Agribusiness on the Border 4: Samvel G. Family

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of 1,380 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 renovated their medical center and kindergarten successfully. These projects have had a huge impact on the community. Now, 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.

Samvel 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 five members including Samvel, who is a contract soldier, his wife and their three children who are all under the age of 11. They live in a 1,076 sq. ft. apartment, which is in need of renovations that they will complete with the help of a small loan from Armenia’s leading mobile operator, Vivacell. They also have a newly constructed pigsty and a 377 sq. ft. barn (which is in need of renovations). Samvel will complete the barn renovations by his own means once we have provided the materials. They have also requested a few pigs, two sows and a few sheep.  As a part of this effort Samvel 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 new venture.