Future lies in the hands of the younger generation. It is with this hope that we, Geosm Family, have chosen, with the support of the Open Data Day community, to organize on Wednesday March 6, following the ODD 2024 calendar, at the “Junior Government Bilingual Primary school”, an event based on the theme “Build a mapping community for Kids”.

With the aim of installing in the younger ones, a passion for data-related professions, and above all a better understanding of territories, through the use of geographic data.

It was a moment full of joy and enthusiasm that we loved sharing with our younger ones.

Activities organization

The Open Data Day was composed of a series of activities and mobilized a total of 22 pupils from the Class 06 francophone section.

The kids were grouped in 5 with each group named by the kids. We then had “intellos”, “genies”, “excellents” and “juniors”.

List of activities

• The first activity was a question-answer quiz. Here the kids were asked question on geographic related topics about Cameroon and Africa
• Next, the kids were shown a world map where they were asked to draw any country or continent of their choice and name it.
• The kids ended up doing a treasure hunting where using a map of their school we provided them, they had to follow the indications and find the hidden treasure.

By the end of the day then Souvenirs were shared with them and the prepared meal was shared.

About Open Data Day

Open Data Day (ODD) is an annual celebration of open data all over the world. Groups from many countries create local events on the day where they will use open data in their communities.

As a way to increase the representation of different cultures, since 2023 we offer the opportunity for organisations to host an Open Data Day event on the best date within a one-week period. In 2024, a total of 287 events happened all over the world between March 2nd-8th, in 60+ countries using 15 different languages.

All outputs are open for everyone to use and re-use.

In 2024, Open Data Day was also a part of the HOT OpenSummit ’23-24 initiative, a creative programme of global event collaborations that leverages experience, passion and connection to drive strong networks and collective action across the humanitarian open mapping movement

For more information, you can reach out to the Open Knowledge Foundation team by emailing opendataday@okfn.org. You can also join the Open Data Day Google Group to ask for advice or share tips and get connected with others.