~~~This blog is also posted on my Medium account here ~~~

We often talk about how OpenStreetMap contributes to various initiatives like disaster responses, urban planning, land use analysis, and research. However, I believe we’re not doing justice to OSM by not sharing how it has profoundly impacted our personal lives. As OSM celebrates its 19th birthday, I’d like to offer my story as a birthday gift — a glimpse into how OSM has transformed me. I hope you find my journey an enjoyable read!

I became a part of OSM in 2015, just a few days after completing my final university examination. To be honest, I joined because I found myself with time on my hands, waiting to secure a job opportunity. Little did I know that this decision would mark the beginning of a transformative journey.

I got introduced to OSM by Geoffrey Kateregga, when the Ramani Huria, (Swahili for Open Map) a HOT-led project was kicking off in Tanzania. The project involved over 150 students & fresh graduates from the University of Dar es Salaam and Ardhi University to map flood-prone areas of Dar es Salaam, and this is where OSM started transforming me!

I made my first map edit at the campus ground, and it sounds trivial but I was super excited after Geoffrey mentioned that, anyone in the entire world can be able to see what I mapped, validate and actually use that! Honestly, it’s that thrill that keeps me engaged with OSM even today — yes, it’s that powerful! haha.

Following that initial node/edit, I developed a passion for mapping. However, I faced a challenge — I didn’t possess a laptop, nor could I afford one. So, I’d patiently wait for others to take breaks, borrowing their laptops to map and consistently achieve top statistics. When it came to field data collection, we relied on handheld GPS devices and recorded attributes on paper. Later, we’d input this data into JOSM, then upload it to OpenStreetMap (I must extend my gratitude to the brilliant minds behind mobile mapping apps). Since I lacked a laptop, I’d head out to the field really early in the morning, aiming to finish early so I could utilize others’ laptops for data entry while they were still in the field collecting data.

A few months later, the project was scaled down, and some of the mappers were let go — apart from dedication, the other criterion for retaining a few mappers for the project was having a laptop, which I didn’t own. I overheard this criterion and I remember calling my brother who isn’t earning much by the way, to see if there is a possibility of getting me a second-hand laptop, he used his entire month’s earnings to get me a laptop so I couldn’t leave the project for that reason — and it worked!

In 2017, my journey of transformation took a significant turn, The Ramani Huria project scaled up, with 300+ students involved in the project. With this expansion came a restructuring of the team (then known as the ‘HOT Tanzania team’) — most of the team members became mapping supervisors. The situation was a little different for me, Innocent Maholi, who was by then the lead mapping supervisor, and one of the most amazing leader, mentor and a colleague I could ever ask for, assigned me the role of communications person for the project — you should’ve seen my face, I was confused, like, how? why?, do I even know what I’m supposed to be doing? I wondered how and why I was chosen for this role. Inno calmly reassured me that he would guide, and support me and that he believed I had untapped potential, giving me the confidence to embrace the challenge.

Under Inno’s guidance and alongside my colleagues, I honed my skills and became the voice behind the project’s online presence. Through blogging, articles, reports, and more, I uncovered the broader scope of OSM beyond mapping. It became clear that OSM is a project that needs communicators, developers, managers, strategists etc working together to unlock its true value within the community.

Within the vibrant ecosystem of OSM, I underwent a transformation — from being a mapper to becoming a communicator, and eventually stepping into a managerial role. Among my proudest moments was being part of, and witnessing the evolution of the HOT Tanzania team into OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) from 2017 to date. I had the privilege of serving as the Communications Lead, later rising to the role of Director of Community Programs. OMDTZ has since emerged as a strong organization in the Open Mapping in Tanzania and has an extraordinary team that continues to inspire me.

In the world of OSM, I’ve experienced tremendous growth, both personally and professionally. I’ve had the honour of learning from incredible individuals, forming connections with remarkable people, and embarking on journeys that have taken me to different parts of the world. And you know what? There’s still so much more ahead!

I extend my gratitude to all those who’ve been part of my transformation — Innocent (once again!), Will Evans, Ivan Gayton, Imma Mwanja, Geoffrey Kateregga, and the wonderful colleagues at OMDTZ….the list goes on, and my appreciation knows no bounds.…

~HappyBirthdayOSM! ~OSM19

NB; I have recently transitioned from my role at OMDTZ as I received an opportunity to join the academic community at the University of Dar es Salaam. However, I remain an active member of OSM in TZ, a proud ‘child’ of OMDTZ — my adventure continues, and my enthusiasm persists!

Thank you and see ya in OSM -:)