founder of UNIMA YouthMappers( 2017), Former YouthMappers Region Ambassador, Senior National Instructor African Drone Data Academy
DAVIE NTHIYA- President (2021-2022), Word Bicycle Relief-Bicycle for Growth Project Research Assistant (2022), Leadership Fellows summit-Jamaica (2023), Lecturer in Geography at University of Malawi
PRISCILLA KAPOLO- Vice president (2021-2022), Word Bicycle Relief-Bicycle for Growth Project Research Assistant (2022), Spatial People Awardee-Lead applicant (2024), Executive Committee-State of the Map Malawi 2024 (Finance sub-committee chairperson), Co-Founder of spatial Girls Network
LEMEKEZANI MTACHI- President (2022-2023), Word Bicycle Relief-Bicycle for Growth Project Research Assistant (2022), Executive Committee-State of the Map Malawi 2024 (Logistics sub-committee member)
GROLY MWAMUGHUNDA- Vice president (2022-2023), Word Bicycle Relief-Bicycle for Growth Project Research Assistant (2022), Executive Committee-State of the Map Malawi 2024 (Finance sub-committee member)
MPHATSO BEN- Vice General Secretary (2022-2023), Word Bicycle Relief-Bicycle for Growth Project Research Assistant (2022), Leadership Fellows summit-Jamaica (2023), Executive Committee-State of the Map Malawi 2024 (Academics sub-committee member)
MACLEAN MATHEWS NYASULU - President (2023-Present), leadership fellow sotmap Malawi, Malawi Red Cross award (2023), (2024) training chapter project creator
TAMANDAN SAITI - Vice President (2023-Present), Delegate State of the Map Malawi 2024
PRINCE TIME AARON MATOPE- Treasurer (2022-Present), Publicity Secretary (2021-2022), Word Bicycle Relief-Bicycle for Growth Project Research Assistant (2022), HOT working group mentee-geospatial data (2023), Spatial People Awardee Co-Lead applicant (2024), Executive Committee-State of the Map Malawi 2024 (Logistics sub-committee member)
MAUREEN CHIRWA- (2024) Leadership fellows
EDSON JAPAN SIYO -(2024) Leadership fellow
Contact Information
Email us at : unimayouthmppers@gmail.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083132651772
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unimayouthmappers/igsh=YzljYTK1ODg3Zg==