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The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.

Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Tag: Available

Armenia Honey Project

Armenia Honey Project

Description

Economic opportunities for rural Armenian communities are scarce.   To help address this important issue, The Paros Foundation has launched several initiatives aimed at job creation in rural communities.  This includes planting more than 800 fruit-bearing trees, establishing a pig farm, fertilizer production, small animal feed production and honey production.  These economic development opportunities are all administered under the auspices of the Aygepar Business Incubator, which provides rent-free space, sanitary conditions and marketing and technical expertise to local businesses.

The Paros Foundation successfully launched a high quality honey production just outside of the village of Verin Tsakhavan and later, in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region with 200 bee hives.  This was all done with the generous support of Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian (MI-USA).  

Now the goal is to expand this production adding 50 more bee hives into a new community.  This will both add to the commercially viable quantities of high-altitude, raw honey, and will lead to expanded job creation and opportunities in the market place. All components of this important project are manufactured locally in the Armenian market including the hives, bee families, wax starter sheets and concrete block stands.  Even the glass jars for sale are manufactured in Armenia!

In addition to this projects job creating and economic benefits, as with the hives in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, these new hives will serve as an educational curriculum for students at the school in the new village that is ultimately selected.  This living classroom approach has proved very successful to date.

One complete hive and bee colony costs $300. New hives and colonies will be added to expand the total number in the spring. Individuals that sponsor a complete hive will receive one jar of honey from this year’s harvest.

Region

Various

City / Village

Various

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

2024
Armenia Honey Project
$10,250 of $15,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

To help combat limited economic opportunities in rural communities, The Paros Foundation is working to create job opportunities and collective marketing opportunities via its Aygepar Business Incubator. Expanding honey production will not only create new jobs and help educate rural village children in the process of beekeeping, but encourage other local residents to expand their beehives as new markets will benefit the entire area.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, an immediate economic impact will be felt through the purchase and expansion of 50 new beehives in the spring. This will effect the hive producers, bee colony farmers, block producers and create addition jobs for bee keepers and teachers at the local school.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, expanded honey production will create commercially viable quantities of honey both for local consumption and export. As children at the school take interest in and gain beekeeping skills, they too will consider establishing hives for their own family’s use. Once export markets are established, other local honey producers will have opportunities to export their harvests as well.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors that donate at least $300 to “sponsor a hive” will receive a jar of honey from the 2022 harvest. In addition, all sponsors are listed on The Paros Foundation website. Visits to the honey field can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Mr. & Mrs. Assadour & Lena Kizirian

Redondo Beach, CA
In Honor Of Nvair Demirjian Tatoulian April 20, 2023
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Armenian Renaissance Association

Walled Lake, MI April 17, 2023
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Anonymous

Huntington Beach, CA
April 11, 2023
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Ms. Renita Esayian

Chicago, IL
April 4, 2023
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Mr. Shahen Hairapetian & Mrs. Arax Mansourian

San Marino, CA
March 31, 2023
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Linda Haig

Beverly Hills, CA March 30, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Linda Cirella

Beverly Hills, CA March 30, 2023
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Anonymous

Glendale, CA
March 27, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Susan Skenderian

Danvers, MA
March 20, 2023
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Anonymous

La Cañada Flintridge, CA March 18, 2023
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Nor Ughi School Gym

Nor Ughi School Gym

Description

Nor Ughi Village is located in Armenia’s Ararat Region and is home to the Vedi Alcohol Company.  Almost 2,000 people call Nor Ughi and neighboring Ginevet Village their home.  Many in these villages are employed at Vedi Alcohol factory or are engaged in agricultural activities. 

162 students attend the village school from both the neighboring village of Ginevet and Nor Ughi, which is in overall poor condition.  Portions of the school have been modestly renovated using the school’s annual budget.  The gymnasium at the school has heat and new windows, but the walls, floors, ceiling, adjacent hallway and locker rooms need a complete renovation.  Currently, students cannot utilize the gym in its entirety because of the fact that the existing wood flooring is rotten and unsafe to walk on in many areas. 

Mr. and Mrs. John & June Mangassarian from Rhode Island, visited the school in the past as part of his leadership with a Fuller Center project in the same village.  The Mangassarians have pledged to match any contribution to this important project to help.  

Work on this gym will take an estimated four months to complete and will include repairs to the walls and ceiling, new electrical, flooring and paint.  The locker rooms and hallway will also be renovated as part of this project. 

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Ginevet, Nor Ughi

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four Months after start
Nor Ughi School Gym

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

The Need

162 students that attend the Nor Ughi School in the communities of Nor Ughi and Ginevet cannot use the school’s gym because it is in need of a full renovation.  The school’s modest annual budget does not allow it to renovate this facility.  

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the village will receive a modest economic benefits of construction related costs as construction materials will be purchased locally and the work will be completed with local labor crews.  Once completed, 162 students at the school will receive the benefits of having a fully functioning gym at the school.  

Long Term Impact

Over the useful life of the school’s gym renovation, an estimated 2,000 children will receive the benefits of sports at their school.  This will promote both a healthier lifestyle and help them focus on their studies. 

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. Sponsor names will also be listed on a plaque at the school. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Greg, Carol, Ani & Richard Minasian

Andover, MA May 8, 2023
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Mr. Rafi Joharjian

Whitinsville, MA
May 6, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Beverly Najarian

Arcadia, CA April 29, 2023
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Mr. Edward Matevosian & Mrs. Seda Aykanian Matevosian

Glendale, CA
April 24, 2023
Anonymous User
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Armenian Renaissance Association

Walled Lake, MI April 17, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Stepan & Christine Kanarian

Medfield, Ma, MA April 13, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Lorraine Newman

Sharon, MA April 11, 2023
Anonymous User
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FVPC Women's Wednesday Bible Study

Fuquay Varina, NC April 11, 2023
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Updates: Images & Information

April 17, 2023

Construction began today at the Nor Ughi school's gym with our team working to remove the deteriorating plaster and loose paint from the walls and gym ceiling.

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships

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 to support student’s attending the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia.  

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

 

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships
$3,000 of $5,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Donation Total: $100 One Time

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.

Anonymous User
CI

Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul

Southfield, MI April 28, 2023

Support the Nor Hachen Clinic

Support the Nor Hachen Clinic

Description

The town of Nor Hachen is located in Armenia’s Kotayk Region.  Approximately 8,400 people call this community home.  Nor Hachen has a fully staffed poly-clinic to serve both this and the surrounding communities medical needs.  The total service area of the Clinic is almost 13,000 people.  

The clinic provides both regular care for patients and also specialty departments.  Many of the doctors at the center also work in Yerevan as Nor Hachen’s proximity to the city is about 30 minutes away. The facility itself is in overall satisfactory condition, however the medical center lacks some basic equipment that prevents it from successfully serving its patients.  

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Nor Hachen, Nor Keghi and surrounding areas.

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two months after start
Support the Nor Hachen Clinic
$22,630 of $60,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Patients in need of an x-ray are currently forced to travel to Yerevan and pay for imaging because the x-ray machine in the town of Nor Hachen is in very poor condition and unsafe to use as it is a left-over from Soviet times. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, as funding is available, needed quality equipment including a new x-ray machine will be purchased and delivered to the medical center.  This will allow the radiologist to provide x-rays and their immediate diagnosis to their patients free of charge.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 13,000 patients will receive better health care as the Nor Hachen Clinic receives better equipment and staff is trained upon this new equipment. 

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 Nor Hachen community can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Mr. Alex Sarkissian

Los Angeles, CA
May 31, 2023
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Mr. Yervant Hadjian

Woodland Hills, CA May 22, 2023
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Ms. Jeanette Boras

San Juan Capistrano, CA
May 21, 2023
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Dr. & Mrs. Armen & Alina Vartany

Burbank, CA
May 21, 2023
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Ms. Ani Simonian

Tujunga, CA
May 21, 2023
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Ms. Lara Arslanian

Pasadena, CA May 21, 2023
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Ms. Betty Tutor

Pasadena, CA May 21, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Darwin & Hourig Baghdassarian

Pasadena, CA May 21, 2023
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Fitness Training for Village Kids

Fitness Training for Village Kids

Description

The DaVArd Gym in Arshaluys Village was established by Davit Vardumyan, a worldwide Taekwondo competitor. Davit has dedicated his time and efforts and has built a brand new gym in Arshaluys. The gym is open to everyone to work out and train.  Davit also provides 70 children from his and nearby communities with free of charge training and use of the facilities. 

Children growing up in villages have limited access to extracurricular activities. With this gym, Davit has invested in  the youth of his and the surrounding communities in order to provide these children with a healthy and meaningful opportunity. 

Davit is hoping to expand and offer boxing classes and is in need of some equipment.  Sponsorship of this project will help raise the amount needed in order to help obtain 150 floor matts and heavy bags. 

Region

Arshaluys

City / Village

Armavir

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Fitness Training for Village Kids
$0 of $3,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Children in villages often have a lack of extracurricular activities. Through access to gyms and training they are able to participate in healthy and meaningful activities, stay out of trouble and excel in their schooling. Additional resources are needed to help provide free-of-charge classes to children at the gym. 

Short Term Impact

The DaVard Gym will receive 150 floor matts and heavy bags in order to immediately start providing boxing classes to the youth in their region. 

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children growing up in villages will have access to sports training and extracurricular activities, which will help them lead healthy lives and lead them through a positive path in life. 

Sponsors Benefits

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

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

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Valentina K.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Valentina K.

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 Valentina K., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Valentina Khachatryan was born in Gyumri, located in Shirak region. There are six people in her family: her father, mother, brother, grandmother, grandfather and herself. Her father is a teacher. He works in a school, but because of a serious accident, he is now on forced leave. He has had many surgeries. Her mother is a nurse and works as a laboratory assistant in a private clinic. Her grandparents do not work. The monthly income of the family is 200.000 AMD.

Currently, Valentina is in her first year at the Yerevan State Medical University, and is studying at the Faculty of “General Medicine.” She joined the Nor Luyce program in 2020. Now she is in the Higher Education Phase. Since the beginning of the project, Valentina has always been active, proactive, and willing to participate in all meetings, events and implemented programs. She is confident, intelligent, modest.

At the moment, Valentina has a problem with her tuition fees, because the annual fee at the Yerevan State Medical University is 1 million Armenian drams, which is a big burden for her family.

Valentina needs our support. $1,000 will cover her tuition fee for one year. She couldn’t apply for a discount because both of her parents work through they earn not enough to cover her tuition fee. The requested scholarship funds will help Siranush continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Valentina K.

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

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

Valentina K. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level will give Valentina the reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful live.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and The Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.

Anonymous User
MF

Ms. Lida Manoukian Friberg

Channing, MI March 10, 2023

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Violeta M.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Violeta 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 Violeta M., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Violeta Minasyan was born in the city Gyumri, located in Shirak region. Her family is made up of four people: her mother, her father, her sister, and herself. Violeta’s father is not working at the moment; he used to go abroad for work, but due to the war situation, he has been staying here. Her mother works as a midwife in the local maternity hospital in Gyumri, and her sister is a student. The monthly income of her family is 90,000 AMD.

Currently, Violeta is studying in the Service department at Shirak State University to become a specialist in the service field. She first began her involvement at Nor Luyce in 2015. Now, Violeta is a graduate of Nor Luyce. Before participating in our program, Violeta was shy, not very active, and less confident, but after participating in the program, she became bolder, more active and confident. She actively participates in all Nor Luyce events and has gained professional direction. She is now studying in her dream major and has managed to receive very high marks in school over the years.

Violeta is currently having a problem paying her tuition fees due to the financial strain on her family. The tuition fee is 250,000 AMD per year.

Violeta needs our support. $800 will cover her tuition fee for one year. The requested scholarship funds will help her continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Violeta M.

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

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

Violeta M. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition and transportation.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level will give Violeta the reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful live.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and The Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.

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Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA
April 9, 2023

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna M.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna 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 Ruzanna M., with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket cost towards her education. Ruzanna Mkhitaryan was born in the city of Gyumri, located in Shirak region. Her family consists of 4 people: Ruzanna, her father, her mother, and her brother. Ruzanna’s father  travels abroad for work. Her brother was wounded while serving in the 44-Day War in Artsakh and is now disabled. As a result, he was discharged prematurely from the military. Her mother works as a salesperson in a store. The family’s monthly income is 80,000 AMD, which mostly comes from government aid.

Currently, Ruzanna is studying Law in the Gyumri Branch of the European University. Ruzanna joined the program at Nor Luyce in 2018. In the past, Ruzanna was one of the best mentees, and now she continues her involvement with Nor Luyce as a mentee. She often participates in volunteer work, attends all important events, and is ready to support everyone in need. Before joining Nor Luyce, Ruzanna was quiet, reserved, had very few friends, and did not trust others, but after participating in the program, she has become more confident, sociable, and active. She has made many new friends and has learned to trust people and be more patient.

Ruzanna currently is struggling to pay her tuition at the university due to her family’s difficult financial situation. The tuition is 300,000 AMD per year.
 
Ruzanna needs our support. $900 will cover her tuition fee for one year. Her university does not offer any discounts. The requested scholarship funds will help Ruzanna continue her studies.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ruzanna M.

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

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

Ruzanna M. will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level will give Ruzanna the reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful live.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and The Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.

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Mr. Alec Soghomonian

Los Angeles, CA April 26, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Arsho Simitian

Los Angeles, CA
April 23, 2023
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Dr. George K. kodokian

Kennett Square, PA
In Memory Of Kirk & Shake Gudukian April 16, 2023
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Anonymous

Inverness, FL February 17, 2023

Musical Armenia

Musical Armenia

Description

Musical Armenia was founded in 2017, to support youth music education in Armenia. They believe that every child in Armenia should have access to music education, regardless of financial means. Musical Armenia has partnered with The Paros Foundation to help provide tuition scholarships and instruments for underprivileged children. Musical Armenia is solely supported by individual donors.

This project aims to provide full, ongoing music scholarships to children from socially vulnerable families in Vanadzor who attend the Orran Center and children in need from Nork Marash who attend the Andreasyan School of Music. The budget includes funds allocated for securing instruments, transportation costs and other related expenses whenever needed.

Your contribution of $14 per month ($168 per year) will sponsor one child for the duration of one year. Sponsorship in any amount is welcomed.

Region

Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Vanadzor, Nork Marash

Start Date

January 2023

End Date

December 2024
Musical Armenia
$500 of $14,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Children who attend the Orran Center in Vanadzor and the Andreasyan School of Music in Nork Marash have been identified who would like to study music, but are unable to pay for tuition due to their family’s economic condition.

Short Term Impact

Children will study music in a warm and nurturing environment. This includes learning an instrument, studying music theory, and having the opportunity to sing in the school choir (optional). In addition, the project increases teacher salaries, since teachers are paid per student and the project increases the number of students.

Long Term Impact

Musical education teaches discipline, helps develop good work ethic, increases self-esteem and empowers children. This project will sponsor children for the duration of their studies (maximum 8 years), making a lasting investment in the child’s development. The goal is to inspire and allow the children to explore their talents and reach their full potential. Furthermore, this project has the potential to promote Armenia’s rich culture.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Musical Armenia websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.

Anonymous User
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Yes

Howell, MI
In Memory Of Dolores Krikorian June 9, 2023
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Eric Matthies

Austin, TX
In Memory Of DOLORES KRIKORIAN June 5, 2023
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Mr. Minas Fournouzian

Sylmar, CA January 12, 2023

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2023 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2023 Operating Budget

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 nine 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. $82,000 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 / Õ‡Õ«Ö€Õ¡Õ¯

City / Village

Gyumri / Ô³ÕµÕ¸Ö‚Õ´Ö€Õ«

Start Date

April 2022

End Date

March 2024
Debi Arach Children’s Center 2023 Operating Budget
$65,958 of $92,000 raised
$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

Honoree Details

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 2023 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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ME

Ms. Jennie Ecclestone

United States April 23, 2023
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Dr. George K. Kodokian

Kennett Square, PA
In Honor Of Hagop & Sona Gudukian April 16, 2023
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Ms. Gayane Aramyan

United States April 12, 2023
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Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Charlene Asdourian

Newport Coast, CA April 4, 2023
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Mr. & Dr. Peter & Houry Abajian

Beverly Hills, CA
In Memory Of Lily Ring Balian March 23, 2023
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Ms. Mariana Fodolyan

United States March 14, 2023
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Mrs. Shoghig Manoukian

Essex Fells, NJ
In Memory Of Hourig Azirian Kalebdjian March 11, 2023
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