Helping to Distribute Humanitarian Aid

The Shirak Centre NGO, established in 2006, completes important work to empower the forgotten population of Gyumri, Armenia. The population of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city has endured some very devastating realities. The tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake claimed the lives of 25,000 people and left more than 100,000 residents homeless, plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come.

Under the direction of organization president Vahan Tumasyan, the Shirak Centre NGO aims to support families from different socio-economic classes and various social groups by educating them about their social rights and civil liberties and creating opportunities for them to exchange new political ideas and strategies, develop democracy, and strengthen their economy. On a daily basis the Shirak Centre NGO deals with the socio-political issues important to the people of Gyumri, along with helping them negotiate with local authorities, promote coalition building and conflict resolution. Furthermore, through several projects, humanitarian aid, and seminars, the Centre helps to promote human rights, homeless advocacy, and works to strengthen leadership skills among young people.

The Paros Foundation has worked with the Shirak Centre NGO on completing several projects including identifying a homeless family and moving them into a new home and supplying 90 families with firewood for fuel during this harsh winter. The Centre has since continued to meet the needs of the Gyumri population by continuing to distribute necessities such as more firewood and warm clothes and shoes. Unfortunately, it is becoming financially difficult for the Shirak Centre NGO to keep up with the high costs associated to renting vehicles needed to distribute humanitarian supplies.