Educational support Groups

Educational support groups have shown themselves to be one of the most effective means of women’s education and community building.

Gaining knowledge & finding community – a winning combination

Educational support groups have shown themselves to be one of the most effective means of women’s education and community building. 

  • Gaining knowledge in mothering/women’s issues is enormously empowering for many of our mothers, especially those with little or no educational or cultural background in these areas            
  • Enhanced mother-infant interactions in groups goes a long way towards decreasing the debilitating effects trauma has on responsive parenting, resulting in deeper bonding and healthier mother-child attachment.
  • A sense of community with other women serves to overcome devastating effects of isolation for those marginalized in society without family or friends.

Mothers rotate through different Support groups:

1. Reproductive Health Literacy

2. Birth Preparation Classes

3. Infant and toddler Care groups

4. Postpartum Support Groups

5. Parenting Groups

6. Physical Wellbeing Sessions

In 2025, started the Birth Buddies initiative where mothers attending the Birth Preparation Groups are paired with mothers from the Postpartum group sharing the journey together and supporting one another along the way. 

I’ve learned so much about so many things.I would not have had this chance in my country. Precious, 36, Nigeria

When I came to Greece, I didn’t know anyone and didn’t have any friends. Now I have several good friends who I met here at AMURTEL and I don’t feel so alone. Jamal, 35, Syria

Sexual Reproductive Health literacy

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 to nothing about sexual reproductive health. In some of the women’s countries of origin, talking about reproduction and sexuality is not only prohibited but associated with intense shame and censure from others. The concepts of family planning are sometimes unknown and contraception unused since having many children is the norm. 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 these taboos and misinformation 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.

parallax-04
Women’s sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, and the prohibition of discrimination. United Nations Human Rights

I didn’t have periods for a long time. I don’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.
Gaelle, 30, 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, 27, Afghanistan.
I didn’t have periods for a long time. I don’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.
Gaelle, 30, DR Congo