Agribusiness on the Border 15: Hovannes P. 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 have 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.

Hovannes P. 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 five members including Hovannes, a contract solider, his wife and their three children, one of whom is a newborn. They have a 130 sq. ft. barn that is in need of renovation. Hovannes is in need of financial assistance to obtain materials needed for his barn renovations. He will complete the construction work by his own means once we have provided the materials. He has also requested a cow, sheep, pigs and few chickens, funding permitting. As a part of this effort Hovannes and his family will be provided training and/or business tips for the ensured success of their agribusiness. Frequent visits will be made to the family to track their progress and determine the success of their venture. Helping this family renovate their barn will aid them in providing better shelter for their animals, thus, allowing them to expand their herd.