Home Improvements for Sona T.

Shahen Kavafian 1933-2019

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

$0 of $10,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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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.

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

By Narine

May 28, 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2026 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2026 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 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

$25,535 of $106,000 raised

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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.

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.

May 12, 2025

Knights of Vartan School 106-Improvement 3rd Floor

Description

Նորք (Nork) is a neighborhood in the Armenian capital Yerevan. It is located in the Nork-Marash District. The school currently has 1,010 students enrolled from grades 1-12. The school is made up of two buildings and was built in 1981.

Since 1993, The Knights of Vartan has supported the #106 school in Yerevan, which since 1995 officially was known as the Knights of Vartan #106 Public School. It is one of the many schools the Knights of Vartan has supported via its partnership with the World Bank Armenian Social Investment Fund and the ATDF.

Through their continued support the entry way, one two-story building of classrooms, and the gym & auditorium have been fully renovated. Currently, the third floor of the school’s three story building is in need of renovations to 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallways and the third floor portion of the staircase. One classroom has already been renovated.

Region

Yerevan Երևան

City / Village

Nork Նորք

Start Date

May 2025

End Date

Three Months After Start

$50,280 of $102,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

The Knights of Vartan School 106 serves more than 1,000 children. The third floor of the three story building is in need of renovations, including 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallway & staircase.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local crew will be hired to complete renovation work on the third floor of the building.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, keeping the school’s infrastructure and investing in the education of the scores of children that will attend this school in the years to come will dramatically benefit the community including the teachers, children and other staff. A sense of community, unity with the Diaspora and pride in one’s surroundings will be instilled and reinforced.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed at Knights of Vartan School 106.

Updates: Images & Information

May 16, 2025

Renovation work has begun on the 10 classrooms.

May 9, 2025

Tech Aid for Vardenis

Description

Access to computers and printers remains limited in many small towns and villages across Armenia. Providing students with these tools equips them with essential digital skills, enabling them to complete homework more efficiently and connect with opportunities around the world. However, due to the high cost of equipment, many schools, children’s centers, libraries and cultural institutions are unable to offer this vital access to their residents.

The Vardenis Municipality in the Gegharkunik Region has reached out to us with an important request. The municipality serves the town of Vardenis and surrounding 34 villages. The region is home to over 20 educational institutions including schools, kindergartens, music schools, libraries and cultural centers. Due to high costs they are unable to obtain the tech needed to serve these institutions and the residents that attend them.

We hope to be able to raise the funds needed to provide the Vardenis Municipality 24 computers and 12 printers. Donations of new computers and printers are also welcomed.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vardenis & Surrounding Villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two Months as Start

$2,000 of $21,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Unfortunately, the high cost of computers prevents many schools, children’s centers, and cultural institutions from being able to provide residents with these essential tools.

Short Term Impact

24 computer and 12 printers will be obtained and distributed to the educational and cultural institutions throughout the Vardenis Municipality.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential to positively impact thousands of residents by allowing them to access the services offered by these institutions.

Sponsors Benefits

By Narine

May 2, 2025

Musical Armenia 2025-2026

Guitar lessons funded through the Musical Armenia project.

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 $20 per month ($240 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 2025

End Date

December 2026

$15,875 of $21,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Dhol group during City Day celebrations in Vanadzor.

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.

Updates: Images & Information

June 11, 2025

Through support for Musical Armenia, students have been continuing their instrumental lessons.

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

Copy of Grey Winter New Collection Fashion Website Banner-4

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

$3,392 of $4,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

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

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

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

Home Improvements for Garnik H.

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

Gallery Images

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

Sponsors Benefits

By Peter Abajian

January 28, 2025

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2025 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2025 Operating Budget

Description

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2025

End Date

March 2026

$42,533 of $98,500 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Personal Info

Title

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Mailing Address *

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Zip Code *

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Comment

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First Name *

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits