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March 20, 2025

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2025

Description

The Packs on Backs initiative, was started by the The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a former Los Angeles based non-profit organization that supported children in need and their educational advancement. HHF partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia, and together successfully distributed 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015 and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016. Since then, the Packs on Backs initiative continues to impact the lives of children in need in Armenia with this essential need.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015 and distributions have continued in years since.

This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of all of the children. Our goal is to distribute backpacks and supplies for 180 children attending Debi Arach. A donation of $35 will help obtain one backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

July 2025

End Date

July 2025

$980 of $6,300 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.

Short Term Impact

A total of 180 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive either proper backpacks and school supplies or new school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.

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 Garik Khachatryan

February 20, 2025

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush P. – Anahit M.

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

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2025

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush P. – Anahit M.

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

Siranush P.
Siranush Papoyan was born on December 9, 2004, in Gyumri, Shirak region. Her family consists of four members: her father, mother, brother, and herself. Siranush’s mother works at a store, while her father takes on seasonal jobs abroad as he does not have permanent employment.

She joined the Nor Luyce NGO program in 2019 and is now a mentee in the Nor Luyce Graduates’ Program. Before participating in the program, Siranush struggled with social interactions, often facing communication challenges, conflicts, and limited friendships. However, her time with Nor Luyce has been transformative, helping her develop strong communication skills, build meaningful friendships, and become a more active and proactive individual.

Siranush is currently studying at the Service Department of the State Linguistic University of Armenia. Despite her family’s best efforts, their monthly income is only about $275, leaving them in a challenging financial situation. Unfortunately, her family is unable to cover this expense, and she does not currently benefit from any discounts or financial aid.

Scholarship needed: $1,000

Anahit M.
Born on September 15, 2005, in Gyumri, Armenia, Anahit has proven that determination can overcome life’s challenges. Growing up in a small, close-knit family with her parents, who work tirelessly to support their household, Anahit learned the value of hard work early on. Her mother is a cook at Gyumri’s “Igit” restaurant, while her father takes on jobs abroad to make ends meet.

Anahit joined the Nor Luyce NGO program in 2020. Now a mentee in the graduate round of the program, her journey with Nor Luyce has been transformative. Initially, Anahit faced challenges with expressing her emotions, self-reliance, and overcoming her fears. Through mentorship and skill-building, she blossomed into a confident, proactive young woman, developing strong communication skills, building lasting friendships, and finding clarity in her personal and professional aspirations.

Anahid currently attends the Gyumri State Medical College, however, her dreams are at risk due to financial difficulties. With her family unable to cover her tuition fees, Anahit is seeking support to continue her education and keep moving forward with the determination and resilience that define her.

Scholarship needed: $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

Hasmik T. – Elmira k. – Lusine A., 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.

By Narine

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February 14, 2025

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Hasmik T. – Elmira K. – Lusine A.

Description

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

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2025

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Hasmik T. – Elmira K. – Lusine A.

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

Hasmik T.
Hasmik was born on November 25, 2006 in Gyumri, Shirak region. Hasmik Tarboshyan grew up in a family of five, where challenges were met with unwavering determination. Her mother works tirelessly at “Liana – Kindergarten,” while her father and two school-aged siblings contribute to a close-knit household sustained by modest means.

A graduate of Gyumri High School No. 1, Hasmik’s life took a transformative turn in 2022 when she joined the Nor Luyce NGO program. Initially shy and reserved, Hasmik faced her fears head-on, blossoming into a confident, proactive individual with a newfound zest for life and a clear vision for her future. As a mentee in the Higher Education stage of Nor Luyce, Hasmik credits the program with helping her uncover her true self, develop meaningful friendships, and build essential communication skills. It’s through this journey that she found the courage to dream big and pursue her passions.

Hasmik has been accepted to the Yerevan State Medical University where she will further her future career goals. She is receiving a 15% discount for her tuition, but still faces a significant hurdle to cover the rest of the fees. Despite her family’s financial struggles, her determination remains steadfast. Hasmik’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the belief that, with the right support, she can overcome any obstacle to achieve her aspirations.

Scholarship needed: $1,500

Elmira K.
Elmira was born on June 19, 2004, in Gyumri, Armenia. Growing up in a family of five, Elmira faced immense challenges early on. She lost her father during his military service when she was just a child. Her mother works tirelessly as a seasonal agricultural laborer to provide for the family, while her grandparents, who suffer from serious health issues, require constant care. Her younger brother is still in school, leaving Elmira as a pillar of strength for her family.

Despite living on an insufficient monthly income of just around $200, Elmira has shown an unwavering commitment to her education. While attending the Nor Luyce NGO program, Elmira grew into a confident, proactive, and dependable young leader. Today, she is one of the program’s most dedicated volunteers, known for her enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for giving back to her community. She is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Shirak State University, a field close to her heart as she dreams of helping others who face struggles similar to her own. She is able to study free of charge, but her family cannot afford the rest of the related expenses including clothes, a coat, boots, transportation for two years and book expenses.

Scholarship needed: $1,100

Lusine A.
Born on December 25, 2005, in the village of Beniamin, Armenia, Lusine Antonyan is a young woman with immense talent and determination, navigating life with grace despite significant challenges. Lusine comes from a family of five, where her parents work tirelessly to make ends meet. Her father travels to Russia for seasonal work, often gone for months at a time, while her mother manages the family farm, an income that is both seasonal and uncertain. Her younger siblings are still in school, and the family relies on social benefits to survive, with a modest monthly income of just around $210.

Lusine’s passion for art led her to pursue a degree in Decorative Applied Arts at the Gyumri Branch of the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia. Her creativity and dedication shine through her work, as she aspires to use her art to bring beauty and meaning to the world.

She joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2020 as a shy and reserved individual, lacking confidence in her abilities. Through mentorship, community, and self-discovery, she transformed into a bold and proactive young woman. Lusine is a reliable volunteer, an active participant in events, and a source of inspiration for her peers. She also volunteers with Nor Luyce to give back by serving as a mentor for others.

Her family is unable to afford her annual tuition fee threatening her ability to continue her education. Due to her hard work, Lusine is receiving a 50% discount towards her tuition. She needs assistance with the rest of the amount.

Scholarship needed: $1,400

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

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.

By Narine

February 10, 2025

Home Improvements for Garnik H.

Description

Narine Atamian and her Fiancé, Tim Schade are asking their family and friends to support the expansion and renovation of a home for a family in a remote village of Armenia. Narine, and the Atamian family have a longtime connection to this village and wish to continue their support to celebrate Narine and Tim’s upcoming wedding.

Garnik H. and his wife have four children. The family of six lives together with Garnik’s mother in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

Currently Garnik’s home needs a new roof, has no indoor plumbing and has a great need for an additional bedroom and kitchen. While the home’s living space has been modestly renovated over the years, the majority of the house needs a complete renovation.

Garnik is a hardworking member of the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur community. He is engaged in agricultural activities to sustain his family including maintaining several pigs and running a small family farm.

Garnik and his family would be grateful if we could replace the leaking roof on his home along with completing renovation on the unfinished rooms in his home and adding a bathroom. This would help seal his home from the cold winter weather and rain and allow his children to live in a safer, sanitary and more comfortable environment.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

March 2025

End Date

June 2025

$11,300 of $17,500 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Garnik's home does not have indoor plumbing and his family would greatly benefit from the addition of an inside bathroom.

Garnik's family.

The family's living space in its current condition.

Garnik's home needs a new roof. Bullet homes from Azeri cross border attacks can be seen here.

Garnik's home includes two unfinished rooms that are not currently habitable.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important. Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders. Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community. Garnik’s family is large and the two unfinished rooms will be completed allowing for an additional bedroom and proper kitchen. In addition, a bathroom addition will be added to the home to allow for proper sanitary condition for his large family. A new roof over his home is also needed.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to manufacture the windows in the unfinished rooms. Roofing materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy. Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

By Peter Abajian

January 28, 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2025 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2025 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 2025

End Date

March 2026

$35,018 of $92,000 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.

By Narine

January 8, 2025

Mobile Dental Clinic 2024/2025

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Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California has partnered with The Paros Foundation in order to help revive its mobile dental clinic and help bring dental care for poverty stricken communities in Armenia. Dental hygiene is commonly overlooked in many of these communities due to several reasons. Dental supplies and dental care are either very hard to find or too expensive for residents in these villages to afford.

To date, the Mobile Dental Clinic has served over 100,000 patients. Drs. Gary Kevorkian and Jack Bayramyan have taken the lead to help secure funding for the clinic. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the funds needed to keep the mobile clinic in operation. The clinic has two dentists, a nurse, a driver on staff who travel along with the mobile clinic and provide dental care for village residents. Dentists from the US have the opportunity to join the two local dentists on a volunteer basis. $3,000 will help keep the mobile clinic working for one month. Dental care provided by the mobile clinic will include basic child oral care and education, cleanings, fillings and other basic care.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

December 2025

$25,495 of $72,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Mobile Clinic Dental Staff.

Children also receive new dental hygiene products during their visit.

The Need

Dental supplies and dental clinics are very hard to find or too expensive for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken villages. This can cause a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease. Residents living in these areas are in need of dental care in order to be able to prevent serious dental issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will be visited by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists from Armenia will be hired to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will have a decreased chance of tooth decay and serious oral issues in their future.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Mobile Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.

By Narine

November 27, 2024

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

Description

The town of Vardenis is located in the Gegharkunik Region of Armenia, in the valley of the Masrik River, near the southeastern shores of Lake Sevan. The town is home to about 12,600 residents.

The Vardenis municipality has provided a space in the village of Meds Masrik to launch an elderly activity center with the partnership of a local charitable organization that is prepared to run the day to day operations at the center. The local NGO is called, Association of Healthcare and Assistance to Older People. Elderly refugees from Artsakh have also settled into this community and will greatly benefit from this center.

We hope to raise the funds necessary to renovate this center which will be housed in two adjacent buildings to both provide elderly refuges and other elderly villagers a place to gather, have a hot meal and engage in meaningful interactions. The budget for the launch of this important project is $69,000..

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vardenis

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

Gallery Images

The building that will be renovated to house the Vardenis Adult Recreation Center

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A villager works to cover his damaged roof in Aygepar before the rains. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

The elderly are often are lonely and lack meaningful interaction. The town of Vardenis is in need of a please where they can gather and have meaningful interactions.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, work will be done to fully renovate both buildings. The local economy will benefit as materials and labor will be secured locally, whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, elderly residents from Vardenis and surrounding villages, including Meds Masrik and Geghamasar will be able to attend the recreation center, gather together to socialize, and have a hot meal together. The center will help to improve their physical and mental well-being for many years to come.

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 Vardenis Adult Recreation Center can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

By Narine

November 4, 2024

Nourishing Armenia!

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Description

Nourishing Armenia is a multi-phase project dedicated to building sustainable greenhouses, chicken coops, and multipurpose spaces for implementing nutrition education programs. This program aims to combat pediatric malnutrition, provide vital nutrition education to children, and foster community connections among elders displaced during the Artsakh war. With the generous support of donors like you, we aim to create a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children and families in Armenia.

Armenia faces significant challenges, particularly in areas affected by conflict and economic hardship. Many children suffer from malnutrition, a dire consequence of limited access to nutritious food, knowledge deficits in food safety practices, and a lack of education on how to sustainably utilize the land. At the same time, many of the elders in these communities have been left to experience isolation and disconnection after losing their loved ones and homes during the war. Nourishing Armenia addresses these critical issues by promoting sustainable farming practices through greenhouse projects, ensuring that children have access to fresh produce and nutrition education. All food produced will be provided to the community for its use free of charge.

The project will serve not only to nourish children but also to empower them through educational programs that teach essential skills related to nutrition and health. By bringing together the younger and older generations, we aim to build a strong, supportive community that fosters resilience and hope for the future.

Some of the nutrition education initiatives will include:

Sustainability classes
- Growing crops in a greenhouse
- Harvesting produce
- Collecting chicken eggs
- Growing crops inside the home
Cooking classes
- Making yogurt & cheese
- Drying fruit
- Pickling vegetables
- Dehydrating meats for jerky
- Juicing & smoothie making
- Sourdough bread making
Food safety classes
- Personal hygiene when food handling
- Safe storage of food
- FIFO techniques
- Safe cooking temperatures
- Food labeling (expiration dates, etc)
Classroom education
- Nutrient needs by age
- How to create a balanced plate
- Portion sizes
- Seasonal eating
- Recipe development
- Benefits of macronutrients and micronutrients
- Recognition of “everyday foods” versus “sometimes foods”
- Future career path training

Our goal is to raise $200,000 to construct and operate the greenhouses, run the hen coops, implement other sustainability practices (drying fruit, herbs, etc), and provide nutrition education ensuring that children receive the nourishment they need to thrive.

Region

Shirak, Syunik

City / Village

Gyumri, Verishen

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Year From Start

$28,657 of $200,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

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First Name *

Last Name *

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Donate from an international address.

Mailing Address *

City *

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Zip Code *

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Comment

Dedicate this Donation

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Honoree Details

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Students at the school in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur at lunch.

Students enjoying their lunch at the school in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur.

800 fruit trees were planted four years ago at the school in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur and are now bearing fruit.

As part of the school's curriculum, students work in the orchard to learn modern methods of orchard cultivation.

Students working in the ponics greenhouse as part of their school's curriculum to learn about modern farming methods including vertical farming and ponics systems.

The Debi Arach Children's Center provides daily well-balanced meals for the 180 children that attend the center.

The Need

Thousands of children in Armenia face the harsh reality of malnutrition, which affects their growth, development, future health outcomes and overall quality of life. With 34% of the population living in poverty, this is an area of immense need. Many families struggle to provide basic non-perishable food staples due to economic, housing, and health-related constraints. By establishing greenhouses, we will provide a sustainable source of produce, ensuring children receive the essential nutrients they need and education on how to continue these sustainable practices long term.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, we expect to directly benefit more than 300 children through access to fresh produce and nutrition education while simultaneously providing hands-on experience in the areas of cooking, teaching, agriculture, and homesteading. These experiences are designed to expose children to different opportunities for career paths in the future. The initiative will also create local job opportunities for community members to teach homesteading practices like drying fruit and pickling vegetables and farming practices like harvesting crops and tending to chicken coops through engaging activities with the children.

Long Term Impact

In the long run, we anticipate taking the first steps toward a reduction in pediatric malnutrition rates in these regions. By equipping children with the knowledge and resources they need, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition. As the community comes together around these greenhouses, we hope to foster lasting relationships and improve the overall well-being of children through nutrition, education, career support, and sustainability practices. Over time our hope is to begin implementing nutrition education in schools, hospitals and to the general public through these model programs.

Sponsors Benefits

Your generous contribution to the Nourishing Armenia project will be recognized in various ways:

Your name will be displayed on a plaque at the greenhouse site.
Recognition on our website and in printed materials related to the project.
Regular updates on the project’s progress and impact.

Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

March 10, 2025

Construction on the Nourishing Armenia Gyumri Greenhouse has begun.

March 25, 2025

Nutritionist, Stephanie Sudjian, who is spearheaded the Nourishing Armenia! project spent the day at Debi Arach teaching the children how to make nutritious smoothies. She was also able to check in on the progress of the Nourishing Armenia Gyumri Greenhouse. The greenhouse will serve as a sustainable food option to promote healthy eating, which aims to create a lasting impact on the health & well-being of children and families in Armenia.

By Peter Abajian

July 8, 2024

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 25

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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.

This August, the kids from he Kharpert Home have a special trip planned. They will be giving a concert, during which they will be singing and dancing in Goshavank. Although they are very excited for this special opportunity they are in need of funding to make this trip possible. They will need $1,000 to cover the costs of hotel rooms and transport to and from Goshavank. Please consider supporting this important project for the Kharpert Home.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

August 31, 2024

End Date

August 31, 2024

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 25

Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.

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 Goshavank 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.

By Narine

May 17, 2024

Community Living for Older Refugees

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Description

The town of Goris is located in Armenia’s Syunik Region with a population of 17,113. Following the mass exodus from Artsakh in September 2023, many refugees have settled in this border community.

One particularly vulnerable group in Armenia are older Artsakh refugees. Most of them do not have families to look after them and they are left to fend for themselves. The Paros Foundation is excited to launch a new effort to provide permanent housing for older Artsakh refugees with the purchase of a home in Verishen, Armenia which is adjacent to Goris.

It will serve as a group home for older refugees to offer them a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to live dignified lives. Ten residents will be selected from older refugees currently living in Goris. The project will be administered in coordination with the local Goris government and renovations on the home will be starting in the coming weeks.

The home has a large footprint that will provide both communal and private living spaces in addition to a large plot of land with fruit trees and garden spaces. The home even has a chicken coop should the future residents care to keep chickens! It is envisioned that the home will be equipped with both solar hot water systems and solar panels to keep utility costs low.

While the home has already been purchased, complete renovations, furniture and appliances will cost an additional $60,000.

This is the newest housing project in a series of successful permanent housing that The Paros Foundation has purchased and renovated for Artsakh refugees including three in Geghamasar, two in Meds Masrik, two in Vardenis, one in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, four in Kajaran, and 10 new homes that are being built in the village of Qeti. With this addition, The Paros Foundation continues to assist refugees of every age, building not just homes, but communities where they can restart their lives.

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Goris

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

$16,275 of $60,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

As a part of The Paros Foundation’s relief efforts, new and lightly worn winter coats and boots were distributed earlier this year to Artsakh refugees.

An older refugee receiving new winter boot through our relief efforts.

After renovations, this home will serve as community living for older Artsakh refugees.

The Need

Many older refugees are struggling to make a living and afford safe housing. Older refugees need clean, safe, and comfortable housing to live dignified lives.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, work will be done to renovate this home. The local economy will benefit as materials and labor will be secured locally whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, refugees will not have to worry about how they will afford to live. They will be able to live comfortably with other older refugees.

Sponsors Benefits

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Updates: Images & Information

August 30, 2024

Our Paros team visited Verishen, the site where the Community Living Home will be built. During the visit, they successfully planned and finalized the construction layout. Once completed, this home will accommodate 10 elderly Artsakh refugees, offering them a sense of community and belonging.

November 13, 2024

So excited to announce that the work is ongoing on the "Community Living for Older Refugees" Home in Verishen settlement of Goris community in Syunik province of Armenia. Thank you, UNHCR Armenia and European Union for your generous and timely support and Action Against Hunger South Caucasus for ensuring sound technical assistance in the renovation of a new home for refugees and local older people in Goris community.

By Annie Dilsizian

Contacts

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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2025

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Ms. Lucy Joulfayan-Yeghyayan-De Lefevre

Anonymous

Ms. Lucy Joulfayan-Yeghyayan-De Lefevre

Anonymous

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush P. – Anahit M.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Hasmik T. – Elmira K. – Lusine A.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Anonymous

Ms. Ani Alyanakian

Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Anonymous

Ms. Ani Alyanakian

Home Improvements for Garnik H.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Barbara Garjian Hiscoe, Les & Jack Hiscoe

Charlene & Jennifer Simonian

Anonymous

Sam Simmons & Linda Card

Ms. Clare Lascelles

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Suzanne Gulbins

Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas & Aline (Beylerian) Knaian

Barbara Garjian Hiscoe, Les & Jack Hiscoe

Charlene & Jennifer Simonian

Anonymous

Sam Simmons & Linda Card

Ms. Clare Lascelles

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Suzanne Gulbins

Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas & Aline (Beylerian) Knaian

Debi Arach Children's Center 2025 Operating Budget

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact