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.

Yerevan, Armenia
While orphanages in Armenia do their best to provide children with basic care and necessities, their limited funding does not allow for outside visits to museums, amusement parks, and other fun excursions. During this summer of 2014, with the support of several donors, The Paros Foundation hosted several enjoyable daytrips for over 120 children from three of Armenia’s orphanages. Children from the Yerevan Children’s Home and the Gavar Orphanage were treated to a day at the Yerevan Zoo, while children from the Kharpert Home For Special Children spent an afternoon at Victory Park. Project donors, volunteers, and the wonderful youth of the SERVICE Armenia 2014 group were responsible for planning and executing these fun and exciting trips.

“Spending the day with these amazing children and helping to put smiles on their faces was both humbling and rewarding,” said Laura Kulhanjian Conrow, whose family sponsored and participated in these excursions during their first family trip to Hayastan.

At the zoo, the children spent hours feeding and admiring the animals, while the children at Victory Park enjoyed the rides, as they played and danced with their new friends. Both groups had a short break for refreshments.

Since 2011, The Paros Foundation has successfully organized a total of nine orphan excursions in Armenia. These projects help these children receive much needed social interaction, and they ensure that the children have some fun and memorable experiences.
“With projects such as these, we can bring more awareness about the high number of orphans and orphanages that still exist in Armenia, ” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the Paros Foundation. ” We all hope that one day Armenia will no longer need orphanages, but until that day comes, we should all we can to lessen the emotional struggles which these children live with every day.”

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses associated with these excursions, thus allowing 100% of the contributions to be allocated to these projects. The Paros Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for making these excursions possible:

Chris & Lena Adishian
Catherine & Lauren Conrow
Adam & Rita Kablanian “In Memory of Angela Varderesyan”
Keith & Heghnar Watenpaugh

In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to the staff and administration of both the Yerevan Zoo and Victory Park for their continued support and accomodation.

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.

KURTAN, ARMENIA—On June 30, 2014, the Kurtan village Medical Center re-opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony following a complete renovation of the facility. The renovation was funded through a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity with funds raised by the Bay Area Paros Committee during their November 2013 Wine Tasting event.

Thanks to the generosity of Rick and Wendy Moradian, who donated all the exceptional wines for this event, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the beautiful San Francisco home of Drs. Donald and Martha Missirlian to sample wines paired with delicious food. Paros Committee members Valina Agbabian, Susanna Cogswell, Rita Kablanian, Martha Missirlian, Wendi Moradian and Julie Strauch prepared the cuisine and created a delightful atmosphere in which guests both enjoyed themselves and learned more about the Paros Foundation’s projects including the Kurtan project.

“It was so very satisfying to witness firsthand the completion of this project,” said Martha Missirlian, who was present in June at the opening. “I am confident all the donors who contributed so generously at our event will take pride in knowing that the Medical Center was renovated both quickly and to a high quality.”

Tigran Badoyan, the Deputy Governor of the Lori Region, attended the ribbon cutting and offered both his appreciation to the Paros Foundation and his ongoing support for future projects in both Kurtan and the Lori Region. Mher Gevorgyan, the Mayor of Kurtan, also expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Medical Center staff and the residents of the village.

The renovation of the Medical Center consisted of installing a new roof, new doors and windows, new flooring, new electrical, a new bathroom and repairs to the walls and ceiling.

“The completion of this project represents a successful partnership between the Diaspora and the village of Kurtan,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of the Paros Foundation. “The village of Kurtan offered both funding and labor, joining with the Bay Area Armenian community to address the reconstruction of the Medical Center.”

This project, as with all Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, was implemented without any administrative fees. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative costs allowing 100% of donor contributions to be applied to the intended project.

Following the opening of the medical center, the Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2014 participants, who also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, proceeded to the village school to distribute shoes, dental supplies and soccer balls as part of three other Paros 100 projects.

For more information about the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, or to sponsor a project, please visit www.parosfoundation.org. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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.

Officially launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation continues to support six organizations in Armenia (The Paros Chamber Choir (www.paros.am), Unison NGO (www.unison.am), Vanadzor Arts School (www.vanadzormusic.org), Manana Youth Center (www.mananayouth.org), Vanadzor Museum of Fine Art (www.vanart.org) and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center (www.childrenscenter.am).) These organizations serve as leaders in their respective fields of children, people with disabilities and the arts. Foundation sup

port often comes in the form of organizational operating funds, office space and organizational resources, and mentoring. The mission is to help these organizations and their leaders to attract financial, human, and physical resources to their respective causes.

The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing 100% of donor contributions to go directly to the projects. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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

Berkeley, CA—The Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative provides the Armenian community with the opportunity to recognize the centennial of the Armenian Genocide through the implementation of pre-screened projects benefiting Armenia. We are pleased to announce that we are scheduled to meet the goal by the end of 2015.

Status Report as of April 24, 2014
54 projects completed or in progress
49 projects identified and awaiting sponsorship
139 jobs created
427 individual, family and organizational donors
493 villages, towns and cities impacted
89,834 lives improved
$239,840 cash contributions
$752,550 in-kind contributions
100% of administrative and implementation costs paid by the Paros Foundation

In 2013, several important projects were successfully completed including the purchase of a home for a homeless family in Gyumri, the renovation of the medical centers in both the villages of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur and Agarak, and the renovation of five school classrooms and the bathroom in the village of Hatsik. In addition to these restoration projects, other accomplishments included providing college scholarships for orphan girls, college entrance exam tutoring for at risk children and the distribution of more than 50,000 shoes throughout Armenia and Artsakh.

2013 came to a close with 14 projects “in progress” including the reconstruction of the kindergarten in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur, the reconstruction of the Kurtan Medical Center and the Healthy Teeth and Winter Boot humanitarian initiatives.

“With the sponsorship of so many generous individuals, families and organizations across the country, our work in Armenia is progressing at a healthy pace,” said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “The impact of the 54 projects now in progress or completed is being felt throughout Armenia and Artsakh in a way that positively honors the memory of our martyrs.”

Please consider becoming a sponsor of a project to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian Genocide by contributing today. The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity develops and administers projects throughout Armenia and Artsakh in four program categories: Development, Education, Humanitarian and Cultural. Visit www.parosfoundation.org. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the 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 with contributions of quality rent-free program space, operating funds and human resource support. To honor the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched the Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011. 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.

The 90 students and staff at the Sisian Art School in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor Region dreamt of having a kiln to fire their ceramics work. However, the school lacked the financial resources to purchase the kiln. Through the efforts of Dr. Anahid Yeremian, a physicist at Stanford University, The Stanford University Armenian Student Association (ASA), and The Paros Foundation, the funds were raised and two new kilns were manufactured in Armenia and installed at the school.

Dr. Yeremian, who championed this cause, first visited the school in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor Region on the way to the village of Vaghatin as part of the Stanford University ASA’s humanitarian effort, ACT for Armenia. Dr. Yeremian was so impressed with the talent and passion of the school’s students and teachers, that upon her return, she encouraged her family and friends and the Stanford University ASA to help raise funds for the kiln.

“Through the Paros Foundation, I continued raising funds from my friends and relatives. Paros was able to complete this project quickly, efficiently and at a much lower cost than I anticipated. Paros Foundation staff identified the right kilns and oversaw their delivery and installation at the school,” said Dr. Yeremian.

The Paros Foundation underwrote 100% of administrative expenses related to this project, which allowed all donor contributions to go directly to the purchase and installation of the kilns.

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.

Officially launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation continues to support six organizations in Armenia (The Paros Chamber Choir (www.paros.am), Unison NGO (www.unison.am), Vanadzor Arts School (www.vanadzormusic.org), Manana Youth Center (www.mananayouth.org), Vanadzor Museum of Fine Art (www.vanart.org) and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center (www.childrenscenter.am).) These organizations serve as leaders in their respective fields of children, people with disabilities and the arts. Foundation support often comes in the form of organizational operating funds, office space and organizational resources, and mentoring. The mission is to help these organizations and their leaders to attract financial, human, and physical resources to their respective causes.

The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing 100% of donor contributions to go directly to the projects. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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

Multimedia Education Program Expands Countrywide

YEREVAN, ARMENIA—The Manana Youth Center won a major two-year grant from the United Nation’s Democracy Fund, which enables the Manana Youth Center to conduct a dozens of weeklong multimedia workshops for children throughout Armenia.

“We have been working towards the goal of enabling all of country’s young people to benefit from our proven educational programs.” Said Ruzan Baghdasaryan, Executive Director of the Manana Youth Center. “Our workshops will introduce basic skills in the areas of journalism, photojournalism and filmmaking.”

Participants, under the supervision of our expert instructors, produced films, shot photos and conducted interviews. An exhibition and film screening was held in Gyumri in the fall to feature Manana student’s works from the various regions. In 2014, these workshops will continue and a curated final exhibition will be held in Yerevan.

In August, Manana Youth Center organized a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo and raised $5,000 for Sand Animals. The students of the Manana Animation Studio are currently implementing this animation project.

“This is the seventh year The Paros Foundation is providing support to the Manana Youth Center in the form of a grant for operational funding and quality program and office space. Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “It is inspiring that the Manana team has attracted prestigious funding for their training and the development of specific creative projects. Providing these opportunities for Armenia’s children encourages a young persons curiosity and his or her ability to express themselves.”

Other 2013 milestones included the presentation of two feature film documentaries at the Golden Apricot International Film Festival by Manana Films, the film production division of Manana Youth Center.
The Beginnings, a co-production documentary with Turkey, directed by Somnur Vardar, and Hit The Road: India – a travel adventure documentary, recognized later as an amazing adventure film of 2013 by Vimeo and Vanity Fair Italy were both well received by audiences. Hit The Road: India is now being successfully distributed via major digital platforms and will be broadcasted by several TV channels in 2014. The Manana film Everyone, who will meet me, won the Highlight Award at Young Filmmaker International Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Manana Youth Center is located in Yerevan, Armenia and provides multimedia training and afterschool education to 75 students ages 8 to 18 in the areas of filmmaking, journalism, photography and animation. Children engage in these hands-on activities, but most importantly, the skills they learn greatly improve their critical thinking.

In 2014 funding is needed to upgrade their equipment and to expand the program for an additional 20 children. The Manana Youth Center depends on support from the community and donors to meet its important mission. To get involved please contact Peter Abajian (310) 400-9061; and, to contribute please visit www.mananayouth.org. Support from The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing donor contributions to be allocated directly to Manana’s student programs.

Gyumri, Armenia— Just prior to Christmas, 2012 the Poghosyan family’s makeshift home—commonly known as a “domik” caught fire and burnt. Homeless and struggling from their loss, the family and their six children moved into yet another domik. The Paros Foundation, through its “Purchase a Home” project, part of its 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, launched an effort to solve the Poghosyan family’s housing needs. In early December 2013, the family was presented with keys to their new apartment thanks to the generous sponsorship of California donors, who simply want to be referred to as Nejde & Lilit.

“We first met the Poghosyan family during the implementation of our Gyumri Winter Rescue project in January 2013.” Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The Paros Foundation. “It was hard to imagine what this family had gone through, and we quickly committed to figuring out what we could do to help.”

Learning of the plight of the Poghosyan family and wanting to help, Nejde & Lilit committed to the necessary funds and the search for a new apartment for the Poghosyan family began. Within several weeks, the transaction was complete and the family moved into their new apartment.

Throughout the process, our Gyumri Partner, Vahan Tumasyan, Executive Director of The Shirak Center, worked closely with our Armenia based Staff and spearheaded the effort to identify and help relocate the family.

The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses to allow 100% of sponsor contributions to be allocated towards the purchase the Poghosyan family’s home.

Today, almost 4,000 families in Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, still live in these unsafe, and extreme conditions, taking shelter in dilapidated buildings and in the rusted remains of overseas shipping containers. Some, left homeless following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, and other, simple victims of extreme poverty are left with little alternative than to live in these inhuman conditions.

The Paros Foundation and the Poghosyan express our deepest appreciation to Nejde & Lilit for making this miracle happen.

The Paros Foundation remains committed to helping alleviate this human suffering through its “Purchase a Home” project. To sponsor this or another Paros 100 for 100 project, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.

Please consider sponsoring a project in memory of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, through the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity, by visiting www.parosfoundation.org.  The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be spent 100% on the project.  Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  When in Armenia, The Paros Foundation’s staff will arrange a visit to and tour of your project.
Donations can be made online at www.parosfoundation.org via credit card or check made payable to: The Paros Foundation, and mailed to:  918 Parker Street, Suite A14, Berkeley, CA  94710.