Educational Support Groups
Gaining knowledge and finding community- a winning combination
When women come together in supportive learning spaces, questions, experiences, and insights often take on a whole new meaning. Friendships form and learning becomes deeply personal and relevant. Over time, many women find their voices in new ways, both individually and collectively.
Over 93% of mothers state that they have used knowledge gained at AMURTEL to help other women thus making them valuable community resources and agents of change.
Groups include
- Breastfeeding, infant nutrition
- Women’s rights, legal access
- Social/cultural integration
- Infant and toddler care
- Preparation for birth
- Mother-baby yoga
- Skills learning
- Creative art
- Parenting
“When I came to Greece, I didn’t know anyone. Now I have several good friends I met here at AMURTEL and I don’t feel so alone.”
— Denise, Cameroon
“When I came to Greece, I didn’t know anyone. Now I have several good friends I met here at AMURTEL and I don’t feel so alone.”
— Denise, Cameroon
Antenatal and Postnatal Maternal Support
The best possible start for every mother and every baby
For mothers who are isolated in a new culture, our midwives not only monitor the mother and baby physically but strive to allay mothers’ fears by answering questions, explaining the need for and results of routine exams, and preparing the mothers as much as possible for birth in Greek hospitals.
I didn’t have any antenatal care with my first two children. I just went to the hospital when I was in labor. But with this child,
I am learning things about pregnancy that I never knew and it is very helpful.
— Jamal, Syria
I didn’t have any antenatal care with my first two children. I just went to the hospital when I was in labor. But with this child,
I am learning things about pregnancy that I never knew and it is very helpful.
— Jamal, Syria
Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition
Nourishing infants for a lifetime of health
While we encourage breastfeeding, we work closely with each mother to develop individualized care plans to support her unique needs, whether it involves breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both.
75% of mothers coming to AMURTEL report improvement with breastfeeding. More than half say they feel better informed and more confident about feeding solid foods to infants and toddlers, especially in a new country.
I breastfed my first two children in Afghanistan and I wanted to breastfeed my new baby but everyone told me I couldn’t. They said I would not be a good mother if I didn’t give at least some formula. I cannot tell you how relieved and happy I am that I got support here at AMURTEL to do what I know is best. I am exclusively breastfeeding now.
— Nasrin, Afghanistan
I came to AMURTEL when I was pregnant with my 7th child. Despite having six children already, I learned a lot about how to feed children well.
— Justine Cameroon
I breastfed my first two children in Afghanistan and I wanted to breastfeed my new baby but everyone told me I couldn’t. They said I would not be a good mother if I didn’t give at least some formula. I cannot tell you how relieved and happy I am that I got support here at AMURTEL to do what I know is best. I am exclusively breastfeeding now.
— Nasrin, Afghanistan
I came to AMURTEL when I was pregnant with my 7th child. Despite having six children already, I learned a lot about how to feed children well.
— Justine Cameroon
Peer-to-Peer Training
Mothers Supporting Mothers
Words and subtle nuances from peer supporters who hail from the same countries as our mothers and have had relevant experiences of migration to Greece have the potential of opening a whole new world of understanding. Concepts come alive when communicated by women who understand the realities their peers are facing firsthand.
Most of AMURTEL’s peer-to-peer trainees experience increased confidence and a growing sense that they can support, guide, and positively influence other women within their communities.
I had problems breastfeeding my two children and no one was there to help me. But now when I see women struggling, I know I can help them to have better experiences than I had.
— Layla, Egypt
A friend recently had a baby and from what I had learned at AMURTEL, I helped her with breastfeeding and taking care of her newborn. She was so surprised, asking me how did I know all this?
— Zahra, Iraq
I had problems breastfeeding my two children and no one was there to help me. But now when I see women struggling, I know I can help them to have better experiences than I had.
— Layla, Egypt
A friend recently had a baby and from what I had learned at AMURTEL, I helped her with breastfeeding and taking care of her newborn. She was so surprised, asking me how did I know all this?
— Zahra, Iraq
Sexual Reproductive Health Literacy
Helping Women Navigate Reproductive Years with Knowledge and Support
Due to lack of education or social norms where discussions of anything relating to sexuality and reproductive functions is highly taboo, many of our mothers know little about sexual reproductive health. Many women report superstitions and myths surrounding sexual reproductive health as being widespread and believed by nearly everyone.
The SRHL groups are one of the most lively at AMURTEL. Women who are initially shy and ashamed to talk seem to overcome their inhibitions in the all woman’s environment and become keen participants. Breaking free from taboos and misinformation is extremely empowering. It allows women to take charge of their health in an informed way and encourages them to address concerns in other parts of their lives in a direct and forthright manner.
I didn’t have periods for a long time. I didn’t know why. When I finally told my mother, she was so afraid that I would become sick from all the bad blood stopped up inside me. Now I know this is not true.
— Galle, DR Congo
In my country, we don’t talk about these things. Never, not even to friends. It was hard for me in the first group session. I felt humiliated. But then I saw other women like me freely talking and it became easier.
— Rahima, Afghanistan
I didn’t have periods for a long time. I didn’t know why. When I finally told my mother, she was so afraid that I would become sick from all the bad blood stopped up inside me. Now I know this is not true.
— Galle, DR Congo
In my country, we don’t talk about these things. Never, not even to friends. It was hard for me in the first group session. I felt humiliated. But then I saw other women like me freely talking and it became easier.
— Rahima, Afghanistan
Free Shop
Community Engagement, Recycling and Sustainability
The free shop offers items for children from newborn to eight years old, shared from mother to mother in a welcoming environment. It’s more than clothing distribution — it’s a community-led circle of giving, belonging, and environmental responsibility.
“When I can choose clothes for my child, I feel more like a mother making decisions, not someone dependent on help.”
— Hadel, Egypt
“When I can choose clothes for my child, I feel more like a mother making decisions, not someone dependent on help.”
— Hadel, Egypt