This month, the Mro Youth Development Association (MYDA), in collaboration with the local community in Rakhine, made notable progress in improving living conditions through the principles of Transformational Community Development (TCD). Their ongoing commitment to identifying and solving local challenges has resulted in meaningful changes that are directly impacting the daily lives of families even in the most challenging times.

One of the most pressing issues the community faced was access to water in summer. Families had been spending significant time and energy fetching water from distant ponds—time that could otherwise be invested in livelihoods, education, or caring for children. Motivated by the values and methods they learned through TCD, community members—supported by MYDA—took the initiative to tackle this problem themselves.

Working together, they installed a motor pump to draw water and distribute it to nearby households. This solution significantly reduced the time families needed to collect water each day. Encouraged by the immediate impact, the community, with MYDA’s continued guidance, has already begun preparations to install additional pumps to serve more families in the area.

This success was not just about equipment—it was a clear demonstration of TCD in action: the community identified its own problem, explored feasible solutions, and mobilized local resources and effort to bring about change. MYDA played a vital role in facilitating this process—not by providing ready-made solutions, but by coaching and encouraging the community to take ownership of their development.

Alongside the water initiative, MYDA also supported vulnerable families with small-scale financial assistance and labor help, further strengthening the bonds of mutual care and cooperation in the community. These efforts reflect a growing sense of empowerment among the residents, who are learning to address their challenges sustainably and together.

The progress this month stands as a strong example of how the TCD model, when embraced by committed local partners like MYDA and led by the community itself, can lead to lasting transformation.

Thank you,

Written by Solomon, GHNI National Field Leader