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Join the mapping revolution today!
Whether you have a spare hour for humanitarian e-Volunteering,
want to attend a Wisdom Workshop, or want to dive deep on an
in-Country deployment, join our mailing list today by clicking
here.
Do you see value in our cause and align
with our values of Respect, Curiosity, Volunteerism, and
Sustainability? Email us at
vcsp@fig.net to start the conversation to support as a
partner, or
donate now.
If you are not a young surveyor, we are
sure you have plenty to offer and even learn. We are always
looking for Mentors to provide guidance and coaching to our
Volunteer Community Surveyors. To apply to be a VCS Mentor click
here and please join our mailing list.
The Volunteer Community Surveyor Program (VCSP) is a
collaborative global outreach program for FIG Young Surveyors to
volunteer their time and skills to humanitarian and
environmental causes. We Map the World a Better Place: we bring
our combined global energy into the fight for two of the most
important issues our generation are facing today: climate crises
and lack of equal access to land rights.
The VCSP is the signature outreach program of the FIG Young
Surveyor Network (YSN), providing young surveyors the
opportunity to volunteer and grow by sharing their valued skills
with communities globally. The VCSP is inspired by the
conviction that volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging
people in tackling development challenges worldwide. Every Young
Surveyor can become a Volunteer Community Surveyor (VCS) by
contributing their time, skills and knowledge through
volunteerism. Their combined efforts can be a significant force
for achieving development on the ground. Being a VCS can be both
challenging and rewarding because it requires the young surveyor
to use their skills in a new context.
The young surveyor will be challenged to transfer useful
knowledge and contribute at the community level while gaining a
greater understanding of the issues affecting these communities
that are often marginalised and vulnerable. Meanwhile growing
personally through experiencing different customs.
If you are a Young Surveyor you might also be interested in
the FIG Young Surveyors Network. FIG Young Surveyors Network
creates an environment that encourages the active participation
of young surveyors in the work of FIG, as well as its 10
commissions. You can read more
here.
There are parts of our globe that are not mapped, plastics
littering our oceans, vulnerable communities that have no
recorded rights to their lands, and countries still recovering
years after natural disasters, which are increasing in
frequency. At the same time, there is a network of skilled young
surveyors who are able to help. The VCSP is the link between the
needy and the able for all things surveying.
The world today has approximately 70% undocumented land
worldwide, increasingly devastating wildfires, cyclones,
droughts, floods and sea level rise as we see the first effects
of climate change, and rapid urbanization. At the root of these
is increasing competition over land - our most precious limited
resource. Addressing issues around the management and use of
land at global, regional, country and city/municipal level is
indeed one of the major challenges of our times, both in regard
to addressing poverty issues as well as sustainability issues.
Land related issues include unequal access to land and other
natural resources, unsustainable land use, insecurity of tenure,
weak institutions to resolve conflict, dysfunctional land
markets and institutions, and inefficient and inappropriate land
administration systems.
With the help of FIG Young Surveyors Network, surveyors of
all generations have an opportunity to give back to society for
self-development, exposure and experience. Surveying is a modern
profession with history into ancient times. The VCSP is a
powerful driver for both social impact and professional
development.
The VCSP is a holistic program, designed with a three-pronged
approach that brings together different ways that Volunteer
Community Surveyors can make a difference for humanitarian and
environmental causes.
Wisdom Workshops
Wisdom Workshops are held one-to-two times per year, and are
an opportunity for Young Surveyors who are interested in
applying for an in-Country deployment and/or gaining
humanitarian surveying skills to meet, network and hear from
industry leaders as well as learn useful technical skills.
Wisdom Workshops are a great way for Young Surveyors to get
hands-on experience with the tools that VCSP Partners use as
well as a unique opportunity to meet peers from around the world
and form collaborations and professional relationships.
in-Country Deployments
in-Country deployments offer Young Surveyors the opportunity
to become Volunteer Community Surveyors (VCSs), spending time
immersed within a community for up to six weeks. During this
time, they work with one of the VCSP Partner organisations (such
as GLTN or Cadasta) supporting land administration efforts. This
is a chance to apply their skills and knowledge while gaining
important professional experience and a unique cultural
experience. All VCSs are supported by the VCSP in-Country Team
and by an individually-assigned Mentor for their deployment.
in-Country deployments happen one-to-two times per
year, with locations varying according to VCSP arrangements with
partner organisations. Join our mailing list to stay up to date
with these opportunities as they arise.
e-Volunteering
e-Volunteering provides an accessible entry point for
young surveyors interested in volunteering, and commitment
requirements will be flexible depending on the volunteer’s
availability. e-Volunteering is the term we give to programs and
projects that involve online volunteering, providing FIG YSN
members an opportunity to volunteer their time for humanitarian
and environmental efforts.
e-Volunteering events are held several times a year, often as
mapathons, and are a great way for those who cannot spare time
off work or away from their family, to be able to stay connected
to a global network of like-minded people.
Knowledge Portal
In order for the VCSP to sustain through time, sharing
lessons and knowledge is vital. The Knowledge Portal is an
online platform that Young Surveyors, Volunteer Community
Surveyors, VCS Mentors, VCSP Partners and VCSP members can log
in to before, during, and after a project. The in-Country
programs will make use of, and add to, the Knowledge Portal. The
Knowledge Portal is being developed and is planned for release
in 2024.
FIG Volunteer Community Surveyor Program
-
Roshni Sharma -
VCSP Core Team Lead, based in Australia
(Geospatial guru, diversity and inclusion in STEMM
enthusiast, leadership coach, experimental cook and lover of
all dogs everywhere).
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Joseph Kang'ara Muta
- A tech enthusiast who enjoys providing digital
solutions whenever he gets an opportunity. Delights in
spending his leisure time playing the game of chess!
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Nagawa Michelle -
Lead of the VCSP Knowledge Portal Team. She is a GIS
Analyst, published author, research enthusiast, mother, and
civic leader based in Uganda. Michy is passionate about
community development initiatives.
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Stefan Fiddler -
Based in Kingston Jamaica, and a Land Surveying
Professional. Passionate about UAV applications and 3D city
modeling, and loves media and production, volleyball and the
outdoors (hiking and camping).
-
Letwin Pondo -
Based in Zimbabwe and a geospatial enthusiast who is
sensitive about gender gap issues and youth inclusion in the
industry. Dedicated volunteer and poet who loves travelling,
cooking and movies.
-
Opeoluwa Akinradewo
– e-Volunteering Vice-Lead based in South Africa (Blockchain
Technology enthusiast and Construction Information
Management researcher).
-
Prajwal Sharma -
e-Volunteering team member based in Nepal.
Recently graduating with a degree in Geomatics Engineering
from Kathmandu Univeristy, I I work as a GIS and RS
assistant at Smart Infra Tech Solution and find geography to
be a fascinating and challenging subject, and I enjoy
embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. I love
spending quality time with my loved ones, engaging in
meaningful conversations about real topics that matter to
us.
-
David Elegbede -
in-Country Deployment Team Lead, based in Nigeria
(Geospatial and Software analyst, Team player, Researcher).
-
Shristi Paudel -
in-Country Deployments Vice-Lead, based in Germany
(Geospatial enthusiast fond of volunteering, dance, and
traveling, who has a love for art and mountains, a book nerd
with an empathetic heart).
-
Edwin Nyandeche -
Based in Kenya (GeospatialEngineer,
enthusiast of all things GIS, Land Surveying and Remote
Sensing, interested in programming, fieldwork anytime.
football and rugby anytime anywhere).
-
Angela Anyakora - a
seasoned professional in Surveying and Geo-Informatics at
GFSH Consult in Nigeria, is a dynamic leader and contributor
to industry projects. As the Engagement Team Lead for VCSP
she actively empowers young professionals. Angela's
commitment extends to tackling climate challenges through
her role in the FIG Climate Compass Taskforce, making her a
valuable asset to the surveying and geo-informatics
community.
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Emmanuel Akandwanaho
- a graduate from Makerere University, Uganda, where he
completed his Bachelors in Land Economics. He was one of
VCSP’s Volunteer Community Surveyor with IIRR in Uganda, and
is now working with Hindsight Ventures as a market
associate, helping African early-stage entrepreneurs to
develop their own businesses models, being passionate about
the use of technology to transform the real estate market in
Africa.
-
Sutoidem Theophilus -
Registered Surveyor based in Nigeria who specialises in
engineering surveying and GIS. He is a surveyor by day, but
a a writer by night and a dedicated volunteer at all times.
Theo is passionate about research, music and swimming.
-
Mayuya Kausa - a
student of quantity surveying at the Copperbelt University
in Zambia. She is passionate and driven, loves exploring new
opportunities for personal growth, loves learning and enjoys
volunteer work.
-
Moses Mwania Mulyungi
- a Kenyan Geospatial Technologist. He is a GIS and remote
sensing enthusiast and loves to travel and make new friends
from diverse backgrounds.
-
Thea Minnich from
Germany is about to finish her degree in Surveying and
Geoinformatics. With a background in cartography and an
enthusiasm for programming, she works on projects that
support the management of health facilities and social
protection schemes. She is also a campaigner against food
waste and loves all animals.
Great soils: Past Core Team
members who continue to support the strategic direction of the
VCSP
-
Claire Buxton -
Immediate Past VCSP Core Team Lead, based in Canada (self-professed nerd, proud Kiwi,
influential leader of young surveyors, and big believer in
the power of service to make oneself a well-rounded person).
-
Chethna Ben -
Former VCSP Knowledge Portal Lead based in Fiji (Solution orientated,
community-centered, debater, and passionate about
interdisciplinary research).
-
Kamsin Raju -
Former VCCSP Wisdom Workshop Team Member based in Fiji (Loud, proud, and
without a doubt, everything brown! An Indo-Pacific islander
with a passion for climate survival and GIS who is
perpetually lost in novels).
-
Sylion Muramira –
Former VCSP in-Country Volunteering Team Lead, based in
Rwanda (Surveying, Geospatial modeling and analysis guru
with a philosophy of serving others, expanding my expertise
while contributing to society and learning new skills. Loves
exploring nature through traveling, and loves cows and
birds).
-
Hilal Akın -
Former Communications and Marketing Team Member, based in Turkey
(geomatics Engineering Student, art lover).
-
Kumbirai Nicholas Matingo -
Knowledge Portal IT Support and Vice-Lead based in Zimbabwe
(GIS Analyst & Developer, student, passionate and advocate
for Geospatial technology for sustainable development
(Health and Smart Cities) who loves coding, traveling, and
music).
-
Israel Taiwo - Wisdom Workshops
immediate past Lead, based in Nigeria
(Teacher, comedian, and drummer).
-
Jordan Palk -
Partnerships Advisor, based in Canada (geomatics enthusiast,
technology passionate, sports fanatic, and cat lover).
-
Sebastian Forero -
e-Volunteering team member based in Columbia, Latin
America.
-
Godfrey Hussain -
E-Volunteering team member based in Tanzania. Town Planner
by professional, avid Mapper with GIS passion, and loves
swimming and travelling.
-
Rose Mutegi -
Geomatic Engineer with an aspiring progressive career in GIS
and Remote sensing, based in Kenya. Currently a Masters
student, trained and experienced with more than two years in
geospatial information systems and geomatic engineering. So
passionate about how GIS has been advancing in different
industrial sectors as solution for different organisations.
Loves playing for fun.
-
Allan Kipto -
Wisdom Workshop Lead based in Kenya. Geomatics Engineer,
lecturer, passionate GIS programmer, professional table
tennis player, and advocates for 'our planet, our home, our
future #LetsgoGeo'.
FIG Publication 82: Mapping the World a Better Place: The FIG's
Volunteer Community Surveyor Programme (VCSP)
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This publication tells the
story of the development of the FIG Young Surveyors
Volunteer Community Surveyor Programme (VCSP) from its
very first start in 2017 and until today. The
publication presents the program’s purpose, impact, and
the global collaborative cooperative efforts between the
FIG Young Surveyors Network and FIG strategic partner,
the Global Land Tool Network (UN-Habitat – GLTN). In her
foreword FIG President Diane Dumashie states: "The VCSP stands as a
testament to the collaborative spirit that binds us
professionally together. At its core, this program is
about capacity building – equipping young surveyors with
the skills, professional networks, and opportunities to
make a positive impact on our world. As they volunteer
their time and expertise, they not only map physical
landscapes but also shape a better future for humanity."
Robert Lewis-Lettington Secretary to
the Global Land Tool Network, Land, Housing and Shelter
Section, UN-Habitat writes:
"Partnering with FIG, and in particular the FIG Young
Surveyors’ Network, to establish the Volunteer Community
Surveyor Programme has been a rich and rewarding
experience for GLTN. From the earliest pilots in 2017
through to fuller implementation in support of GLTN’s
Phase 3 Programme from 2020 to 2023, we have improved
skills, shared knowledge and built professional
experience for thirty five young surveyors, as well as
for tens, if not hundreds, of GLTN implementing and
community partners in seven countries".
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Read
more about the publication
If you’re an organisation or business and feel that the VCSP
values and initiatives align with yours, we welcome your
support. We are open to opportunities to partner for Wisdom
Workshops, e-Volunteering events and in-Country deployments, as
well as financial and other donations to help us to achieve our
goals.
We have four partnership types - a VCSP Partner can be one,
or a few of these types. All partners will benefit from the
FIG, FIG Young Surveyors Network and FIG VCSP brands, which are
recognised by tens of thousands of people across many countries
across the world. Partner brands and/or products will get
particular exposure to young surveyors around the globe or in
particular areas of interest.
Funding Partner
Funding Partners provide funding to the VCSP as a whole or in
part, and using different funding models.
Technology Partner
Technology Partners provide technical resources and expertise
to the VCSP - for example, many projects within the VCSP require
fit-for-purpose technology solutions and/or donations of
equipment, where these partners bring their expertise.
Knowledge Partner
Knowledge Partners act as technical support, experts, and
advisers. They support the VCSP through verifying and supporting
knowledge transfer in deployments and e-volunteering events or
providing expertise for Wisdom Workshops and the Knowledge
Portal.
Opportunity Partner
Opportunities Partners act as a link to opportunities and
often act as the main deployment organization in an in-Country
program, and are experienced in deploying volunteers in their
regions. In terms of e-Volunteering, Opportunity Partners would
be experienced in running online-volunteering. For Wisdom
Workshops, these partners could be professional industry or
academic institutes. The VCSP Team will work with their
Opportunity Partners to identify projects, define scope, choose
appropriate volunteers/presenters, then coordinate insurance,
flights, and accommodation or workshops.
Join the mapping revolution today! Whether you have a spare
hour for humanitarian e-Volunteering, want to attend a Wisdom
Workshop, or want to dive deep on an in-Country deployment, join
our mailing list today by clicking
here, and connect with us
on
Facebook,
LinkedIn
and Twitter.
Do you see value in our cause and align with our values of
Respect, Curiosity, Volunteerism, and Sustainability? Email us
at vcsp@fig.net to start the
conversation to support as a partner, or
donate now.
If you are not a young surveyor, we are sure you have plenty
to offer and even learn. We are always looking for Mentors to
provide guidance and coaching to our Volunteer Community
Surveyors. To apply to be a VCS Mentor click
here and please join our mailing list.
| Current in-Country deployment
opportunities and e-Volunteering opportunities |
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No longer a young
surveyor? No problems! Become a Mentor for a Volunteer
Community Surveyor!
Are you a seasoned surveyor with
experience that could benefit a young surveyor? Do you
enjoy giving back to the industry, and find sharing your
wisdom rewarding? Apply to be a Mentor (online) for a
Volunteer Community Surveyor during their deployment.
Apply now
here.
|
Mail to
vcsp@fig.net
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