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A Life of Dedication and Strength
My name is Daw Mya Aye, a 60-year-old woman from the peaceful village of Ta Kaw Bee Kwee, Myawaddy Township, Kayin State. My life is defined by hard work, determination, and an unwavering love for my family. As a single mother of two disabled children, I navigate daily struggles, but I remain committed to providing them with a dignified and stable life.
Farming for Survival and Purpose
In 2024, I began farming a small piece of land on the hill behind my house, growing rice and sesame. This effort not only contributes to our food supply but also gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. My eldest daughter, now 31, helps with household chores, particularly feeding the pigs, but she requires my constant guidance. My youngest son, aged 20, assists with small tasks under my supervision.
Despite their limitations, I take immense pride in their resilience and the ways they contribute to our family’s well-being.
A Small Business That Sustains Us
To sustain us financially, I run a small shop from home, earning between 800 and 1,500 baht daily, with a profit margin of 100 to 300 baht. This business has been our financial anchor, ensuring we meet our essential needs. I have been fortunate to borrow from a fund provided by Meikswe Myanmar, which has played a crucial role in keeping our household afloat. Since 2022, I have borrowed 5,000 baht annually from the village development committee and have always repaid my loans on time.
My reliability has earned the trust of the committee, allowing me to continue borrowing the same amount each year. Though my living conditions are modest, I take pride in my ability to sustain our livelihood. Despite lacking formal education due to the hardships of war, I have developed strong business acumen, excelling in calculations related to buying and selling. I also engage in seasonal trading of local products to supplement our income.
Growing Our Own Food
Around our home, I cultivate a variety of vegetables, including chili, beans, roselle, and pumpkins. These crops not only provide nutritious meals for my family but also help cut down kitchen expenses. Every meal I prepare is made with love and care, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in our lives.
Support from Meikswe Myanmar Brings New Opportunities
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive 180,000 kyats in PSN support funds from Meikswe Myanmar for my daughter. With this financial aid, I purchased two piglets for 800 baht each. After raising them for seven months, I sold them for 3,000 baht each, reinvesting the profits into my business by acquiring two more piglets to rear.
A Future Filled with Hope
Despite the challenges, I remain a hardworking woman actively participating in village social activities. My goal is to create a nurturing environment for my children, where they can thrive despite their disabilities. Each day brings an opportunity to appreciate our blessings and work towards a brighter future.
Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism. With continued support from Meikswe Myanmar and the trust of my community, I am confident we will keep moving forward. My dream is to expand our shop, offer a wider range of products, and better serve our village. While I know the journey won’t be easy, I am prepared to face any challenge that comes my way.
A Testament to Perseverance
My story is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of community. Through hard work, unwavering determination, and the support of Meikswe Myanmar, I have built a life of resilience. This journey, though marked by hardship, proves that with love, dedication, and assistance from those who care, it is possible to overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Meikswe Myanmar’s support is more than just financial aid—it is a beacon of hope for families striving for a better tomorrow.
