On 25–26 June 2026, the Mekong Institute at Can Tho University organized the workshop “Water and Life: A Household Perspective” with the participation of Dr. Wendy Jepson, Professor in the Department of Geography and Director of the Environment and Sustainability Initiative at Texas A&M University (USA). The workshop brought together 15 students, researchers, lecturers, and photographers interested in water, environmental issues, climate change, and sustainable development. The event created an open academic space that fostered interdisciplinary exchange and strengthened connections between an international expert and the young academic community in the Mekong Delta.

💧 During the workshop, Dr. Wendy Jepson introduced new concepts and approaches to understanding household experiences related to water, emphasizing the importance of listening to people's perspectives and lived experiences alongside technical indicators and infrastructure-based assessments. Participants engaged in discussions on water-related challenges in both urban and rural areas of the Mekong Delta, ranging from access and reliability of water sources to their impacts on community health and livelihoods.

📊 One of the key highlights of the workshop was the introduction of the HWISE Scale, a research tool used in many countries around the world to better understand household experiences related to water. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and group activities, participants gained practical insights into how the scale is constructed, scored, and interpreted.

🌿 On the second day, participants explored opportunities to adapt and apply the HWISE Scale within the context of the Mekong Delta, discussing cultural, social, and environmental considerations for local implementation. The workshop also generated numerous ideas for incorporating HWISE into future research, teaching, and community development initiatives.

Designed as an interactive learning experience, the workshop featured group discussions, knowledge sharing, and practical exercises. The open and dynamic atmosphere encouraged participants to reflect on water-related issues from a household perspective while fostering new connections and collaboration opportunities for research and action toward sustainable development in the Mekong Delta.

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