EMPOWER MOTHERS. CHANGE THE WORLD.
The refugee crisis is ongoing in Greece and some of the most vulnerable members of the refugee community are mothers and babies. This makes the work of AMURTEL Greece all the more vital.
As an international NGO, the Greek branch of AMURTEL provides a safe space in Athens devoted to comprehensive support for women during pregnancy and infant care. Their day centre is not only a place of learning but also one of joy, celebrating – and empowering mothers. Afterall, their slogan is “Empower mothers. Change the world.”
And this is where mothers are encouraged to Gain Knowledge; Find Community; Become Empowered in an all-female environment.
AMURTEL Greece’s dedicated professionals work daily to enhance the quality of life for women and bridge the gaps in their lives and the lives of their children with:
- Sexual reproductive health literacy for refugee/migrant mothers
- Gender-based violence & reproductive health sessions for mothers in Athens and in refugee camps
- Postnatal midwifery care including support for breastfeeding and attendance at educational support groups
- Complete antenatal care throughout pregnancy plus a baby kit with mother-infant supplies
Additionally, mothers gain creative and practical skills that can be used to earn funds to support themselves and their children. Jewellery making, macrame, origami and painting are just a few workshops that have run successfully.
As mentioned in their social media, “[The workshops] allowed them to give free rein to their creativity and share a good time in complete simplicity. We should not underestimate simple moments like this, which allow us to free our minds by focusing only on what we are creating, forgetting the outside world for a moment.”
The staff at AMURTEL have found opportunities for mothers to earn money via sewing projects like producing reusable menstrual pads and sewing tote bags – which were previously store-bought – for the baby kits they provide to new moms.
For their annual end-of-year fundraising campaign entitled All Mothers Are The Same – Except They’re Not places the spotlight on refugee mothers’ stories. In turns heartbreaking, insightful, and uplifting, these stories share the similarities between all mothers: wanting to provide for and care for their children. They also share the aspects that differ due the uniquely challenging circumstances faced by the refugee community.
One such story tells of Nora, a second time mom who had struggled with breastfeeding with her first child. She then found community and support from AMURTEL’s educational support group and lactation consultant. Nora reconnected with her innate ability to nurture her children and was able to overcome her fear and anxieties in order to breastfeed her newborn.
The collective efforts of the professionals at AMURTEL resulted in a homeless refugee mother, Joy, receiving vital medical attention for suspected pre-eclampsia during a check-up; childcare for her school-aged daughter during a hospitalisation and the eventual finding of a safe home for Joy to care for her newborn and daughter. Despite facing many challenges, together this compassionate and dedicated group persisted to ultimately triumph.
Fatima found herself pregnant and alone in a foreign country after a traumatic journey leaving her homeland. AMURTEL provided the warmth and caring of a second family along with practical guidance through the Greek medical system, and helping Fatima throughout her pregnancy and into motherhood.
These stories and countless more can be found through AMURTEL Greece and @amurtel.gr on Instagram. You can find the chance to support this incredible group of people in their efforts to help refugee and migrant mothers from pregnancy through to motherhood with dignity and care, nurturing and respect with a donation: ALL MOTHERS ARE THE SAME – EXCEPT THEY’RE NOT | AMURTEL Greece (Powered by Donorbox)
