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The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.

Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

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.

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.

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 for more information.

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.

Donate Here
Customize Your Label
By Narine
Paros Blog
March 12, 2023

SERVICE Armenia 2023 Application Deadline Extended!

June 24th – July 15th, 2023
Ages 17-22

This trip will be three weeks with the same programming as past years. Participants aged 17-23 will serve, tour, and play in Armenia. Participant fees are $2,250 per person including a $400 charitable contribution, not including airfare.

Deadline to apply extended to March 31st!

SERVICE Armenia Application

If you have any questions about our SERVICE Armenia 2023 program please call Peter Abajian, Executive Director at (310) 400-9061 or contact him via email pabajian@gmail.com. For flight inquiries, please contact Shake at SIMA Tours SimaTours@gmail.com

By Narine
Press Releases
March 9, 2023

Finally, A Gym For Abovyan School #8

Since Soviet time, children at Abovyan’s School #8 did not have a gym for their physical education. The gym at the school had a leaky roof, broken windows and no heat. This made the facility too dangerous for students to use. Physical Education classes were held in regular classrooms and limited to individual sports or simple exercise. On February 20th, the newly renovated gym was officially opened thanks to the efforts of The Paros Foundation and supporter Seda Melkoni.

“Thanks to the leadership of Seda Melkoni, and her circle of supporters, this large gym project which will serve almost 500 students is now a reality. Together with her supporters, we have now completed the renovation of three of the six building’s roofs and now this large L-shaped gymnasium.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

While the work on the medical center was completed in September of 2022—and the staff began work at the new center–the official ribbon cutting was delayed until mid-February because of the September attack on Armenia by Azerbaijan.
Before
After

During the opening celebration, Lusine Baghdasaryan, Principal of the school spoke about the challenges of not having a gym for students to use. She praised the work of The Paros Foundation work crew and staff, contributions from the Kotayk Regional Governor’s office and Abovyan Municipality. Students performed an exhibition of dance, song, gymnastics and martial arts for the guests.

The renovation of the gymnasium included the installation of a new ceiling, new smaller (energy efficient) windows, new electrical system and lighting, new heating system, new doors and the restoration of the flooring. New safety netting was installed throughout to protect the ceiling and windows from breakage. In addition to the renovation work overseen by The Paros Foundation, the Kotayk Regional Government provided funding for the new windows and the Municipality of Abovyan provided new sporting equipment for the school’s use. This work was all made possible through the support of the Berejikian and Melkonian Families with a special thanks to ELSO Foundation and donations in memory of Sogomon Dordulian.
By Narine
Newsletters
February 28, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – February 2023

Abovyan School #8 Gym Opening
We are so excited to announce that the Abovyan School #8 gym is now complete! A huge thank you to Seda Melkoni for leading the charge on raising funds for these renovations, and a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a reality. The students and families can now enjoy many extracurricular activities in their new facilities for years to come! Learn more here.

Akunk Medical Center Opening
The Paros Foundation completed the reconstruction of this partially renovated facility with the support of Mr. Alex Cherchian (TX-USA), installing the center’s heating system, completing the plaster and painting, installing flooring throughout and completing the plumbing systems and bathroom. Learn more here.

Aquaponics On The Border Training
Facing the challenges of limited water, limited access to land, and the challenges of weather, an aquaponic growing system for food is a perfect solution for border communities. Participants were sent to trainings to learn more about the operation and management of the aquaponics system in anticipation of our launch in the near future. Learn more here.

Medz Masrik Nurse’s Room Opening
We are excited to announce that the Nurse’s room at the Medz Masrik School is now open! Thank you to Audrey Bogosian, SERVICE Alumni for supporting this important effort!

Med-Aid Armenia 2023 Dates Announced
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. Please reach out here for more information.

SERVICE Armenia 2023
For the past ten years, The Paros Foundation has provided a space for youth from around the world to experience Armenia in extraordinary ways. With a focus on service, this trip provides participants with a deeper connection to Armenia and its people. The trip will take place from June 24th-July 15th for participants ages 17-23. Apply here.

Stay tuned for our newest episode coming out tomorrow! In this episode, we interview Teny Avakian, CEO of GOALS, Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer, to learn more about life for girls in villages throughout Armenia and how sports is now an integral part of instilling a strong female future for Armenia.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The # of days Artsakh has been blockaded by Azerbaijan

By Narine
Press Releases
February 17, 2023

Akunk Village Now Has A Medical Center For Its Residents

The Gegharkunik Region village of Akunk has a new medical center thanks to the work of The Paros Foundation through the benefactor Mr. Alex Cherchian (SC-USA). Prior to the completion of this new center, the medical staff worked to address the needs of more than 4,500 people in this community from a room in the nearby village school.

“The fact that Akunk did not have a dedicated medical center space with sanitary conditions to adequately service its population was a huge program. I would like to extend our appreciation to Mr. Alex Cherchian and his family for sponsoring this important project.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Paros Staff, Akunk Medical Center Staff, Tavush Regional Deputy Governor, Akunk Village Representative and Head of the Vardenis Consolidated Community celebrate the opening of the Akunk Medical Center.

While the work on the medical center was completed in September of 2022—and the staff began work at the new center–the official ribbon cutting was delayed until mid-February because of the September attack on Armenia by Azerbaijan.

In 2020, the Regional Government of Gegharkunik partially renovated the facility, but never completed the work. The Paros Foundation installed the center’s heating system, completed the plaster and painting, installed flooring throughout and completed the plumbing systems and bathroom. Now the center is fully equipped with a laboratory, restroom, patient exam rooms and administrative offices.

By Narine
Press Releases
February 10, 2023

Nerkin Tsaghkavan Gets A Kindergarten After 32 Years

Families in the Tavush border village of Nerkin Tsaghkavan did not have a functioning kindergarten since Armenia’s Independence in 1991. Thanks to the efforts of The Paros Foundation and the sponsorship of many generous donors including the Dadourian Foundation (NY-USA) and contributions in memory of Sona Apelian (CA-USA) this community and its children will now enjoy the benefits of early education. Joining Paros staff for the ribbon cutting were Tavush Regional Governor Mr. Hayk Ghalumyan, Head of the Ijevan Consolidated Community Mr. Artur Chagharyan, other regional and municipal officials, kindergarten staff, parents and children, along with staff from Focus on Children Now, who provided furniture for the kindergarten.

“Today is an amazing day for the more than 500 residents of Nerkin Tsaghkavan. Not only will children and their families benefit from the existence of a functioning kindergarten in the village, but new employment opportunities now exist for people in this community.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Head of the Ijevan Consolidated Community Mr. Artur Chagharyan and Paros Executive Director Peter Abajian cut the ribbon on the new kindergarten in the village of Nerkin Tsaghkavan.
The community of Nerkin Tsaghkavan provided an abandoned building that would be suitable to house a kindergarten for up to 30 children. The Paros Foundation’s team both expanded and reconfigured the space to facilitate its operation as a kindergarten. Aside from expanding the facility, work on the building included installing a new roof, new windows, plumbing, electrical, plaster, paint and flooring. To help make the heating system particularly efficient, an under floor hot water heating system was utilized.
By Narine
Newsletters
January 31, 2023

This Month at The Paros Foundation – January 2023

Mobile Dental Clinic
For years our mobile dental clinic and our dedicated staff of professionals, have tended to the dental needs and oral hygiene of hundreds of thousands of children in various locations throughout Armenia. With your generous support, our work toward the future will continue. Learn more and donate here.

Nerkin Tsaghkavan Kindergarten Opening
The community of Nerkin Tsaghkavan in Armenia’s Tavush Region has not had a working kindergarten for the last 32 years. Thanks to the generous support of many donors including the Dadourian Foundation, The Paros Foundation rebuilt and expanded a building in the community to house the new kindergarten. Paros, Focus on Children Now, the Tavush Regional Government and the Consolidated Community of Ijevan joined forces to make this dream for the community of Nerkin Tsaghkavan a reality!

Med-Aid Armenia 2023 Dates Announced
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. Please reach out here for more information.

SERVICE Armenia 2023
For the past ten years, The Paros Foundation has provided a space for youth from around the world to experience Armenia in extraordinary ways. With a focus on service, this trip provides participants with a deeper connection to Armenia and its people. The trip will take place from June 24th-July 15th for participants ages 17-23. Apply here.

First Trip To Armenia in 2023
Executive Director Peter Abajian is in Armenia for his first trip of 2023. On the agenda for this trip, Abajian will be visiting project sites currently under construction, The Debi Arach Children’s Center and the recently completed and opened kindergarten expansion in Verishen, and following up with the implementation of our High-Tech educational project with schools. In addition, we are looking forward to the ribbon cuttings at several project sites including the Akunk Medical Center, the nurses’ station at the Medz Masrik School, the newly built and expanded kindergarten in Nerkin Tsaghkavan and the Gym at School #8 in Abovyan! New project development is also part of the plan.

Stay tuned for our newest episode coming out tomorrow! In this episode, we interview Dr. Krirkor Deramerian, Pediatrician and Med Aid Armenia leader, about medical missions to Armenia, the medical landscape of the country, and the future of medicine in Armenia. Listen to the two-part episode on Wednesday, February 1st!

Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.

 

 

The # of people continuing to be blockaded in Artsakh by Azerbaijan.

By Narine