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Life in Thit Maw Ku Village
In the heart of Thit Maw Ku village, nestled in Hlaing Bwe township of Kayin State, Shwe U Maw and her family of five work tirelessly to make ends meet. With 168 households and a population of 871, their village thrives on farming cassava and pudding, small grocery stores, and daily labor. Despite the hardships, they have always managed to sustain their livelihood, sourcing goods from Mae Ton township in Thailand through various means of transport, including cars, motorbikes, and trailer jeeps.
Family Struggles and Challenges
Shwe U Maw’s eldest son has left school to assist his father on the farm, while her 10-year-old son continues his education in the second grade. However, her youngest son, born with a cleft lip, faces a daily struggle—unable to breastfeed, he relies on milk powder and juice feeders for nourishment.
The Impact of Natural Disasters
In July 2024, the family’s livelihood suffered a major setback when relentless rainfall and flooding devastated their pudding field. The rainy season brought not only destruction but also job shortages and transportation difficulties, leaving Shwe U Maw’s husband unemployed. At that time, her youngest son was merely two months old, and the cost of his milk—five large packs per month at 33,000 kyats each—became an overwhelming burden.
Assistance from Meikswe Myanmar
Just when hope seemed to dwindle, relief came in August 2024 through Meikswe Myanmar’s multi-purpose cash assistance program. The 300,000 kyats they received became a vital lifeline, allowing them to purchase a month’s supply of milk powder and juice feeders for their infant. Earlier, during her pregnancy, Shwe U Maw had also benefited from Meikswe Myanmar’s nutritional support, receiving essential food items like yellow beans, eggs, cooking oil, potatoes, noodles, rice, and cereal.
A Brighter Future with Continued Support
The cash assistance, exchanged for 2,300 baht, alleviated their immediate worries. Today, her husband’s earnings from daily labor cover their son’s milk expenses, supplemented by additional support from the Compassion organization, which provides two packs of milk powder each month. However, the family still faces financial strains and uncertainties.
Appeal for Ongoing Support
With deep gratitude, Shwe U Maw acknowledges the impact of Meikswe Myanmar’s support and appeals for continued nutritional and medical assistance for children like her son. As daily wage earners, ensuring proper nutrition for their children remains a constant struggle. Sustained support would not only ease their worries but also pave the way for healthier futures for countless children in similar circumstances.
Meikswe Myanmar’s assistance is more than just financial support—it is a beacon of hope for families striving to secure a better life for their children.
