By the time a mother hands me her baby, she has already carried the deep, unwavering strength of a woman, shaped by love and hope. Some journeys are visible on maps, while others are written quietly into growth charts, hemoglobin levels, and the weight of an infant cradled too lightly in the arms.

There is a quiet kind of impact that happens in spaces where care is offered consistently, gently, and without expectation. I witnessed this firsthand while volunteering with CHEERing NGO in Athens, an organization focused on preventive care and referrals for refugee communities.

Within this work, the Grow Clinics hold a special place in my heart. Through these clinics, we provide support to mothers and babies living in refugee camps and shelters in greater Athens.

Each week in the clinic follows a rhythm that is simple, yet of a great value. We weigh infants, measure their length and carefully track their growth over time. These regular check-ups help identify early concerns and allow families to receive guidance and referrals when needed. For many parents, these moments are also an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and feel seen. 

Supporting breastfeeding is a central part of the Grow Clinics. Thanks to the knowledge and guidance of our breastfeeding counselors, we are able to encourage mothers, provide information, and address their questions and concerns, helping them feel confident in beginning and continuing breastfeeding. Alongside this, basic preventive care remains important. We run an anemia program to address iron deficiency, and a Vitamin program, in collaboration with the Global Health Organisation – Vitamin Angels,  which provides high-dose vitamin A and deworming for children under five.

All activities within the Grow Clinics follow World Health Organization guidelines, ensuring that care is consistent, safe, and aligned with international standards. What makes the clinics truly effective is their consistency. Small, simple tools such as charts, vitamins, and regular check-ups, become powerful ways to track and support growth over time.

Volunteering with CHEERing has been such a rewarding experience. Seeing firsthand how a little guidance and support can make a real difference for children and families really sticks with you. It was a clear example that access to care and information is a fundamental human right, and that even small, consistent efforts can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Experiences like this are a great reminder of why getting involved matters. Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps programs is a chance to learn, be part of a dedicated team and be part of something bigger. Something that encourages us all to unite and care for each other.

I will miss my time in Athens; the narrow streets and sunlit squares, the colorful markets brimming with fresh produce, the aroma of coffee and baked goods drifting through the morning air, the lively chatter in every corner café, the weekends spent roaming through the historic sites, and the way the city feels alive at every hour of the day. What I will miss most, however, are the people I had the privilege of working alongside and learning from each day. I hope our paths cross again in the future. 

Sara Nikolova

Sources: https://cheering.eu/