Global Wales, Taith, University of South Wales, and British Council
Youth Community Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in the Mekong Delta (Y-CoRe)

Call for Applications
Youth Exchange in Wales, the UK

Research Institute for Climate Change (DRAGON-Mekong), Can Tho University is calling for applications for the Youth Exchange in Wales, UK, under the framework of the program "Youth Community Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in the Mekong Delta" (referred to as Y-CoRe). This program is conducted in collaboration with the British Council in Vietnam and Taith and Global Wales Program and is partnered with the University of South Wales. We seek applicants with expertise and interest in the challenges posed by climate change and sustainable development in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region.

Introduction to the Y-CoRe Project

Vietnam is highly vulnerable to global environmental issues (such as air pollution, rising sea levels, plastic waste, etc.), and there are ongoing efforts to mitigate these issues towards a greener economy. A recent research report by the British Council on Vietnam’s "Next Generation" youth (aged 16-30) identified clean water and sanitation, clean energy, environmental action, and adequate living conditions as their top priorities.

The Y-CoRe project creates a platform integrating activities that provide knowledge, skills, and attitudes for young people in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, empowering them to be active global citizens. The Vietnamese Mekong Delta, home to nearly 22 million people and a key region for global food security, faces severe impacts from climate challenges, water resource changes, environmental pollution, and unsustainable socio-economic development.

The project will be implemented through a tiered approach, from raising awareness (Tier 1), to building actions (Tier 2), and advocacy and networking (Tier 3), combining methodologies from communication, art, and science, with integrated issues of equality and social inclusion. The target group includes young people (aged 18-30) in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, who will receive training to take climate action. The project aims for cross-sectoral collaboration to address climate impacts and offers opportunities to engage youth towards sustainable and rapid development in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.

Y-CoRe Project Purposes

The general objective of the project is to build a network of youth equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ambition to address climate change issues in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region and the broader area in general. Specific purposes include:

• To empower the youth network to strengthen its leadership and capacity to influence climate change impact adaptation in the VMD.
• To develop space for knowledge and community–based engagement and ‘competence exchange’ among youth networks across the VMD.
• To amplify the voice and expand capacity opportunities of young people to include institutional lecturers in the VMD in policy advocacy for climate change adaptation, including gender equality.

Information for candidates
Deadline: 11 October 2024, 11:59 PM, Vietnam (GMT + 7)
Contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Timeline

Y-CoRe Project Purposes

The DRAGON-Mekong Institute is eager to work with young people, especially students and young researchers with expertise and interest in climate challenges in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, who aspire to contribute to youth development in this region.

The DRAGON-Mekong Institute, in collaboration with the British Council in Vietnam, the University of South Wales, and an expert group, will coordinate activities aimed at establishing and building a youth network connecting the Vietnamese Mekong Delta and Wales, UK, from October 2024 to December 2024. Key activities include:

• Participating in 2-3 online seminars to listen and discuss the challenges related to climate change and gender equality in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta and Wales, UK.
• Up to 03 selected candidates will take part in a youth exchange programme in Wales, UK, from November 18, 2024, to December 6, 2024, with financial and logistical support outlined in the section on benefits for selected candidates.
• Attending 01 post-trip discussion program within the youth network to present the lessons learned and future plans to ensure the sustainability of the exchange.

Benefits for Selected Candidates

• Selected candidates will be considered for the funding of maximum 1,400 GBP, which are expected to be utilized for the following expenses:
  • Accommodation and daily meals
  • Vietnam – UK return economy-class flight ticket
  • Travel Insurance
  • Local travel cost in the UK (train ticket from and to London to Pontypridd)
  • Study visit cost (train ticket to campus from Pontypridd)
  • Other costs, including UK visa application fees, and incurred costs do not belong to activities provided by USW will NOT be provided. Thus, selected candidates must prove their commitment to provide their matching funding for those arisen expenses.
• A certificate of participation issued by the organizing unit upon full completion of all program phases by the participants.
• Guidance and support from a network of experts, researchers, and youth with outstanding initiatives in Vietnam and the United Kingdom in addressing climate change.
• Opportunities to experience, learn, and engage in cultural exchanges with youth in Wales, UK, and with partners of the DRAGON-Mekong Institute in Wales, UK.
• Access to expertise and knowledge from professionals trained in the UK in areas such as water resource management, agriculture, energy, public health, and gender equality in Vietnam.
• Opportunities to participate in and collaborate on other related activities, programs, and projects implemented by the DRAGON-Mekong Institute.

Requirements for Candidates

Number of selected candidates: Up to 03 candidates.

The program calls for applications from candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
• Currently enrolled in the third year or higher at the undergraduate level, or graduate students in fields related to climate change, natural resource and environmental management, computer science, information technology, educational management, English studies, etc. Candidates who have studied abroad will have an added advantage.
• Evidence of proactive participation in the Y-CoRe project of DRAGON-Mekong.
• Proficiency in English (Advanced level or higher), with a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher.
• Passion for, and knowledge of, the subject matter, with a minimum of 1.5 years of work experience (equivalent to 2100 hours, including part-time work, volunteering, full-time internships, etc.) related to climate change and sustainable development.
• Experience in implementing social action projects and training programs for young people.
• Commitment to completing all activities as required by the Program Director and Coordinator.
• Commitment to complying with the Y-CoRe Project’s Safeguarding Policy and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (to be provided after the candidate’s selection).
• Experience collaborating with the DRAGON-Mekong Institute and program partners is an advantage.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Documents

Interested candidates are invited to complete the application form via Google forms: https://forms.gle/VgrZnQNCrMs2PChH9.

The following application documents are required:

• A CV, max. 2 A4 pages.
• A motivation letter, max. 2 A4 pages, outlining the candidate's goals and plans for participation.
• Relevant degrees, certificates, and academic transcripts.

* Contact information:

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., cc MSc. Phan Ky Trung (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – Y-CoRe Manager) and MSc. Nguyen Luyen Phuong Doan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – Project Coordinator).
• Contact phone number: 0292 3730 448.