Nurturing Change: Edew’s Journey to Raising Healthier Children

In a remote corner of Saravane Province, 106 families live across three neighborhoods. Among them is 27-year-old Mrs. Edew, who resides with her husband, Gutaeng (29), and their two young sons—three-year-old Dew and eleven-month-old Dork. Like many families in the region, Edew’s household primarily relies on farming, cultivating potatoes and rice for their livelihood. 

Life here can be challenging. Traditional beliefs and practices around child-rearing have led to malnutrition in many families, as children are often introduced to water or solids too early, resulting in weaker immune systems and stunted growth. Additionally, strong beliefs in traditional gender roles mean that men are rarely involved in child-rearing or household chores, leaving women to carry most of these responsibilities. Edew was no stranger to these challenges. When her first child was born, villagers advised her to introduce water early and to leave the baby in the care of others while she worked in the fields. But Edew chose a different path, one that has profoundly shaped 
her family’s future. 

Through her involvement in the Go-Baby-Go (GBG) activity, part of the Samoui Nutrition Action Project (SNAP), led by World Vision and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Edew learned the importance of proper child nutrition and care. She attended training sessions where healthcare professionals from the District Health Office and local Health Center provided guidance on breastfeeding, hygiene, and introducing solid foods at the right time. She saw firsthand how children who weren’t breastfed exclusively struggled with their health, and she was determined to follow the best practices she had learned. “Some parents in the village still feed their babies with water too early or leave them with grandparents for long periods,” Edew explained. “Their children don’t grow up healthy. But my children—because I follow what I’ve learned from the program—are strong and healthy. Not malnourished.”

Edew’s commitment didn’t stop with her own children. She shared the knowledge she gained with her husband, ensuring he too understood the importance of good nutrition and their role in raising healthy kids together. Her dedication to her children’s well-being hasn’t gone unnoticed; the District Health Office even recognized her as a “Mae Tua Beab,” or Model Mother, for exclusively breastfeeding her children for the first six months. This recognition brought Edew a deep sense of pride, as she now serves as a resource for other mothers in the village with young children. Representing the GBG group, she shares what she’s learned and offers advice to help other families provide the right care, becoming a trusted example for others to follow. In fact, more than 558 children across the target villalges have benefited from the increased confidence and competence of their parents and caregivers involved in SNAP’s GBG initiative. This positive change is reflected in the SNAP midline evaluation, which shows an impressive improvement in exclusive breastfeeding rates (NNSPA), rising from just 18.8% in 2021 to 58.5% in 2023.

Edew’s family also received support to raise catfish, adding both a new source of food and income. Now, with fresh vegetables and fish just steps from their door, they have year-round access to nutritious food. Her husband, Gutaeng, shares in both farming and childcare responsibilities, a team effort that has resulted in healthier, happier children. Inspired by examples like Gutaeng, more men in the community are stepping into stronger roles as fathers and partners. Since the program began, fathers’ interactions with their children have seen a remarkable rise: the percentage of fathers reading to their children increased from 17% in 2022 to 71% in 2024; storytelling went up from 23% to 82%; and playtime rose from 37% to 89%. This shift shows that, after participating in Go Baby Go training, fathers are more actively supporting mothers in raising their children.

Edew’s story is one of hope and transformation—not just for her family but for over 104 families across the three neighborhoods involved in the GBG activity. Through SNAP, they’re learning foundational principles in childcare that promote lifelong health, learning, and resilience. Reflecting on their journey as a team, Edew and Gutaeng shared warmly, “We are very proud and happy to see both children healthy and growing so well. They are quick learners and always in a good mood.” For Edew and her husband, this journey toward raising healthy, happy children marks just the beginning. With the support of SNAP, their family—and many others—are empowered to carry these life-changing practices forward, fostering a legacy of health and well-being for generations to come.