Daw Aye Aye Myint and her healthy baby

Daw Aye Aye Myint, a mother from Magway Region, once knew little about nutrition. Like many mothers in her community, she wanted the best for her family but lacked access to the right knowledge and resources of nutrition.

Her journey of change began when she joined the Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MtMSGs), formed under the FAO–Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) project. These groups were created to share practical knowledge on improving women’s and children’s nutrition. At first, Daw Aye Aye Myint was unsure if the nutrition Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) sessions would be useful.

But as the sessions continued, she realized how important proper nutrition was, especially for her seven-month-old baby. She learned about the benefits of whole grains, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins—and how balanced meals support healthy growth and development.

With this new knowledge, she became an advocate in her own household. She explained the importance of balanced diets to her family and worked together with her mother-in-law to improve their daily meals. Through cooking demonstrations organized by the project, she also learned how to prepare food in ways that preserve nutrients, ensuring her family gained the most from every meal.

Her learning didn’t stop there. The project also provided her with eight varieties of vegetable seeds for home gardening. With dedication and guidance, she successfully grew fresh vegetables in her backyard. These vegetables became a regular part of her family’s diet, adding both nutrition and variety to their meals.

It (crops from her home garden) is more than enough for us and our neighbors, so we sell the surplus” – cited by Daw Aye Aye Myint. 

She claimed that now she can buy chicken and spend on bread for the children. Her vegetable homestead garden promoted diet diversity for her family, thus avoiding external purchases.

Over time, Daw Aye Aye Myint transformed from a mother with little nutritional knowledge into a confident advocate for healthy eating. Not only did her own family benefit, but she also shared her knowledge with neighbors and other villagers—spreading the positive impact even further.

Her story shows how education and practical support can change lives. Through the FAO–GAFSP project, she gained the tools to improve her family’s health, strengthen community ties, and inspire others. What started as one mother’s learning journey is now helping to build a healthier future for her entire community.