Armenia–What do computer classes for children, new traditional Armenian dance costumes, and a photo exhibit of Armenian women have in common? All three are the latest projects completed through the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, bring the total number of projects completed or in progress to 69.

While children in the villages of Lanjik and Torosgyugh in Armenia’s Shirak region have been fortunate enough to participate in local dance ensembles, they have lacked their own costumes. Upon learning of this need through the Paros website, Nairi Balian and her family immediately decided to help make these children’s dreams a reality. Mrs. Balian had been in an Armenian dance group during her childhood an
d appreciates how important costumes are to children’s motivation and enthusiasm. Through the Balian family sponsorship, 30 village children received two sets of costumes and a pair of dance shoes.

On August 16, both communities came together and organized a one of a kind dance concert in celebration of the costumes. “Receiving their own new dance costumes and shoes was a dream come true for these children! It has truly been a unifying experience for the entire village,” said Gohar Markosyan, President of the “Women f
or Development” NGO, who oversaw the design and manufacturing of the costumes.

In Yerevan, children attending the Ghoghanj Children’s Center benefited through another important project, the implementation of computer and associated Internet instruction. Founded in 2003, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center works with vulnerable “at-risk” children and their families to help them overcome social, psychological, and legal issues, and it provides proper support and guidance for the children so they can excel in school.

“We are so grateful to have secured funding for our computer and internet courses. Many of our students have had absolutely no
access to computers and Internet usage outside of Ghoghanj, ” said Diana Grigoryan, Director of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.

This project received funding through donations made in honor of Maroush Dekermenjian’s birthday. It was Ms. Dekermenjian’s birthday wish to give back to children in Armenia. Now students at the Ghoghanj Center will develop new innovative skills that will positively impact both their schooling and hopefully future careers.

On July 23, Christina Cherekdjian’s Paros 100 for 100 Project came to life with the opening of the Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit in Yerevan, Armenia. The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit sheds light on the role of women in Armenia. Christina, a high school student from Campbell, California, spearheaded this project. Her interest in women’s issues prompted her to apply and win a grant through her school to initiate this important project.

The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit is comprised of a series of photographs taken by Christina and several of her peers during The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE-Armenia 2014 trip this summer. The photographs feature women of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds, and from rural and urban environments throughout Armenia.

“The photos tell interesting stories about the role of women in modern day Armenia,” explained Christina. “As we traveled and worked throughout Armenia and Artsakh, we witnessed the many challenges faced by women in their everyday lives, and we tried to capture these moments in the photos.”

The exhibit, comprised of more than 40 large format photographs, began its tour at the Narekatsi Art Center in Armenia during September 2014 and will be showcased throughout Armenia and the United States over the course of the next year.
The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with these projects allowing all contributions to be allocated 100% to this project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia. For more information and to get involved visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

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Armenia’s First Security Wall Built at the Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur Kindergarten.

Tavush Region, Armenia–The village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, located in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region celebrated the re-opening of its kindergarten on August 31, 2014 following the complete renovation undertaken by The Paros Foundation. The project was generously sponsored by the New York based Atamian Family through The Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is home to 1,380 brave residents. During the conflict with Azerbaijan, it was the single most damaged Armenian village, losing nearly 400 homes to the devastation. Today, this community still lives with the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. 70% of their land remains uncultivated due to the dangers of farming on the border. Little opportunities remain for residents, making unemployment and migration a huge problem. Village children are among those greatly affected by these dangerous living conditions. For years the kindergarten could only serve 25 village children due to its poor physical condition and location, with part of the building and playground being exposed to Azerbaijan.

“The beautiful children of this village deserve to start their education in a safe and warm environment that is conductive to learning. This is one of the most attractive school renovations I’ve seen anywhere in Armenia,” said sponsor Jean-Marie Atamian. “Several years ago my family decided to invest in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur because of the strategic and economic importance of the village. Our border villages protect Armenia’s territorial integrity and secure the country’s food supply. Accordingly, we feel that it is absolutely critical for the residents of our villages know that they are not alone and that the diaspora stands with them in their fight to safeguard Armenia.”

The renovation of the kindergarten, a two story 4,600 square foot building, included a new roof, doors and windows, flooring, heating system, restroom, plumbing, electrical and staircase. The facility was also completely painted with attractive wall murals and was furnished with beds and closets for the children. Substantial repairs were also made to the building’s foundation and first floor to repair damage sustained from Azeri shelling. The project included the construction of Armenia’s first “security wall,” a cement, steel and stone wall which surrounds the renovated playground and protects the children from being easy targets while they play and attend school. As a result of the renovation and building modifications, 50 children can now attend the kindergarten safely.

During renovations, Azeri sniper fire continued and damaged several parts of the building, including a newly replaced water pipe, the roof and gutters, a bold reminder of how tenuous the situation remains, and that we must continue to support and invest in the residents of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

“My parents, George and Ines Atamian, inspired us to help build a prosperous nation for future generations. Having now completed the renovation of the medical clinic and nursery school we will move on to equally important projects in this village. We urge everyone to join the extraordinary work being carried out by The Paros Foundation by financing similar infrastructure projects in Armenia’s other border villages,” said Atamian.

“On behalf of the Paros Foundation we extend our deepest gratitude to Jean-Marie Atamian and his family for their continued support of our projects and this border village,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with this project, allowing 100% of the Atamian Family’s contribution to be allocated to the kindergarten.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

About The Paros Foundation

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative in the fall of 2011 to benefit Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened projects in the areas of development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of her people.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To find out how you can sponsor an orphanage excursion, or other project and for more information about how to get involved, visit www.parosfoundation.org or call (310) 400-9061.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary local NGOs in Armenia and launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011 to commemorate the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide. With an aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the “go to” organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation in Armenia.

To sponsor a project of the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, please visit  www.parosfoundation.org.