Youth Climate Mapping Fellowship 2026 for Youth Groups in Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa | Receive a $400 Climate Action Stipend and Free Digital Mapping Training - Opportunities for Youth
Spread the loveClimate change continues to affect communities across Africa, creating urgent challenges related to environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness, and resilience. One of the most. . .
Spread the loveClimate change continues to affect communities across Africa, creating urgent challenges related to environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness, and resilience. One of the most effective ways to strengthen local climate action is through accurate community mapping, which helps organizations, governments, and humanitarian agencies better understand environmental risks and make informed decisions. To empower young people to become leaders in climate resilience, the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), in partnership with UNICEF YOMA, has launched the Youth Climate Mapping Fellowship. This unique fellowship is designed for youth groups, OpenStreetMap communities, and youth-led organizations based in Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa. The fellowship combines digital mapping, climate education, community engagement, and practical climate action. Selected youth groups will gain access to professional online training, technical support, and financial assistance to implement local climate awareness initiatives within their communities. If your organization is passionate about climate resilience, community mapping, and youth-led environmental advocacy, this fellowship presents an excellent opportunity to build valuable skills while making a meaningful impact. The Youth Climate Mapping Fellowship is a capacity-building initiative that equips youth organizations with practical knowledge and digital tools for climate mapping and community resilience. The program focuses on helping young people learn how geographic data can support climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, environmental planning, and local advocacy efforts. The fellowship encourages participants to use OpenStreetMap technologies to collect, organize, and analyze location-based information that contributes to stronger community decision-making and climate awareness. The initiative is delivered by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), a globally recognized nonprofit organization that uses open mapping technologies to support humanitarian response and sustainable development, in collaboration with UNICEF YOMA, which works to empower young people through learning and social impact opportunities. Who Can Apply?Applications are open to youth groups and organizations located in:LesothoEswatiniSouth AfricaEligible organizations include:YouthMappers ChaptersOpenStreetMap (OSM) CommunitiesNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)Other youth-led organizations or community groups interested in climate actionApplicants must also be capable of mobilizing at least20 participantswho will take part in the fellowship activities. Fellowship BenefitsSelected youth groups will receive a range of educational and practical benefits designed to strengthen their mapping capacity and climate leadership. 1. Free Self-Paced Online TrainingParticipants will gain access to two comprehensive online courses at no cost:Introduction to Open Mapping for Climate ActionThis course introduces participants to:Fundamentals of OpenStreetMapDigital mapping conceptsClimate mapping techniquesCommunity-based data collectionUsing geographic information for climate resilienceChatMap for Field MappingParticipants will also learn how to:Conduct field mapping activitiesCollect geographic informationImprove community mapping accuracyGenerate local climate dataSupport environmental planning initiativesBecause both courses are self-paced, participants can complete the learning modules according to their own schedules. 2. Technical SupportThroughout the fellowship, participants receive guidance and technical assistance to strengthen their mapping projects and ensure successful implementation of community activities. Support includes:Digital mapping guidanceClimate data collection assistanceCommunity mapping best practicesPractical implementation support3. Climate Action ExperienceLearning is combined with real-world implementation. Participants will organize and conduct a local climate action activity within their communities that promotes:Climate awarenessEnvironmental educationCommunity resiliencePublic advocacy on climate-related issuesThis practical experience allows participants to apply the skills learned during the fellowship while creating measurable local impact. 4. $400 Climate Action StipendEach selected youth group will receive a$400 stipendto support the implementation of its local climate action activity. The funding is intended to assist groups in organizing activities that promote climate education, awareness, and advocacy within their communities. What Participants Will LearnThe fellowship equips participants with valuable knowledge in several important areas, including:OpenStreetMap fundamentalsCommunity digital mappingClimate resilienceGeographic data collectionField mapping techniquesCommunity engagementClimate awareness campaignsLocal climate advocacyEnvironmental data managementDigital collaboration toolsWhy This Fellowship MattersClimate action requires reliable local information. Many communities lack detailed geographic data that can help identify environmental risks, vulnerable populations, infrastructure gaps, and climate-related challenges. Through this fellowship, young people become active contributors to climate resilience by generating community data that can support:Climate adaptation planningDisaster risk reductionSustainable development initiativesCommunity resilience strategiesEvidence-based advocacyLocal environmental decision-makingThe fellowship also strengthens participants’ digital skills, leadership abilities, teamwork, and community engagement experience. Group Information Required During ApplicationApplicants will be asked to provide the following information:Email addressGroup Lead’s nameGroup Lead’s WhatsApp numberGenderGroup nameCountryTown or city where the group is basedBrief description of the groupSocial media or website links (if available)Organization categoryConfirmation that the group can mobilize at least 20 participantsDetails of a second contact person, including:NamePhone numberWhatsApp numberEmail addressOrganization Categories AcceptedApplicants may identify their organizations under one of the following categories:YouthMappers ChapterOpenStreetMap CommunityNGOCBOCSOOtherHow to ApplyInterested youth groups should complete theofficial application formby providing accurate information about their organization, leadership team, contact details, and capacity to participate in the fellowship. Applicants should ensure that all required information is completed before submitting the application. VisitHEREfor more information about Youth Climate Mapping Fellowship 2026. Applications close Sunday, 26 July 2026. Questions?esahub-info@hotosm. orgConclusionThe Youth Climate Mapping Fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity for youth organizations in Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa to develop practical digital mapping skills while contributing to meaningful climate action within their communities. Beyond learning new technologies, participants will become part of a growing movement that uses open geographic data to strengthen climate resilience, improve environmental awareness, and support sustainable local development. With free technical training, mentorship, practical experience, and a $400 climate action stipend, the fellowship empowers young people to transform knowledge into action and create lasting community impact. Youth groups interested in climate change, digital innovation, and community development are encouraged to submit their applications and take advantage of this opportunity to become climate mapping leaders in their communities. Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFYHERE. Discover more from Opportunities for YouthSubscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.