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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.

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2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Category: Press Releases

Press Releases
October 25, 2024

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Receives Complete Renovation

On October 3, representatives from the local community, lead project sponsor, representatives of The Paros Foundation and officials of the consolidated community of Goris gathered for the re-opening celebration of Khndzoresk Kindergarten. This renovation will now allow the kindergarten to facilitate the early education for up to 100 children from this important border community.

“Today is such an exciting day for everyone here in the village of Khndzoresk, but especially for the children! Having a safe, comfortable and inviting atmosphere in which to begin their early education is absolutely a game changer. With this newly renovated space, the kindergarten will be able to launch another group, providing services for 100 children beginning at the age of two.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Adrienne, Aram and Brian Krikorian of California generously supported this important project in memory of their mother and father, Lucine and Haig Aram Krikorian. Haig Krikorian’s family roots hail from Khndzoresk, and Adrienne and her parents, visited the village in 2005.

 

“My father spent the day in the village touring and talking with the children. He was very touched. Completing this renovation in my parent’s memory makes me feel as if we made their wishes complete.”

-Adrienne Krikorian, Donor

The kindergarten received a new roof, new staircase, new heating system, new bathrooms and a thorough cosmetic renovation throughout including new flooring, paint and lighting. Focus on Children Now, a trusted and long-time partner organization, generously supplied the new furniture for the kindergarten.

Prior to the renovation, the kindergarten operated with approximately 50 children in two groups. A leaky roof, lack of proper sanitation and water issues throughout the buildings created poor conditions for both the health of the children and their learning. Now, an additional group of younger children will be added in the coming weeks allowing the population of the kindergarten to increase to 100 children. The renovation also resulted in additional jobs. In addition to the direct benefits to these children, parents will be able to more easily work, knowing their children are being cared for in a safe and inviting environment.

By Narine
Press Releases
October 20, 2024

2024 SERVICE Armenia Leaves Strong Impressions by Alina Kouzouian

This summer, I had the honor of co-coordinating Paros’ SERVICE Armenia group, leading and working alongside 19 young-adults ages 17-23. SERVICE is a three-week service trip that takes participants all around their Armenian homeland, touring, serving, and of course, having fun along the way! While the crux of the trip is to give-back to our homeland and our people, especially given the turmoil of recent years, the cultural exposure and experiences of participants remains at the forefront. Having been to Armenia several times prior to my SERVICE trip, I truly felt that this summer provided me with a new viewpoint on my own roots and values as an Armenian, and getting to experience that while making worthwhile memories with new friends is something I will never forget.

 

“Having been to Armenia several times prior to my SERVICE trip, I truly felt that this summer provided me with a new viewpoint on my own roots and values as an Armenian, and getting to experience that while making worthwhile memories with new friends is something I will never forget.”

There are countless angles from which I could approach my experience with SERVICE. I could take you down memory lane and recount comical moments, like when participants felt the heat of the lavash oven for the first time, or the ‘which Armenian dialect is superior’ fight we had at the start of week two. Or, I could share a bit about the bonds built between new friends, like when my roommates and I problem-solved to clean up the flood from our washing machine (the instructions were written in Russian, and we put it on the wrong setting — oops!), or when we left a bag of ice cream cones in the sun during a work-day and came back to a vanilla puddle. I could also take you down the emotional journey that took place when we visited the dilapidated housing facilities that Gyumri earthquake survivors have lived in for decades. Regardless of which path we venture down, our group shared moments of joy, sadness, inspiration, and hope every day.

The desire of our participants to take initiative to support vulnerable communities in Armenia and put others before themselves was truly inspiring. Our mission was to provide aid to displaced families and communities in need of both material and emotional support. Our service days spanned from a fulfilling day at Victory (amusement) Park, with people from the Kharpert Home for Special Children, to assembling hundreds of non-perishable food packs to sustain an underprivileged family for one month. Throughout this journey, I witnessed the profound impact that a small but dedicated group of individuals can have on the lives of those facing overwhelming challenges.

From the very beginning, our group was united by a common goal: to provide meaningful assistance to families who were now striving to build, or in the case of Artsakh families, rebuild their lives in a new environment. Our collective efforts included distributing essential supplies, helping to improve living conditions, and creating a sense of community for the refugees through our presence and interactions.

One of the most memorable aspects of SERVICE Armenia was the opportunity to connect personally with the displaced and overlooked families we were serving. While language barriers and cultural differences could have been obstacles, what truly mattered was the shared Armenianness and sense of community we experienced. Families in Gyumri welcomed dozens of American strangers into their humble domik homes, and still offered us sweets, soorj, or whatever they had available. The hospitality and gratitude of our Armenian brothers and sisters was refreshing, and the smiles, and warmth we received in return for our actions were beyond words.

Each family’s story was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. These families had faced unimaginable hardship from fleeing their homes in the case of Artsakh refugees to Gyumri families living in domiks and dilapidated housing since the earthquake–yet they remained hopeful and determined to build a new life. Our role was to provide more than just material support; we offered a sense of solidarity, showing them that they were not alone in their journey, and that Armenians are not forgotten.

Being a SERVICE coordinator taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, teamwork, and the importance of giving back. SERVICE Armenia is more than just a group providing aid; it is a movement that empowers both the people we serve and those who take part in it. Leading this team required patience, communication, and a deep understanding of the needs of both the volunteers and the families we worked to help.

Through each project, from distributing food packages to helping renovate new housing ventures, I learned the power of small actions to make a lasting difference. Watching my team come together to solve problems, support each other, and create positive change reaffirmed my belief in the importance of community service.

As I reflect on my time with SERVICE Armenia, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a compassionate group. The experience deepened my connection to Armenia and its people, especially those facing adversity. The refugee families we supported reminded me that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience prevail.

The bonds formed during this time, both within our team and with the families we served, will stay with me forever. As a group leader, I am proud of what we accomplished, but even more so of the lasting impact SERVICE Armenia continues to have. This experience has inspired me to continue working in service, knowing that even the smallest efforts can bring light to those in need.

 

 

Alina Kouzouian is an Armenian American from Boston, Massachusetts who co-coordinated SERVICE Armenia 2024 this summer.

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By Narine
Press Releases
October 12, 2024

The Profound Meaning of “Moving Forward” by Alina Kouzouian

A Deep Dive Into Debi Arach Children’s Center
 
 
What does it mean to
“move forward” when all
you have known is the
life you have lived?

For many children in vulnerable communities, like those served by the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, imagining a brighter future can seem daunting and unfathomable. Yet, through the support and consistency of Debi Arach’s afterschool programs, more than 180 children are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve in order to break the cycle of hardship and “move forward” with hope and optimism for the future of both these children and our Armenian homeland.

My initial visit to Debi Arach took place in the summer of 2016, nearly a year after its opening. At that time, the Center was still a young project, infused with hope for the future and a vision to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the children and the community of Gyumri. The energy was palpable, and it was clear that this initiative held the promise of transforming the lives of the children and the community.

This year, nearly a decade later, I had the privilege of witnessing the aspirations of the ‘2016 Debi Arach Children’s Center’ come to fruition countless times. The growth of the Center, both in its capacity and impact, has been nothing short of inspiring. During my time in Armenia this summer with The Paros Foundation, I had the opportunity to visit Debi Arach on five occasions. Each visit was a reminder of the dedication and love that continue to drive this initiative forward.

Spending time with children of all ages as they learn to overcome their differences over a communal game of soccer, or help their friends improve their grammar or artistic ability truly sheds light on the value that Debi Arach brings to the lives of young individuals in Gyumri. We all know how vulnerable and formative adolescence is. It’s a time filled with embarrassment, adventure, self-exploration, and a lot of trial and error by way of fashion mishaps and friendship drama. Sprinkle in the added family pressures of financial struggles, multigenerational households, and lack of encouragement that many children in Gyumri face, and you realize just how important it is to have an external support system and a place of belonging.

Debi Arach provides underprivileged children a safe, second-home, where they continue to learn and socialize, but most importantly, it provides them a place where they feel seen and can focus on loving and valuing themselves. The Center is a place free from the drama of wearing the right outfit or having the newest toys, or being the ‘smartest’ kid in the class. It’s a welcoming place that accepts every child as they are, and seeks to help them be leaders in their own growth.

During one of the afternoons I spent at Debi Arach, I sat in on each of the afternoon class sessions (history, language, and art). While the lessons differ by age group, the experiences shared between the students and their teachers share a common thread: Armenian pride.

A lesson for the youngest group to teach them the Ayp Pen Keem turned into a Q&A where students asked every imaginable question about Armenian identity. Sevak’s inquiry of, “are Azeris and Turks just like Armenians?” made way for an inspiring conversation about what it means to be Armenian, and why our peoples’ history and struggles is not our defining factor. She taught them the phrase and value of “Armenian-ism” (“hayaseerootyoon”), and that her hope for her students was that they would “never see what happened to our generations past.” Suddenly, the energy in the room of young minds shifted from a place of fear of being Armenian in their geographic position, to being proud and defending their culture and continuing to outwardly represent and redefine Armenian identity.

In the art classroom, the teacher prompted students to draw a dream they have, or something they wish could be reality. Amongst her peers’ drawings of a flying car, a pink elephant, and a half- dog-half-monkey hybrid, Anna drew herself at the top of Mt. Ararat, holding an Armenian flag. She displayed her piece with a smile and sense of pride. At first, a shiver ran down my spine when I saw her work. Then I realized how inspiring it is that the next generation could dream something into reality, reclaiming something so fundamentally Armenian and continuing to push to achieve the goals of generations past.

The history classroom had children jumping at the chance to recite the story of “Hayk” to their teacher and explain to me, their Amerikatsi visitor, the difference between Hayk the name and Hayk the Armenian people. Following their lesson, Elina and Nara begged the teacher to turn on Ghapama by Harout Pamboukjian and started dancing their favorite Armenian line dances to celebrate their success in class.

Regardless of which classroom I was in, the students at Debi Arach intertwined their Armenian identities and individual expression into their work. When they come to the Center, children are able to be themselves and ask the tough questions, play around without fear of judgment, and learn to take pride in who they are. Anna “loves to draw and use pretty colors, and at Debi Arach [she feels she] can do that every day.” The Center gives Sevak “a place to be Armenian.” And it provides Elina and Nara “a place to laugh with friends and have fun.” Debi Arach provides opportunities to children to fully embrace the opportunities of life and enjoy every step along the way of reaching their fullest potential.

And, as promised, to my new friends Hasmik, Hripsime, and Sveta — until we dance together in the grass again! The warmth and joy shared during our time together will forever be in my heart.

On my final day at Debi Arach for the summer, I witnessed the distribution of new school supplies to the children and their families who walked through the Center’s doors. The participants of Paros’ SERVICE Armenia program assembled nearly 200 supply-filled backpacks as gifts for the children of Debi Arach prior to the new school year.

The joy on young Samvel’s face when he saw Spiderman on his new backpack and the excitement Ani felt when she discovered the Barbie-themed supplies in store for her made every effort we put into our work feel worthwhile tenfold. The feeling of love and appreciation exuded from the children and their families as a result of our group efforts and left SERVICE participants feeling empowered and inspired by the resiliency of the children of Gyumri. These moments served as powerful reminders of the tangible impact that small acts of kindness can have on a community.

Thanks to the generosity and good-natured intentions of both local and diasporan Armenian communities, Debi Arach is able to provide comfort, safety, motivation, encouragement, and hope to over 180 children and their families in vulnerable conditions. In a continued effort to further the potential successes and secure futures of Gyumri’s youth, The Paros Foundation has broken ground on a second Debi Arach location, designed to meet the needs of diverse communities within the ever- evolving city of Gyumri.

As Armenians, Gyumri represents both the horrors of our past and our collective perseverance, embodying our enduring hope for a brighter future. Paros’ new Debi Arach venture, featuring a vibrant Vocational Training Center and housing for 27 families, will provide a fresh environment to continue fostering the longevity and prosperous future of Gyumri and its resilient residents. This expansion reaffirms the commitment to ensuring that Gyumri’s next generation has the tools, opportunities, and support to thrive. I invite everyone to visit or make a contribution to the goings on of Debi Arach, and experience a place where life truly is “moving forward.”

Learn More
By Narine
Press Releases
July 9, 2024

Two New Families Move into New Homes in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Atamian Family Announces 8th $100,000 Commitment To Border Village Communities

On June 23, Sarkis S. and his family, who are refugees from Artsakh’s Martakert Region, moved into their new rebuilt permanent home in the border community of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Karine S. and her two young sons also moved into a fully rebuilt home in the same village. Jean-Marie, Lori, Narine and Stepan Atamian made this possible through their generous and continuous support of this important border community.

“With the completion of these two homes for families in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, I am pleased to announce an additional $100,000 commitment for new home reconstruction in border communities in the Tavush Region. I am proud of the impact my family and I have had in these communities and look forward to the next phase of our family’s investment.”

-Jean-Marie Atamian

Beginning in 2013, the family of Jean-Marie Atamian, working through The Paros Foundation, initiated what has now become a comprehensive investment program to rebuild the infrastructure and housing stock of this important border village with a growing population of over 1,100 residents located in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. In prior decades, this strategic village had suffered from a lack of investment, creating difficult living conditions.

The early phase of the Atamian family’s redevelopment plan was to finance the complete reconstruction of the village’s infrastructure including its large secondary school, expanded kindergarten, medical center, emergency services building and water distribution system. Agribusiness and animal husbandry projects were also implemented during this initial period.

Left: Sarkis S. and his family in their new home Right: Karine S. and her two children in their new home

The Atamian family then turned its focus on the large-scale rebuilding and reconstruction of severely damaged houses to provide quality and secure homes for deserving families. To date, the Atamian family has financed the rebuilding of 19 houses. Most recently, the village celebrated the opening of two completely rebuilt homes. One is for a mother of two young boys who lost their father, and the other house is for the family of Sarkis S., who came to the village with his wife and their four young children after having lost their home in Artsakh.

Sarkis (who serves as a border guard) is a hard worker who is eager to start a new life in the village with his growing family. The large two-floor house has been provided with new furniture, kitchen appliances and a bathroom. The cost of the project was $33,000. Sarkis S. and his family are the 8th family from Artsakh resettled into the community of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur since the 2020 War and the 33rd family from Artsakh that has benefited from The Paros Foundation’s resettlement effort.

“In addition to providing families with dramatically improved living conditions, these projects continue to create material benefits to the local economy by providing long-term construction jobs and promoting the purchase of furniture and materials manufactured in Armenia. This highly successful village sponsorship model can be replicated in other border communities by other diasporan families and organizations.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

By Narine
Featured PostsPress Releases
May 24, 2024

Community Housing in Goris

The Paros Foundation is pleased to launch a new effort to provide permanent housing for older Artsakh refugees with the purchase of a home for the Community Living for Older Refugees project in the community of Goris.

This home will serve as a group home for older refugees to offer them a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to live dignified lives. Ten residents will be selected from older refugees currently living in the area. The project will be administered in coordination with the local Goris municipality and renovations on the home will be starting in the coming weeks.

“Following the mass exodus from Artsakh in September 2023, many older refugees have no one to look after them, very little income, and are left without affordable housing options. Providing group housing for these older refugees can alleviate their challenges, especially after leaving so much of their lives behind in Artsakh.”

-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

*Seniors pictured are not the same seniors in the housing program.

The community living home is situated in the community of Verishen and is adjacent to the Syunik city of Goris. The home has a large footprint that will provide both communal and private living spaces in addition to a large plot of land with fruit trees and garden spaces. The home even has a chicken coop should the future residents care to keep chickens! It is envisioned that the home will be equipped with both solar hot water systems and solar panels to keep utility costs low.

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This is the newest housing project in a series of successful permanent housing that The Paros Foundation has purchased and renovated for Artsakh refugees including three in Geghamasar, two in Meds Masrik, two in Vardenis, one in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, four in Kajaran, and 10 new homes that are being built in the neighborhood of Qeti in the village of Kajaran. With this addition, The Paros Foundation continues to assist refugees of every age, building not just homes, but communities where they can restart their lives.
By Narine
Press Releases
May 17, 2024

Assarian Vocational Training Program Resurging at The Lenten Textile Factory

The Assarian Vocational Training Program has launched a new round of
training at the Lentex Textile Factory in the village of Akhuryan just outside of Gyumri. Part of The Paros Foundation and the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, The Assarian Vocational Training Program has launched a new segment of training classes on sewing for 15 participants including two women who were forcefully displaced from Artsakh last year. At the end of their training, it is expected that all of the participants will be hired as full-time employees at the Lentex Factory.

This new round of training follows the successful 2021 training sponsored through the Assarian Vocational Training Program. Participants then were able to participate in sewing classes at the Lentex Textile Factory headquarters in Gyumri. This training proved to be wildly successful as all 12 participants were hired full-time following the completion of the classes. Today, they are still gainfully employed at Lentex.

“The Assarian Vocational Training Program continues its mission of providing real-world vocational training for people who want to work. Within two short months, these participants are training and will have secured meaningful employment and a way of supporting their families.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

“We are committed to creating a diverse number of opportunities for people. So far, it is uncanny how successful program participants have been. Through vocational training, people are able to have employment opportunities because they now have a marketable trade. The vocational training covers a vast span of local industries giving people an opportunity to live free and prosper where they currently reside. Part of our mission is to instill opportunities for local Armenians to be able to earn a living
in Armenia and stay in Armenia.”
-Dr. Gary Assarian

By Narine
Press Releases
May 7, 2024

Successful Evening in Los Angeles for the 2nd Annual Med-Aid Fundraiser Benefiting the Nor Hachen Polyclinic!

On April 28, 2024, the Med-Aid Armenia 2nd Annual Fundraiser was held raising funds for new medical equipment purchases for the Nor Hachen Polyclinic.

More than 75 attendees gathered at the restaurateur Alex Sarkissian’s chic restaurant Momed in support of the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. Currently, the polyclinic lacks basic equipment that prevents it from successfully serving its patients. As a result of the event’s success, several new pieces of equipment will be purchased and delivered in the coming weeks. The new equipment will help bring the polyclinic up to Western standards.

“Dr. Krikor Deramerian worked hands-on with the polyclinic’s staff to better understand their situation and where we can engage to make a real difference. At the same time, the Armenian government has agreed to renovate the physical space later this year. The work we are doing collectively to equip the Nor Hachen Polyclinic and provide them with additional necessary training will have a long-term positive impact.”
-Peter Abajian, Executive Director

The reach of the Nor Hachen Polyclinic is expansive, serving almost 13,000 people in the Nor Hachen community. The polyclinic provides primary care, ambulance services, and some specialty services. During last year’s Med-Aid Armenia Annual Fundraiser, enough funds were raised to purchase a new x-ray machine for the Nor Hachen Polyclinic. The medical equipment purchased with funds raised from this year’s event will greatly improve the services offered at the polyclinic and leave a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and made it a success.

“By bringing new equipment and implementing staff training we are helping improve care delivery for patients. My goal is to create a sustainable and efficient process that is going to improve the health care of Nor Hachen. As we move forward, I hope that the Nor Hachen Polyclinic will serve as an example for other polyclinics in Armenia.”
-Dr. Krikor Deramerian

The Paros Foundation created the Med-Aid Armenia program to administer medical missions as well as to improve the conditions of clinics around the country, and this summer the 5th medical mission will occur providing medical services to those in need. Through The Paros Foundation, Med-Aid Armenia has made improvements to seven clinics in Armenia, including ongoing efforts made at the Nor Hachen Polyclinic.

By Narine
Press Releases
November 15, 2023

Paros Breaks Ground on Housing, After-School & Vocational Center

Government officials, staff, friends, and supporters all gathered for the official groundbreaking on October 30, 2023, of The Paros Foundation’s new housing, vocational training and children’s center building in Gyumri. Once completed, this new facility will have a significant impact on Gyumri’s housing problem with at least 22 new apartments for domik families. In addition, a second location of the Debi Arach Children’s Center will be located on the building’s first floor, which will provide services for more than 150 children daily. Finally, the Assarian Vocational Training Program and social enterprise consisting of training in the garment-making industry will train and employ an estimated 50 people a year. In all, it is expected that the economic impact of this new facility will top $1 million its first year of operation.

“Today is an exciting day that we have been working towards for the past year. I would like to thank the Municipality of Gyumri for its trust in us by suggesting this project, and to everyone that worked with such dedication in helping to transfer the property to us. Now our work will begin to develop this exciting project.”
Peter Abajian, Executive Director

Following seismic upgrades and the construction of one more story, the facility will house three floors of residential apartments. In addition, space on the first floor will be allocated for a sewing and vocational training center that will be The Paros Foundation’s second social enterprise in Gyumri. The project budget to complete construction on the entire building is estimated to cost $800,000. $300,000 has already been raised towards this important effort. Construction is estimated to take between 15 and 18 months depending on weather conditions.

Learn more and help us raise the remaining $500,000 to complete this project here.

Learn More & Donate
By Narine
Press Releases
September 15, 2023

Hear From the Participants, SERVICE Armenia 2023 Was a Huge Success!

From June 26th to July 15th 2023, a group of young Armenian diasporans participated in our SERVICE Armenia program, engaging in Armenia through volunteer work and service projects. Nineteen participants and two coordinators traveled to Armenia from various regions throughout the United States, including Northern and Southern California, Texas, and Tennessee. During their time in Armenia, their volunteer efforts included taking orphans and disabled youth from Yerevan Children’s Home and Kharpert Home for Special Children to amusement park excursions, working on renovations to the Talin School of Music, teaching kids at the Debi Arach Children’s Center how to play Lacrosse, packing and distributing groceries through our Groceries for Gyumri initiative, and helping clean out one of The Paros Foundation’s new projects- Paros Housing, After-School and Vocational Center.

Please read our two first-hand accounts, one from a participant and one from a coordinator. Participant Nicole Timour is a high school senior from Southern California and 2023 was her first year as a SERVICE Armenia participant. Coordinator Renée Deramerian is a sophomore in college from Southern California and 2023 is her fifth year involved with SERVICE Armenia.

 

 

“Although I had previously visited, this trip allowed me to return with the intention of giving back.”

-Nicole Timour

“Living in the diaspora community, there is only so much you can do to give back to your homeland from 7,193 miles away. A month ago, SERVICE Armenia gave me the opportunity to return to Armenia on their three week long volunteering trip. Although I had previously visited, this trip allowed me to return with the intention of giving back. Our main purpose was to contribute and improve Armenia; however, we still toured and saw all the historical sights we had been educated on throughout the trip. The first week we arrived our program coordinator Marina took us to the Erebuni Fortress, Ambert Fortress, and multiple museums that educated us on our ancestors and culture. Looking back, these early trips allowed us volunteers to connect and form close bonds no matter our age differences. The first act of service we completed was handing out bags of groceries in Gyumri. When walking through their city, I noticed scattered shipping containers converted into homes. The families we met still welcomed us into their homes and were extremely thankful for the necessities donated to them. Although a small act of service, every member of the trip felt like their eyes were opened to the true extent of the Gyumri housing crisis. What was the most touching was how selfless each family truly was, handing us volunteers chocolates and fruits as a token of their appreciation.

As the trip continued our agenda began to fill up. We renovated classrooms at Talin Music School, taught students from the Debi Arach Children’s Center how to play lacrosse, spent time with the Kharpert Home for Special Children, and participated in many more acts of service. Finally, traveling with SERVICE Armenia allowed me to not only connect with Armenians from all over the world, but also create a second family I will never forget. Being with individuals instilled with the same values and purpose as I hold allowed us all to truly connect and make the experience a lot more meaningful. When first embarking on this trip, I thought I would only be giving back a small percentage to my community; I hope traveling to Armenia with the purpose of service showed the citizens of Armenia that the Armenian diaspora holds an unbreakable bond with them.”
-Nicole Timour

 

 

“There was not a day on the trip that didn’t go by with laughter and positive energy. And the days we worked the hardest, we had the most fun.”

-Renée Deramerian

“2018 was the first year I visited Armenia with my family. Of course, my brother and I would hear stories of it growing up but we never actually visited and got to experience it ourselves. My parents planned a three week-long trip, two and a half of those weeks consisting of my mom and dad dragging a then fifteen and twelve year old all over Armenia. Initially, the thought of a trip that long sounded like overkill, but as soon as we began touring the country, the stories we were told did not come close to describing the beauty of it all. Intricate monasteries built thousands of years ago, beautiful nature, and people equally as beautiful in spirit and warmth. Towards the end of the trip, my parents had planned for us to broaden our horizons by joining the Paros Foundation for a couple of days. In those two final days we helped renovate Taline Music School and packed groceries for locals in Gyumri living in less-than-ideal housing situations as part of the Groceries for Gyumri project. If you ask my brother and I today what we remembered from that first trip in 2018, we could only tell you stories of the last two days we were there in vivid detail and with smiles on our faces and fondness in our hearts.

Since then, we have gone back to Armenia every year and every year we have gone back with The Paros Foundation in some capacity. In 2019 and 2022, we went as “honorary participants”, meaning we did everything but stay with the program in the SERVICE house.

2020 of course was a hard year for everyone, both in terms of COVID and the political tensions that led to war in Armenia. We did not go back that year. The following year, I went back as an official participant and truly felt as though I was a part of the group as I had wanted to be for so long. The experience was unique in itself. To add to it, my father had other aspirations for his trip. He took charge of a Paros’ medical mission called MedAid Armenia in which he provides checkups to kids in different parts of the country and we all tagged along, adding yet again ANOTHER layer of depth to the experience and making it all the more fulfilling.

In 2023, my brother joined as a participant and I joined as a coordinator, meaning I was in charge of watching the participants when we were not participating in a tour or a service day. This year, it was different. My brother and I had urged our friends to join the program and join they did. There were twenty-one kids (including the two coordinators) which was more than I had ever seen participate in the program. I was intimidated by the number initially, but as time went on… I was pleasantly surprised. There was not a day on the trip that didn’t go by with laughter and positive energy. And the days we worked the hardest, we had the most fun. We celebrated birthdays, went to soccer games, went to amusement parks, laughed, cried… words cannot describe how much fun we had together. I plan on going back again next year with the program.

After all of that, I should be able to say that I am an expert of the experience, but that would not even begin to be true because each year is so wildly different from the years before. The city grows, the people change, and you learn to see everything in a new way that is gratifying in the deepest regard of the word. I cannot recommend it enough. See you next year!”

-Renée Deramerian

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