Narine – Page 5 – The Paros Foundation

July 31, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – July 2023

Nor Ughi Gym Opening
On July 13, students, parents, and staff at the Nor Ughi Village School welcomed local and regional officials and donors and staff from The Paros Foundation to the gala ribbon cutting of the school’s new gym. John and June Mangassarian (RI-USA) spearheaded the fundraising for this project, matching all contributions to this important project.

Four New Classrooms at Talin Music School
For the last several years, we have worked to expand the music school in the town of Talin and to make significant improvements to the facility. This summer, we improved four more classrooms for the students studying there. An additional $30,000 is needed to complete this project. Please consider contributing to this important project to help us complete this work. Learn more and contribute here.

9th Artsakh Family Receives A New Home
Arsen Mnatsakanyan, his wife Narine and their four children received a new home in the community of Meds Masrik through the collective efforts of The Paros Foundation and Focus on Children Now. The family, having lost their home during the 2020 war, are now able to begin putting down roots in this village located in Armenia’s Vardenis area. This is the 9th Artsakh family given a home in the community of Meds Masrik.

Work Begins to Clean Out Gyumri Building
SERVICE Armenia participants spent a day this month working at The Paros Foundation’s new building in Gyumri cleaning out trash and preparing for construction to begin. Years of neglect have left the building full of trash and the property overgrown with weeds and brush. More than a truckload of trash and brush was removed from the building! Thank you SERVICE Armenia participants for a job well done!

SERVICE Armenia 2023 Wraps Another Successful Trip
For three weeks 19 young people from throughout the United States created meaningful memories and left their mark on Armenia through The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2023 program. The group based in Yerevan traveled throughout the country and completed service projects in Payuyr Sevak (working at the school and kindergarten), Talin (helping continue the renovation at the music school), Gyumri (Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center and at the Debi Arach Children’s Center) and in Yerevan (orphan excursions for children at Nork and Kharpert residential facilities.) More than 150 young people have participated in this life-changing program which connects diasporan youth to the homeland. To express interest in next summer’s program (which is open to young people ages 17 to 22) please email us at info@parosfoundation.org.

Visit Armenia with Paros in October!
Sign up now for The Paros Foundation’s Journey to Armenia trip October 20 to November 1. Experience the best of Armenia, visit Paros projects and help through service work. This ten day itinerary will take you to some of the best tourist sites, restaurants and project sites in Armenia. Please call Peter Abajian at (310) 400-9061 for more information and to reserve your space. Register Here

Med-Aid Armenia 2023 Wrapped
Med-Aid 2023 has officially wrapped! Our group spent their time in Armenia conducting health screenings on children in Yerevan, Gyumri and Paruyr Sevak. Medical professionals and volunteers also worked with their local colleagues in the community of Nor Hachen. We are so thankful for everyone who volunteered their time for this important initiative, and a special thank you to Dr. Krikor Deramerian who led the medical mission.

Ruzan is Working!
A new graduate of the Hianali Beauty Center, a social enterprise launched and supported by the Gary & Linda Assarian Vocational Training Program at Debi Arach, recently was hired to work at the salon. Ruzan is the third student that we have trained and ultimately hired. Of the almost 90 students that have completed their training, more than 75% of them are working in their new field and earning money. Hianali only hires the best of the best in the industry, so we are proud that their own program is contributing to this positive cycle. Congratulations Ruzan!

Hovnanian Family Foundation
Our latest episode of Pari Louys with Paros features Executive Director, Korioun Khatchadourian, from the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation. Since its inception in 1986, the foundation has created a ripple effect of positivity with programs like Birthright Armenia, various scholarships, and projects throughout Armenia. Listen using the link in our bio to learn about the impact this organization has made.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The number of SERVICE Armenia Alumni

By Narine

Press Releases

July 14, 2023

A New School Gym For Students In Nor Ughi

On July 13, students, parents, and staff at the Nor Ughi Village School
welcomed local and regional officials and donors and staff from The Paros Foundation to the gala ribbon cutting of the school’s new gym. John and June Mangassarian (RI-USA) spearheaded the fundraising for this project, matching all contributions to this important project implemented by The Paros Foundation.

“When I first visited this school last year while I was in the village working on a Fuller Center home build, I saw the needs here and knew I wanted to help. Today is a great day for June and I to see what our family, friends, and supporters accomplished working together with The Paros Foundation.”

-John Mangassarian,

During the opening celebration, students from the school performed several dances and songs. Head of the consolidated community of Vedi, Mr. Garik Sargsyan offered his remarks of appreciation along with Mr. Martin Manukyan Head of the Education, Sports and Culture Department of the Ararat Regional Governor’s Office. School Principal Mrs. Kristine Tunyan welcomed everyone and expressed her gratitude to both John and June Mangassarian for their generous support and interest in continuing work at the school, and to The Paros Foundation and its work crew for the high-quality renovation of the gym.

“Thanks to the vision and leadership of John Mangassarian and his group of supporters, the students here will be able to enjoy this gym and physical education for years to come. John has expressed interest in continuing work at the school and I look forward to our ongoing partnership for the betterment of conditions within this school.”

-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

The renovation of the gymnasium included the installation of a new ceiling, new electrical system and lighting, new heating piping, new doors, and the installation of new flooring. New safety netting was installed throughout to protect the ceiling and windows from breakage.

In addition to the gym itself, the renovation included the gym teacher’s office, boys and girls locker rooms and the portion of the hallway leading to the gym.

By Narine

Paros Blog

July 6, 2023

Aquaponics Greenhouse & Educational Center Now Open In Border Village

On June 23, 2023 representatives and supporters from the Austrian Development Agency, the Tavush Regional Government, the Berd Consolidated Community, MAquaponics, and The Paros Foundation gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and launch of the Ponics Greenhouse and Educational Center adjacent to the village school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. The Goshtigian Family from California, who generously supported the project on behalf of The Paros Foundation, were on hand to witness the launch of this cutting-edge agricultural system.

We are very happy that we were able to provide support for this innovative project through The Paros Foundation for the benefit of the community in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur and for the future education of the children here.”
-Patrick Goshtigian

The Ponics System uses animal waste converted to liquid fertilizer to grow high-yield crops in a sustainable system using very little water and is suitable for use in limited space. Two full-time people are now employed in this project. Students will be actively engaged in this teaching center and all proceeds from sales will be reinvested into the local community.

The Berd Consolidated Community provided The Paros Foundation with the land to install the system. The Austrian Development Agency provided the majority of the funds for the equipment. MAquaponics LLC designed the aquaponics system and was the implementing partner on this project. The Paros Foundation provided support for construction and the ongoing education, marketing and administration of the project.

“This project is exactly what border communities like Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur needs to expand its local agricultural sector. Limited water and land make growing food difficult and this system and its related educational component can be the solution.”

-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

By Narine

Newsletters

July 1, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – June 2023

Aquaponics Opening
Representatives and supporters from the Austrian Development Agency, the Tavush Regional Government, the Berd Consolidated Community and The Paros Foundation gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and launch of the Ponics Greenhouse and Educational Center adjacent to the village school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. The Goshtigian Family from California, who generously supported the project on behalf of The Paros Foundation, were on hand to witness the launch of this cutting-edge agricultural system.

Hianali Has A New Home
We are excited to announce Hianali Beauty Center has moved to a new home! Thank you to everyone who has made this center a success for the past year and a half, especially with the donation and guidance of Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian. Their continued dedication to the people of Gyumri is incredible. We are excited about this next chapter. Stay tuned for more updates once they are fully settled!

SERVICE Armenia 2023
Off To A Great Start
It has been almost one week since our SERVICE Armenia group arrived and they have hit the ground running with touring and service! We are so excited about all that the group has left to do during their two remaining weeks in Armenia!

Med-Aid Armenia 2023
Med-Aid 2023 has officially wrapped! Our group spent their time in Armenia conducting health screenings on children throughout the country. We are so thankful for everyone who volunteered their time for this important initiative.

Journey Through Armenia 2023 Application Is Live!
We are excited to announce the Journey Through Armenia 2023 trip for anyone wanting to visit Armenia this fall! If you are interested please use the link below to fill out an interest form and we will follow up with more information! Register by August 1st, space is limited so don’t wait!
Register Here

Paros Charitable Giving
Did you know that you can add The Paros Foundation to your will? Through charitable giving, you can donate to Paros in various ways. To learn more about this form of giving, listen to our podcast episode with Eric Nikssarian, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. Please also feel free to reach out with nay questions, we are happy to discuss!

Social Enterprise In Armenia
Our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros takes a deep dive into learning more about the compelling social enterprise giving model and the impact it’s making throughout the country with Dr. Gary Assarian, who has led the charge in Gyumri.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

# of participants currently on SERVICE Armenia 2023

By Narine

Paros Blog

June 11, 2023

Journey Through Armenia 2023 Registration is Now Open!

October 20th-November 1st, 2023

Experience all Armenia has to offer through an exciting 10 day itinerary, which will include several visits to UNESCO world heritage sites, amazing cultural outings and several visits to Paros project sites.

Opportunities to interact with Armenia’s children through service work will certainly leave you with a memorable and lasting impression. Delicious food, premium accommodations and transportation and English-speaking staff and guides ensure all will have a meaningful experience.

Deadline to sign up is August 1st, 2023. Space is limited so don’t wait!

By Narine

Newsletters

June 5, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – May 2023

New Kindergarten in Marmashen Village

The Shirak Region community of Marmashen now has a functioning kindergarten thanks to this collaborative project between the local community, Focus on Children Now, The Paros Foundation and its donor Ms. Jeanette Boras (CA-USA). The Gala celebration took place on May 4th, 2023 with representatives in attendance from the local community, FCN, parents, Paros staff and most importantly, the students! Up to 60 children will be able to attend kindergarten for the first time in Marmashen. Not only is this a huge benefit for the children as far as socialization and early education, but it is a direct benefit for their families as the children are there for a full day. This is the third Shirak Region community that has benefited from a kindergarten through this collaboration. The other two kindergartens are located in the communities of Keti and Jajur and were sponsored through the generous support of Mark & Charlene Asdourian (CA-USA) last year. The trilateral partnership on these three kindergarten projects broke down as follows: The local communities renovated the buildings to house the kindergartens, Focus on Children Now provided all of the necessary furniture for the children including lockers, tables, chairs, beds and bedding, and The Paros Foundation provided all of the kitchen cabinets, appliances, and all of the cooking, serving and eating settings.

Sswweeeeeet! The Honey Project is Expanding!

Thanks to individual family sponsorships and a generous donation from Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian (MI-USA) the Armenian Honey Project will be expanding into the Shirak Region village of Gusanagyugh near Gyumri. Generous individual support helped fund 32 new beehives. The Assarian family is not only funding 18 more, but their support is sponsoring a new beekeeper’s salary for one year along with field preparatory work that needs to take place prior to the new 50 hives being located within this new community. In addition to creating new jobs in this community, the locally produced honey will ultimately be packaged in the Assarian Clean Kitchen at the Aygepar Business Incubator in Tavush, thus creating new employment opportunities there as well. The economic impact of this project so generously supported by both the Assarian Family and individual donors around the country is significant through both the creation of these three fields of hives, the education taking place in local school curriculums and the packaging and selling of the honey. All in all, this is a pretty sweet project!

$4,000 Remains to Complete Matching Grant

Following a major matching grant funded generously by Mr. & Mrs. Hovhannes & Anahit Mardirossian (NJ-USA) aimed at installing a proper heating system on an emergency basis at the school in the Tavush village of Getahovit, enough funds have been raised over the last 18 months to rebuild the school’s boiler room, replace two boilers, replace all of the school’s heating pipes and radiators, rebuild the school’s chemistry lab and store room, and build a new administrative office for part of the school’s administrative team. Because of the number of students at the school, the school now plans on utilizing a wing of the school that was previously not in service. A third boiler needs to be installed to properly heat that portion of the school. Hovhannes and his wife, Anahit, have again agreed to match all contributions needed to complete this important project of $8,000. We currently need donations of $4,000 to purchase and install the boiler at the school. Learn more and donate here.

Scholarship Fund Created for Komitas Conservatory
Thanks to the vision of the Cultural Society of Istanbul Armenians in Detroit, Michigan, and in memory of one of their supporters, a new scholarship fund is being created that will help a few select students on an annual basis attend the Komitas Conservatory. The Komitas Conservatory is the premier institution in Armenia for musical and vocal education. More on this exciting new fund next month!

Working Towards a New X-ray Machine for Nor Hachen

On May 21, an enthusiastic group of Paros friends and supporters gathered at Momed restaurant in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles to both enjoy one another’s company, an excellent meal and raise funds towards purchasing a new x-ray machine for the Nor Hachen Poly Clinic located about 30 minutes north of Yerevan. During last year’s Med Aid Medical Mission to Armenia, our team of healthcare professionals led by Dr. Krikor Deramerian, spent the day at the clinic and learned of this tremendous need and committed to helping raise the necessary funds to purchase a new machine. The event itself, along with additional support from donations made that evening and contributions from people who were unable to attend, has raised more than half of the funds required to complete this important purchase. The community of Nor Hachen serves more than 30,000 residents and their existing machine from Soviet times is unsafe to use. Learn more and help support this important initiative here.

Journey To Armenia 2023 Interest Form

Experience all Armenia has to offer through an exciting 10 day itinerary, which will include several visits to UNESCO world heritage sites, amazing cultural outings and several visits to Paros project sites. Opportunities to interact with Armenia’s children through service work will certainly leave you with a memorable and lasting impression. Delicious food, premium accommodations and transportation and English-speaking staff and guides ensure all will have a meaningful experience. If you are interested please fill out the form here and we will follow up with more information as it is available!

Adopting a village in Armenia has become an increasingly popular philanthropic model. By rallying efforts around one village, donors are able to make a big difference for people of one community in a meaningful way. Join us as guest Stepan Piligian shares his experience leading the charge on adopting a village in Armenia.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The Birthright Armenia program brings together Armenians from all over the world to experience their ancestral homeland, give back, and ultimately fulfill their birthright. Join us as we interview country director, Sevan Kabakian, about this incredible organization.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The number of kindergartens
Paros has renovated

By Narine

Newsletters

April 30, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – April 2023

Nor Hachen Poly Clinic X-ray Fundraiser
The Nor Hachen Poly Clinic is a full-service medical center, and its existing x-ray machine is unsafe to use and more than 50 years old. A quality portable X-ray will cost approximately $50,000 USD. Our goal is to raise the funds necessary to purchase and deliver a quality machine to the clinic. Any excess funds will be used to purchase additional needed equipment for the clinic. Learn more and donate here.

Sponsor-A-Hive
Sponsor-A-Hive is back for a second time! We are raising funds to launch 50 hives in a new community through the Aygepar Business Incubator and have 16 hives left to sponsor. Expanded honey production will create commercially viable quantities of honey both for local consumption and export. With every $300 donation, you will be able to support one hive, as well as receive a jar of honey with a customizable label. Donate here. Customize label here.

Getahovit School Heating System
Work on expanding the heating system at the Getahovit School is progressing. To complete the expanded heating system we need to raise $4,000. Thanks to the generosity of the Hovhannes Mardirossian & Anahit Ghazaryan, this amount will be matched. Learn more and donate here.

Tavush Wrestling Program
Schools involved in the Tavush Wrestling project with border communities in Tavush have begun their training. Students and coaches are excited and preparing for their upcoming intramural competition in September. Thank you to the Armenian Sports Hall Of Fame for making this happen! Learn more here.

Save The Date Fundraiser For Nor Hachen
Join us in Los Angeles on May 21st for a fundraiser benefiting the Nor Hachen Poly Clinic. This clinic serves an area that includes almost 13,000 people. Although the Clinic is a full-service medical center, its existing X-ray machine is unsafe and more than 50 years old. Contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061 or learn more and RSVP here.

Med-Aid Armenia 2023
Med-Aid Armenia is back again this summer from June 19th – June 29th, 2023! Join our medical group as they make an impact throughout Armenia through medical exams, research, and more! This trip is open to all medical professionals and medical students. Learn more here.

Join us as we hear firsthand what life is like for a tour guide in Armenia with Marine Khatchatryan, a freelance tour guide working with SIMA Tours and also a member of the Paros Team.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The percentage of women that participated in one of our free vocational training courses at the Hianali Beauty Center and vocational training program sponsored by Dr. Gary and Mrs. Linda Assarian and are now earning money in their new career.

By Narine

Paros Blog

April 14, 2023

Speak Up Against Formula 1 In Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is gearing up for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the end of this month.

They are preparing to open up roads in Baku, while at the same time keeping roads closed to Artsakh.

Please take a moment to send our pre-filled email to the race organizers to make them aware of what is taking place. Feel free to also share on social media.

Send Pre-Populated Email

By Narine

Newsletters

March 31, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – March 2023

Matching Challenge Nor Ughi School Gym
162 students attend the village school which is in overall poor condition. Currently, students cannot utilize the gym in its entirety because of the fact that the existing wood flooring is rotten and unsafe to walk on in many areas. Mr. & Mrs. John & June Mangassarian from Rhode Island have pledged to match any contribution to this important project to help. $30K is needed to make this project a reality! Donate here.

Fitness Training For Village Kids
The DaVArd Gym in Arshaluys Village was established by Davit Vardumyan, a worldwide Taekwondo competitor. Davit provides 70 children from his, and nearby communities, with free of charge training and use of the facilities. Davit is hoping to expand and offer boxing classes and is in need of some equipment. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the amount needed in order to help obtain 150 floor mats and heavy bags. Donate here.

New Home In Maghavuz, Artsakh
Manvel Nersisyan, his wife and four kids moved into their newly renovated home in Artsakh, which was completed during the start of the blockade. Despite the blockade, we are very happy to have been able to move a family into their new home after losing their previous home during the war.

Sponsor-A-Hive
Sponsor-A-Hive is back for a second time! We are raising funds to launch 50 hives in a new community through the Aygepar Business Incubator. Expanded honey production will create commercially viable quantities of honey both for local consumption and export. With every $300 donation, you will be able to support one hive, as well as receive a jar of honey with a customizable label. Donate here. Customize your label here.

Aygepar Incubator Feed
The production of high-quality pig food is now being produced locally and distributed to stores in the Berd Area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. In addition, local alfalfa was grown on previously abandoned nearby land specifically for use in this feed creating additional employment opportunities for local villagers. This project, along with the Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Linda Assarian sponsored honey project and the orchard and aquaponics project in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are all part of our economic development efforts designed to create job opportunities and prosperity on the border.

Apelian Dental Clinic Re-Opened
The Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Disabled Children & Young People Center NGO has been providing free dental services to disabled children and impoverished families and is now back after a brief hiatus. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support the expenses of the Apelian Dental Clinic and put a smile on a child’s face! The monthly expenses to operate the clinic amount to $1,500. Donate here.

Spots still open for SERVICE Armenia
We still have room for more people to participate in SERVICE Armenia this summer! Join other participants on a meaningful trip to Armenia, giving back, touring, and connecting with the homeland! The trip will take place from June 24th-July 15th for participants ages 17-23. Apply here.

Learn more about opportunities to make an impact while also creating a tax benefit in our newest podcast episode exploring charitable giving strategies with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, Eric Nikssarian.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

The # of hives still available to sponsor through our Sponsor-A-Hive initiative

By Narine

Paros Blog

March 17, 2023

Sponsor-A-Hive Back Again!

Economic opportunities for rural Armenian communities are scarce. To help address this important issue, The Paros Foundation has launched several initiatives aimed at job creation in rural communities. This includes planting more than 800 fruit-bearing trees, establishing a pig farm, fertilizer production, small animal feed production and honey production. These economic development opportunities are all administered under the auspices of the Aygepar Business Incubator, which provides rent-free space, sanitary conditions and marketing and technical expertise to local businesses.

The Paros Foundation successfully launched a high quality honey production just outside of the village of Verin Tsakhavan and later, in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region with 200 bee hives. The immediate goal is to expand this production adding 50 more bee hives in a new community. This will both add to the commercially viable quantities of high-altitude, raw honey, and will lead to expanded job creation and opportunities in the market place. All components of this important project are manufactured locally in the Armenian market including the hives, bee families, wax starter sheets and concrete block stands. Even the glass jars for sale are manufactured in Armenia!

In addition to this project’s job creating and economic benefits, as with the hives in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, these new hives will serve as an educational curriculum for students at the school in the new village that is ultimately selected. This living classroom approach has proved very successful to date.