Agribusiness on the Border 14: Suren G. Family

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of 1,100 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory connects with Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict each day. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents has suffered due to these difficult and dangerous times. It is of strategic importance to support these villagers in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan. With the help of Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, The Paros Foundation has already implemented major infrastructure projects including the renovation of their medical center, kindergarten and primary school. This effort has had a tremendous impact on the community. Economic development and opportunities for work are essential to continue improving the conditions in this border village. Sponsorship of this project will help provide needy villagers with the opportunity to care for their families and to help improve the village’s economy.

Suren G. and his family have been identified as one of the families who are in need of additional support in order to help their agribusiness grow. Their family consists of six members including Suren, his wife and their three children who are all under the age of 14. They have a 270 sq. ft. barn that is structurally unsound and in need of a complete rebuild. They also own a cow, sheep, a few pigs, and chicken. Suren is in need of financial assistance to obtain materials needed for the barn construction. He will complete the construction work by his own means once we have provided the materials. Frequent visits will be made to the family to track their progress and determine the success of their venture. Helping this family construct a new barn will aid them in providing better shelter for their animals, thus, allowing them to expand their herd.