Gyumri, Armenia–The Paros Foundation successfully completed its Gyumri Winter Operation project, one of its 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, through the generous sponsorship of the New York-based Dadourian Foundation.

“As with all Paros 100 for 100 projects, The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses allowing The Dadourian Foundation’s contribution to be allocated 100% to the project,” reported Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “This unique commitment to our donors provides them with the assurance that their entire contribution goes directly to the project.”

Winter in Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, is extreme. For the unfortunate families living in the inadequate housing called “Domiks,” the severe cold leads to desperate living conditions. For these people, heating and cooking fuel is typically scavenged from the trash and consists of various toxic materials including plastic bottles, old shoes and cardboard. Children face the difficult task of attending school without proper winter clothing and warm winter boots.

For three days, a team of staff and volunteers made unannounced visits to targeted families, to distribute firewood for heating and cooking and to witness first hand the harsh living conditions. Families were invited to bring their children to the Shirak Centre NGO (which worked in coordination with the Paros Foundation on this project) and were fitted for warm winter boots and coats. In total, 350 children received winter boots, 160 children received winter coats and 60 families received a large supply of firewood. Although this effort does not address the root cause of these economic problems, it does provide immediate relief and hope for these families.

The Paros Foundation expresses its deepest appreciation to the Dadourian Foundation for their generous support of this effort and to the Shirak Centre for their cooperation.

Please consider having your family sponsor a project in memory of the 100^thanniversary of the Genocide, through the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, by visiting www.paros-foundation.org.

Manana Center started a two-year project of Creating a Network of Young Reporters in Armenia with support of The United Nations Democracy Fund.

During the project media workshops for youngsters on journalism, photojournalism and filmmaking will be organized in different regions of Armenia. Participants, under the supervision of expert tutors, will produce alternative content through multiple platforms, including a series of articles, films, interviews, multimedia outputs documenting real-life stories experienced by local communities, through photo exhibitions, film screenings and magazines, and also through internet.

The project aims to empower young people through the enhancement of media skills which will raise the level of participation in civic life and the formulation of a democratic society.