Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Nvard M. – Zoya S.
Description
Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.
Nor Luyce is trying to provide the following young girls from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce their out of pocket costs towards their education:
Region
City / Village
Start Date
Nvard M.
Nvard Minasyan was born on July 30, 2007, in Gyumri, Shirak region, into a small family of four. Her mother, a dedicated teacher at Shirak State University’s high school and is the only steady income earner. Her father takes on occasional daily work as a construction worker whenever possible. With a monthly family income of just 228,400 AMD, resources are limited, but Nvard’s dreams have always been bigger than her circumstances.
She joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2019 and is now a proud mentee in the graduate program. When Nvard first became part of the program, she struggled with insecurity, had difficulty expressing her thoughts and emotions, and often felt unsure about herself in new situations. Through mentorship, support, and a nurturing environment, Nvard blossomed. She gained confidence, developed strong communication skills, overcame her fears, and became proactive and engaged in her community. For Nvard, Nor Luyce was more than a program – it was a space of self-discovery. She learned to understand her personality, clarify her interests, and make informed choices about her future. The program gave her motivation, direction, and the belief that she could shape her own path.
This year, Nvard achieved a major milestone: she was admitted to the Department of Computer Science at the American University of Armenia. Thanks to an incredible 90% scholarship, her tuition is mostly covered. Yet she still faces a significant challenge: the cost of dorm accommodation is beyond her family’s reach. Without support, she risks being unable to live near campus and fully engage in her studies. Your support can transform Nvard’s life.
By helping cover her dorm fees, you are not just assisting with living costs – you are empowering a young woman who has already overcome challenges, embraced growth, and is ready to step into a future full of potential, innovation, and impact.
Scholarship needed: $5,700
Zoya S.
Zoya Saribekyan was born on November 5, 2007, in Gyumri, Shirak region, into a large family of eight. Her household is supported by her mother, a physical education and healthy lifestyle teacher at Gyumri College of Economics, and her father, who works in the eco-parking service. With a monthly family income of just 350,000 AMD, resources are limited, but Zoya has never let that define her dreams.
She joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2023 and is now a mentee in the organization’s Higher Education Phase. Before joining, Zoya struggled with her emotions – she was sensitive, often hot-tempered, and found it hard to manage her reactions. Through mentorship, guidance, and the supportive environment of Nor Luyce, Zoya has transformed. She has gained confidence, developed strong communication skills, and achieved personal growth that stretches far beyond academics. For Zoya, Nor Luyce is more than a program – it is a warm, caring space that has become a cherished part of her life.
This year, Zoya reached an important milestone: she was admitted to the Intercultural Communication (English) Department of Yerevan State Linguistic University. Her dream is to build a future where she can connect cultures, break barriers, and use her voice to make a difference. Currently, her family cannot afford her annual tuition. Without support, Zoya risks putting her education – and her potential – on hold.
By contributing to Zoya’s education, you are not just helping a student stay in university – you are investing in a young woman who has already overcome personal challenges, embraced growth, and is now ready to step into a future of opportunity and impact. You are giving Zoya the chance to turn her potential into a reality – and to inspire others along the way.
Scholarship needed: $1,800
The Need
Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.
Short Term Impact
Nvard M. – Zoya S., who all currently live in Gyumri, will receive the financial support they need, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of their college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation.
Long Term Impact
The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.