The Salt Lab Youth Challenge 2024, part of the Mekong Salt Lab project in Tra Vinh province, Vietnam, is designed to offer a dynamic learning experience for students from the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC) network. This includes Tra Vinh University, Soc Trang Community College, Kien Giang Community College, and Ca Mau Community College.

The program aims to raise awareness among Mekong youth about the pressing challenges of climate change, specifically salinity intrusion. Participants will also be introduced to practical solutions that local farmers and residents can implement to address challenges such as reduced crop and fish yields, scarcity of freshwater for irrigation and household use, and the socio-economic impacts of salinity.

The Salt Lab Youth Challenge 2024 features several key activities:

• Background Study: Students will delve into research to understand the effects of salinity and climate change on their region.
• Online Mentoring Sessions: Expert guidance will be provided through online mentoring to help participants refine their projects and ideas.
• Idea Pitching: Participants will have the opportunity to present their solutions and initiatives during a final pitching event.
• Salt Lab Forum 2024: The selected teams will be able to participate in the Salt Lab Forum and showcase their work.

Through this program, students will transform their understanding into practical solutions, advancing resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.