Tavush, Armenia--Opening day in the Tavush border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur was filled with excitement and celebration as the students, staff and families first viewed their school’s newly renovated wing.
Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian and their family made this work possible with their generous support, through the Paros Foundation’s Projects for Prosperity. The Atamian family and the Paros Foundation have worked together for more than four years to improve the quality of life here for the families of Tavush.
“This investment brings the total to almost $200,000 which we have directly invested in this strategic border community,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “By addressing the educational, safety, health and economic development issues facing the residents here, we hope to bring a greater level of prosperity to this village.”
The renovation of this wing of the primary school included the complete reconstruction of six classrooms, the large hallway and two new bathrooms including new classroom furniture for the children. A plaque installed in the hallway reads “Reconstruction of this wing of the Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur School is in honor of our brave soldiers, who defend the borders of Armenia and Artsakh on a daily basis, and their families.” Last year, through the efforts of Michael & Patricia Starzer, the elementary school wing of this school was completely renovated. The final phase of the work at the school will include the renovation of the kitchen and dining hall and the school’s entryway and locker rooms and will be completed in the coming months.
“I invite other families to invest in a border village as my family and friends have and to share in the satisfaction of positively impacting the lives of our brothers and sisters in this strategic manner,“ said Jean-Marie Atamian.
In the coming weeks, the Paros Foundation will launch its “Prosperity on the Border” initiative focusing on investing in Armenia’s border villages in the Tavush and Gegharkunik regions. This campaign will target economic development, educational and infrastructure projects in strategic border communities. Prosperity on the Border will invest in border communities to improve the living standards and economic conditions for families. |