Youth Mappers has successfully built a global network of university student chapters that contribute to mapping underserved communities through OpenStreetMap (OSM). While this movement has empowered youth in higher education to engage with geography, technology, and civic responsibility, there is a growing need to extend this opportunity to even younger students. This proposal advocates for the expansion of OSM based clubs into elementary schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to cultivate environmental awareness and digital mapping skills from an early age.
Children are naturally curious and observant of their surroundings. Starting OSM clubs at the elementary level will allow students to explore their neighborhoods, learn basic mapping concepts, and develop a sense of ownership and care for their environment. Through hands-on activities such as sketch mapping, local data collection, and digital storytelling, young students can begin to understand their communities in new ways. This not only enhances geographic literacy but also encourages early digital learning, problem-solving, and teamwork.
The proposed pilot program, called “Young Mappers Club,” will be launched in selected primary schools in Addis Ababa. The club will follow a simplified and age-appropriate curriculum that introduces key concepts of OpenStreetMap, environmental awareness, and community mapping. Activities will be designed to be fun, interactive, and aligned with existing educational goals. With support from local Youth Mappers university chapters, schoolteachers, and parents, the club will serve as a bridge between university-led initiatives and community-based learning.
We believe that empowering students at a young age helps develop a lifelong interest in their environment, technology, and civic responsibility. This initiative will create a pipeline of future Youth Mappers who are already familiar with OSM tools and values before they reach university level. It also contributes to a culture of participation and awareness within families and local communities.
To bring this vision to life, we are seeking support from the Youth Mappers and OSM community in the form of training materials, mentorship, and technical guidance. With collaboration and shared resources, Addis Ababa can become a model city for integrating OSM education into primary school systems. Let’s inspire the next generation of mappers, starting from the classroom.