In the dawn of 2022, the intrepid members of YouthMappers at SUST set forth on an ambitious journey, propelled by their shared passion for mapping and a vision of a brighter tomorrow. With the steadfast support of AP-HUB’s Student Club Sponsorship, their mission was set in motion, carrying them through the uncharted waters of open mapping until September 2023.
The year unfurled its first canvas with the Member Recruitment Week, a weeklong carnival of talent and zeal that set the stage for an unforgettable year. The air was charged with excitement as new faces joined the ranks, bringing with them fresh perspectives and untapped potential. Bonds forged in this dynamic week would serve as the foundation for a year of collaborative endeavors. 
As the seasons changed, March 18, 2023, marked a monumental event in their journey. The workshop on “Introduction to OSM Editor and KoboToolbox” was a beacon of enlightenment, led by their dynamic young leaders. Here, the participants embarked on a deep dive into the intricate world of OpenStreetMap editing and were introduced to the transformative capabilities of Kobo Toolbox. The day’s climax was a mapathon project on Tasking Manager, where participants donned their digital explorer hats, mapping uncharted territories. To infuse an element of camaraderie and competition, an online-based quiz game, “Kahoot,” set hearts racing and neurons firing. Tareq Al Hossain, Akib Ahmed Talukder, and Jahid Bin Hussain emerged as the champions, their names etched in the annals of YouthMappers at SUST history.
With the echoes of triumph still resonating, March 31st unfurled as a day of grand celebration. In honor of Bangladesh’s Independence Month, YouthMappers at SUST orchestrated a symphony of knowledge and community, an event made possible by the unwavering support of Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific. The speakers, Tasauf A Baki Billah, S M Sawan Shariar, Can Unen, and Melai Opeña-Basilio, lent their wisdom to the gathering of over 50 eager minds, sparking conversations that transcended borders and disciplines. This was not merely a workshop, but a convergence of ideas and experiences, a testament to the transformative power of knowledge. Yet, the tale was far from over. A Mapathon contest unfurled like a grand tapestry, inviting participants to showcase their mapping prowess. Each contribution was to help the local communities in the project area. Winners basked in the glory of recognition, but every participant held a piece of the collective achievement, their certificates bearing witness to their dedication to humanitarian causes.
As the year ripened, the grand crescendo arrived: the seminar on “Navigating Graduate Study in USA as an International Student.” Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific once again stood as the bedrock of support for this educational odyssey. Shwarnali Bhattacharjee, a luminary and a pioneer in her own right, took the stage. As a Founder and Former President of the chapter, her journey, now pursuing Masters at the University of North Texas Denton, USA, was a beacon of inspiration. Her words were a guiding light, illuminating the path for all attendees, offering a unique perspective on the pursuit of knowledge across continents.
And now, a new chapter unfolds. Meet our Enthusiastic Next Generation Mappers of SUST, the torchbearers who will lead our organization in the days to come. Their fresh perspectives and unbridled passion for mapping are the driving force behind our collective journey. We eagerly anticipate hearing their thoughts and plans for the future of our organization, as we continue to shape the cartographic frontier.
As the sun sets on this chapter of their journey, YouthMappers at SUST stand as a testament to the boundless potential that lies within passionate hearts, united communities, and shared knowledge. With sponsors as stalwart allies and members as the lifeblood of their endeavor, they eagerly anticipate a future brimming with growth, innovation, and lasting impact in the realm of mapping.