Tag: Available

April 1, 2026

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 26

Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert serving more than 250 children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. The orphanage is a state run facility that receives governmental support to provide these vulnerable children with their basic care and education.

Excursions for these children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues provide these children with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society. These children do not attend school, but rather attend classes at the orphanage. It is important for both these children and society for these children to experience community life.

For each donation of $300, approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of care provides will be able to go on an excursion to Yerevan at Victory Park, or another appropriate venue for a morning or afternoon of activities including transportation, admission and snacks. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

$0 of $350 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Approximately 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. While these facilities provide basic care for these children, their limited funding does not permit these children regular visits and participate in various social and cultural activities. A child with a disability has very few opportunities to visit the city and experience life outside of the grounds of the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will help children from the Kharpert Home travel to Gyumri on an away trip and be able to perform their song and dance concert.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term benefits for both the children and for society. Society’s attitudes towards people with disabilities will slowly begin to change as witness these children regularly and realize that society can indeed accommodate them as part of their community. This project will also gift the children a special day they will cherish in their memories for a long time.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the Kharpert Home for Special Children when you are in Armenia.

Be the first to become a sponsor by donating to this project

By Narine

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April 1, 2026

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 30

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 30

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Description

More than 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. These facilities provide for the children’s basic needs, but their limited budgets do not allow these children to participate in visits to popular historical sites, amusement parks, concerts, or attend cultural events.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions. Many different activities and excursions can be organized for these children. The extent of the activity or trip is directly related to the sponsorship amount. For sponsorship amounts between $350 -$750 approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of chaperons will be able participate in a memorable activity. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

The Paros Foundation staff and volunteers will organize and oversee the excursion/activity. Opportunities to sponsor excursions for orphanages serving both disabled and non-disabled children exist. Whenever possible, our staff will work with the destination for the excursion to secure group pricing and/or discounts.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

$0 of $350 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most importantly the emotional and social benefits for 20 orphan children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotional, educational and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevant Orphanage, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the care facility when you are in Armenia.

Be the first to become a sponsor by donating to this project

By Narine

March 12, 2026

Community Gym in Gavar

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Description

Gevorg is an amazing young man who is a champion weightlifter who has competed throughout the world. He is proud of the gym he has built in Gavar and Verin Karmiraghbyur both for the quality of the trainings that takes place, as well as the fact that he provides free access to for training and rehabilitation for people with disabilities and war veterans. Gevorg uniquely understands that difficulties faced by people with disabilities and those injured during the war as Gevorg, himself, has cerebral palsy.

Gevorg and his NGO partners and friends have successfully fully renovated the Gavar gym through supplying both labor and some materials to complete the renovation work themselves. With utility costs, it is difficult for Gevork to continue to operate with his established model of charging a modest fee for the gym’s use and for classes to help off set the expenses related to providing free access to people with disabilities and injured veterans. Gevork would greatly benefit from a 10 KW solar panel system on the gyms roof. This would off-set the Gavar Community Gym’s high winter heating costs and allow their existing fee structure to continue.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Gavar

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Month

$2,600 of $7,200 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The Gavar Community Gym's renovation is complete and fully equipped.

The Need

The Gavar Community Gym needs assistance with operating the gym under the model of free access for people with injuries from the war and those with disabilities. To do this, the gym needs a solar panel array installed to help offset heating and electricity costs.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, Gevork will be able to continue operating the gym with free of charge access to people with disabilities and those who were injured in the war.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, people with disabilities and war veterans injured will be able to have a space to exercise, train and conduct rehabilitation activities free of charge.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

By Peter Abajian

March 9, 2026

Lernakert Culture House Roof Renovation

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Description

Lernakert is a small village in Armenia’s Shirak province, home to 1,413 residents and a vibrant community life centered around its culture house & community center. In recent years, community groups and local partners have renovated the building and created after‑school clubs and a game room where elders and young people gather to play chess, backgammon, and checkers.

These small but meaningful projects have improved children’s daily lives and restored hope among villagers. Today, Lernakert urgently needs support to renovate the roof of the Lernakert Culture House so it can continue to serve as a safe, welcoming hub for cultural events, education, and community gatherings for generations to come.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Lernakert

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Three months after start date

$100 of $26,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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The Need

The village of Lernakert is in need of funds to renovate the roof of the Lernakert Culture House so it can remain a safe, welcoming space for cultural events, education, and gatherings for years to come.

Short Term Impact

In the short term a local crew will be hired to complete renovation work on the roof renovation, creating jobs for the community. Residents will have a warm and safe place to attend year-round.

Long Term Impact

Renovating the Lernakert Culture House roof will secure a safe, year‑round gathering space where children, youth, and elders can access educational programs, cultural events, and community services. By preserving the dedicated cultural hub in Lernakert, the project will empower local residents to sustain after‑school clubs and community initiatives, nurture local talent and traditions, and create a more hopeful, resilient future for the next generation.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Lernakert Culture House, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Lernakert Village for sponsors during their visits to Armenia.

By vespartech

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February 11, 2026

Tech Aid for Ghoghanj Children’s Center

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center provides critical after-school and summer programs for socially and economically vulnerable children. Each year, the Kentron and Nor Nork centers serve approximately 170 students from extremely low-income families who would otherwise have no access to academic support or enrichment opportunities. For these children, the Center is not only a place to learn, but a safe and encouraging environment where they receive daily instruction, creative arts education, mentorship, and the emotional support needed to grow into confident and capable young adults.

Students take part in classes such as English, Russian, computer studies, design, painting, theater, and dance, gaining the skills and self-confidence necessary to succeed in school and build a brighter future. Technology plays a vital role in this process, yet the computer labs at both centers rely on machines that are 10–11 years old. While they have been carefully maintained and repeatedly upgraded over the years, they have reached the end of their useful life and can no longer meet the educational demands of the students.

Sponsorship of this project will help provide 12 new desktop computers for each center (24 total), giving students reliable access to modern technology, strengthening their academic experience, and ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Kentron & Nor Nork

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

$100 of $24,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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The Need

Technology plays a critical role in modern education and future employment. Both centers currently have small computer labs that the children rely on for learning essential digital skills.

Despite years of repairs and upgrades, these machines are now far beyond their functional lifespan. They are slow, unreliable, and no longer capable of supporting the educational programs the children need.

Short Term Impact

24 desktop computers will be locally obtained and distributed to both the Kentron and Nork Nork locations of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.

Long Term Impact

Your support will directly empower 170 at-risk children every year by giving them access to the tools they need to learn, create, and succeed in today’s digital world.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and be recognized with a plaque at the Centers and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Visits to the Ghoghanj Children’s Centers can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

By Narine

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January 26, 2026

Goris Autism Center

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Description

As stated by the World Health organization, it is estimated that worldwide about 1 in 100 children have autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition, which involves challenges with socialization, narrow interests and repetitive behavior. Autism is a spectrum because it manifests itself differently in everyone, resulting in varying levels of needed support. This means that although on average children can be diagnosed between the ages of 2-3; some children can be diagnosed as young as 18 months while others may not receive a diagnosis until well into adulthood. Additionally, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

The cause of ASD has not yet been identified; however, modern science indicates that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. Some people strongly believe that ASD is a disease. However, a disease typically has a known cause (such as bacteria or viruses), ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and is not something that can be cured, rather be managed and supported. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Diagnosing ASD usually involves multiple processes: developmental monitoring, screening, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Instead of self-diagnosing your child, asking for advice from relatives, or hoping your child will grow out of certain behaviors, it is crucial to seek medical advice and intervene as early as possible. The sooner the parents find out about the diagnosis, the better the developmental outcome will be. Pediatricians typically assess children’s developmental progress during routine well-child visits at 18 and 24 months, even if no symptoms are evident. These assessments involve observing the child and discussing family history.

One of the most common treatments is behavioral therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research and evidence-based therapy that looks to improved children with ASD’s social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. It can additionally support greater independence for activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, going to the toilet, bathing, etc. Additionally, there are some other interventions which can also be effective such as speech-language therapy (helps individuals with ASD to improve both verbal and non-verbal communication), physical therapy (help with movement and balance, enhancing motor skills and overall physical coordination), occupational therapy (helps with fine motor skills such as utensil eating and writing) and much more. Some children may need access to all these therapies and more, while others will benefit from only one or a few. Each child’s circumstance will vary depending on where they are on the spectrum.

The municipality of Goris stands ready to assist and partner in this important effort for the children of Goris.

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Goris & Surrounding Villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

18 months from start

$57,630 of $128,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The building that has been identified for purchase to facilitate the new autism center in central Goris.

The Need

In the communities of Goris and surrounding villages, children with autism do not receive any specialized services or therapy because a specialized autism center does not exist. Once this center is funded and open, local therapists will receive specialized training to offer a full array of therapy for the more than 200 children with autism in the area.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a facility will be purchased and expanded to serve as the autism center. This will create a modest boost in the local economy as all labor and materials will be purchased locally. Therapists will also receive specialized training and be prepared to begin working at the center with these children.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children with autism will receive the needed therapy and support they need to live their lives to the fullest. Families will be given the tools they need to facilitate better support for their children.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to the center can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

By Narine

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October 22, 2025

Med-Aid Armenia: Impact Healthcare

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Description

Armenia’s government has prioritized basic primary healthcare as an area that must be improved. Simultaneously, Armenia is working towards implementing a plan for universal healthcare. However, across Armenia’s remote and impoverished regions, many residents face overwhelming challenges in accessing even basic medical services. Preventable and treatable conditions often go unaddressed simply because healthcare is either too far away or too costly.

To help change this reality, and help build the foundation for Armenia’s improvements in the healthcare delivery system, The Paros Foundation launched Med-Aid Armenia, which is dedicated to delivering essential medical care, supplies, and support to those most in need, in addition to helping lay foundational blocks upon which to help change the overall system.

Sponsorship of this initiative will directly fund the purchase of basic medical equipment, supplies, and medicine necessary for our outreach efforts, and help support system wide efforts to help Armenia reach her healthcare system goals. In-kind donations of these materials are also gratefully accepted. Below is a current list of our fundraising needs.

In addition, we are seeking medical professionals—including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists—to volunteer their skills and assist our teams in conducting health screenings and providing fundamental medical care in underserved areas during our Med-Aid annual trip to Armenia.

Together, we can bring hope, healing, and healthier futures to Armenia’s most vulnerable communities.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

October 2025

End Date

December 2027

$64,000 of $152,200 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Armenia’s government is working towards making significant changes in Armenia’s healthcare delivery system, but needs significant assistance in reaching basic benchmarks. Access to healthcare in Armenia’s remote and impoverished areas is scarce and often unaffordable, leading to preventable medical issues. Residents urgently need basic medical aid to protect their health and prevent future complications.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, essential equipment and medical supplies will be provided to clinics in impoverished areas for patient care, while continuing education will be offered to medical staff at several partner clinics across Armenia.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, through piloting meaningful evidence based changes to the healthcare delivery system, Armenia’s healthcare system will be able to benefit its citizens. By bringing consistent medical care, new equipment and updated methods to Armenia’s remote and impoverished villages, this program will help reduce preventable health issues and improve long-term well-being. As the initiative grows, repeat visits will expand access to healthcare and strengthen the overall health of these communities.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Med-Aid Armenia will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.

View More Sponsors

By Narine

September 16, 2025

Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion

Description

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Currently there are 75 children that attend the kindergarten, while 40 young children, in the village of Meds Masrik, are waiting for that chance—the kindergarten simply does not have enough space to welcome them.

With only three of five buildings currently usable, and outdated facilities limiting what the kindergarten can offer, too many children are left behind. By supporting the renovation of the kitchen, teachers’ station, and two unused buildings, donors like you will help create bright classrooms and welcoming spaces for every child on the waitlist.

Your gift to the Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion will not only open doors for the next generation, but will also create new jobs for caring teachers and dedicated staff, making a difference in families’ lives across the community. Help make this a reality for children in Meds Masrik.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Meds Masrik

Start Date

August 2025

End Date

$60,750 of $100,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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The Need

40 children in Meds Masrik are waiting for a place in kindergarten because there simply isn’t enough space. These children risk missing out on early education and a safe environment to grow. Expanding and renovating the kindergarten will ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive in their community.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of expanding the Meds Masrik Kindergarten includes giving more than 40 additional children immediate access to early education and a safe environment. The renovations will also create new jobs for teachers and support staff, directly benefiting local families by increasing employment opportunities and improving daily life in the community.

Long Term Impact

Children will benefit from stronger academic foundations, higher achievement, and improved social skills—leading to greater educational attainment as they grow. More families will have access to early education.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Meds Masrik Kindergarten, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Meds Masrik for sponsors during their visits to Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

August 14, 2024

Construction work has started the two new buildings for the kindergarten.

By Narine

September 3, 2025

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships 2025-2026

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Description

The Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul has created a scholarship fund in memory of one if its founding members, Mr. Shahen Kavafian.

Mr. Kavafian was born on August 24, 1933 in Istanbul, Turkey, where he received his primary education. He graduated from Robert College in Istanbul and then moved to the United States to further his education. He received a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Michigan and settled in metro Detroit. He worked at Detroit Edison for the entirety of his professional career.

In 1964, he became one of the founding members of the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul, an organization which helps promote Armenian cultural and educational programs. Mr. Kavafian shared a love of music and the arts with his mother, who was an accomplished pianist.

When Mr. Kavafian passed away on April 20, 2019, he left a generous contribution to the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul. To honor his memory, a music scholarship fund has been created in 2024 to support student’s attending the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia.

Students wishing to apply for this scholarship may do so through the.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

2025

End Date

2026

$6,000 of $10,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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Shahen Kavafian 1933-2019

The Need

Students who wish to pursue studies at the Komitas Conservatory often have financial difficulties meeting their tuition requirements. The government of Armenia does offer some tuition assistance to students in need, however they cannot meet the needs of all of the students.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, students who are in financial need will be able to continue their musical education with the support of these scholarships.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, Armenia’s rich cultural and heritage will be promoted through these students pursuit of the arts.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

By Narine

May 28, 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2026 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2026 Operating Budget

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Description

The Paros Foundation launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 185 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities since the tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake. More than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children with the proper guidance, supervision, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures. The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” helps these socially vulnerable children through a holistic approach providing them with both humanitarian and educational support. The center provides counseling and group therapy with a psychologist on staff, homework help and tutoring for almost every subject the children learn in school including English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, they are served a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they would otherwise not have. Furthermore, the Center addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities. The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

To date, the center has already had several important successes. At least nine children have been taken out of boarding schools, attend our center and now live back at home with their families. Many of the children who were receiving poor grades in school are now achieving top scores. The children have become socially well adjusted and much more healthier than before with the continued consumption of multi-vitamins and a daily well-balanced meal. Staff trainings take place with an academic counsel of professionals from the United States and Armenia to ensure that the children are receiving the best care, treatment and methods for their development.

The center is working on funding year ten and raising additional funds in order to develop and add to the programs and classes offered with the ability to hire more educators, and get more supplies, and equipment. Funds will also be used to supplement daily activities, hold forums for guest speakers and provide educational and career planning opportunities. $92,000 is needed to cover operating costs for the Center. In January of 2017, Debi Arach successfully launched its first program within its Vocational Training Center, teaching children computer programming, 3d printing and robotics curriculum. The goal of this newest component is to provide these children with marketable job skills in order to help them work themselves out of poverty. In 2019, with the long term commitment by Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian (MI) the vocational training program was renamed the Assarian Vocational Training Program.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2026

End Date

March 2027

$77,839 of $106,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Thousands of children in Gyumri are living in extreme poverty, with no hope for a decent future. These socially vulnerable children are in need of a safe and enriching environment where they can receive additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support giving them a chance to break their cycle of poverty. The children’s center will continue to provide these children with the opportunity to attend afterschool and summer school programs providing them with the additional skills necessary for a successful future. Additionally, these children suffer from malnutrition and related illnesses due to a lack of well-balanced meals. The center will continue to provide each child with a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they need. Furthermore, many families were forced to take refuge in overseas shipping containers (domiks), or in condemned buildings after the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake or due to their poor socioeconomic status. An entire generation of children has grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat to take showers. The Center will address this very important hygienic need by continuing to provide the children in attendance with supervised new bathing facilities.

Short Term Impact

The short-term 185 children will receive immediate support and guidance to help them succeed for the second year. The Center will continue offer nutritious meals, bathing facilities, counseling opportunities, homework aid and tutoring and core classes including English, Computer, Art/Design, and Math.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, with the success of the Center’s current offerings, additional classes and programs will be added and attendance will rise. The number of children growing up in poverty in the future will decrease as the number of children successfully graduating from our program and continuing onto college or successful vocations increases. The number of “social orphans” and children temporarily residing in boarding schools in Gyumri will be reduced as parents become increasingly able to keep their children at home given the humanitarian support they receive at the center. Through ongoing employment opportunities created, several families will continue to receive a fair wage, hence improving Gyumri’s economy.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the operating cost for 2025 of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will proudly arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

May 21, 2025

Due to an increase of children attending the center, Debi Arach is in need of an additional $4,500 to obtain six new computers to add to their computer lab.

By Garik Khachatryan

Contacts

Tag: Available

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 26

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Be the first to become a sponsor by donating to this project

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 30

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Be the first to become a sponsor by donating to this project

Community Gym in Gavar

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Mr. Nicholas Assi

Mr. & Mrs. Herman & Shooshig Hintiryan

Mr. Nicholas Assi

Mr. & Mrs. Herman & Shooshig Hintiryan

Lernakert Culture House Roof Renovation

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Drager Meurtant

Drager Meurtant

Tech Aid for Ghoghanj Children’s Center

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Mr. Karnik Maskal

Mr. Karnik Maskal

Goris Autism Center

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