Tag: Available

March 27, 2024

Shgharshik School Gymnasium Renovation

Description

Shgharshik is a village in the Talin Municipality of the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, and has a population of about 600 residents.

Established in 1975, the Shgharshik Secondary School has been educating the town’s children for many years and currently services 60 students. The gymnasium at the school has heating, but is run down and is in need of renovations. 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. To make the gym safe and usable again, we will add two new windows that open to improve ventilation, install new electrical and lighting, replace the rotting wooden flooring with vinyl, add new basketball backboards, install new netting over the windows, add new benches, and repair the walls by fixing the moisture problems from outside and then painting and sealing the walls.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Shgharshik

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

$26,300 of $33,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The current state of the interior of the gymnasium.

The wooden flooring in the gymnasium is rotting and breaking.

The basketball nets in the gym are rundown and will be replaced.

These windows will be replaced with windows that open to improve ventilation.

The Need

60 students that attend the Shgharshik Secondary School 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, 60 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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By Annie Dilsizian

March 14, 2024

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 – 2025

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 - 2025

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Description

Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, thousands of people were left homeless in the city of Gyumri. Many of these families took refuge in the overseas shipping containers (domiks) that were shipped into Armenia loaded with humanitarian relief supplies. Although more than a quarter century has passed since the earthquake, this depressive reality still remains. Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.

During his visit to Armenia several summers ago Dustin Hochmuth, one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 participants, and several of his peers, witnessed these horrible conditions and decided to assemble packets for 10 families in dire need of everyday necessities and non-perishable food items. This effort was led by one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 coordinators, Stephanie Nersesyan. Following the success of that effort, Paros has continued implementing this project on a regular basis.

Our goal is to help 100 families in need over summer 2024. Each packet will cost $50 and will include basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, and pasta. The packets will also include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and canned meats. Donations in any amount will help this important cause

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

July 2024

End Date

$3,670 of $5,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The Groceries for Gyumri bags ready to be delivered.

Volunteers delivering the grocery bags.

The Need

Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 100 families will receive packets filled with basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items and fresh food items.

Long Term Impact

In long term, the Armenian diaspora will be exposed to the harsh living conditions in Gyumri through this important project.

Sponsors Benefits

All project sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation’s website. The Paros Foundation can arrange a visit to Gyumri when you are in Armenia.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

June 26, 2024

SERVICE Armenia 2024 assembled 50 food packs, and distributed 26 packs in person. The remaining packs will be delivered by Vahan and his crew (from the Shirak Center NGO, a Paros partner organization) today bringing the total to 50. Additionally, four more packs were distributed by Paros donors including the Berejikian (California) and O'Neil families (Maryland).

By Annie Dilsizian

March 8, 2024

Assarian Vocational Training Program

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Description

In 2016, the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri launched their vocational training program at the center in order to provide young adults with a set of skills and tools they will need to secure gainful employment and help break their family’s cycle of poverty. For years, students have participated in their choice of several programs including computer programming classes using a curriculum developed by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises, 3D printing and related software and programming, and computer repairs – both hardware and software. Since 2019, additional vocational options were added to the program including instruction for cosmetologists, hair stylists, make-up artists and manicurists. In 2021, the Hianali Beauty Center was launched as a salon that offers training classes for students, as well as public services. Furthermore, vocational courses are also offered at Digital Pomegranate and the Lentex Textile Factory, both located in Gyumri.

In 2019, the vocational training program was renamed Assarian Vocational Training Program in honor of the Dr. Gary and Linda Assarian Family Foundation, whose generous donations underwrite the vocational training programs.

Sponsorship towards this project will help run the vocational programs in Gyumri, including staff wages and supplies. The goal is to help hundreds of people develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

$15,300 of $50,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

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A training class at Lentex Textile Factory.

Students in gel manicure training at the Hianali Beauty Center.

Participants take computer computer courses at Digital Pomegranate.

The Need

Young adults living in extreme poverty in Gyumri, who are not interested or able to continue their higher education, have very bleak prospects for a successful future. To combat this reality, the Debi Arach Vocation Center provides job skills and aid in job placement in order to help these young adults change their lives towards a successful future by gaining real skills and securing real employment.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, students, both current and new, will participate in one of several training programs offered for the duration of a year. Four trainers will be employed and facilitate classes.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the cycle of poverty will be broken for the newer generations in Gyumri. The new skills these young adults will gain through vocational courses will help secure great jobs and provide opportunities to change their lives. In addition, Gyumri’s economy will also benefit from additional skills being introduced to the job market.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Debi Arach Vocational Center will be recognized on a plaque, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the vocational center when you are in Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

August 29, 2024

Congratulations to the latest Lentex class of 15 women, including several Artsakh refugees, who have successfully completed their training and are now employed full-time at the Lentex textile factory. This achievement was made possible through the invaluable support of the Assarian Vocational Training Program, spearheaded by Dr. Gary and Mrs. Linda Assarian. We are proud of these women for successfully taking on a new venture.

September 10, 2024

Dr. Gary Assarian, was highlighted by his Alma Mater, Lake Forest College, on his and his wife Linda's work in Armenia with The Paros Foundation! Read more about their philanthropy in Armenia here.

By Annie Dilsizian

February 26, 2024

Meds Masrik School Improvements

Description

Meds Masrik is a village in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. It is a border village with a population of 3,000. The Meds Masrik School has 420 children in attendance. Despite the abundance of students, the school has never had access to computers for educational purposes. With our help, the school has allocated a 650 sq. ft. classroom to be renovated and equipped with computers.

With the recent population growth because of families displaced from Artsakh, the school has a shortage of available classrooms. There are three classrooms that need major renovations to accommodate the influx of new students.

This work will cost the following:

$7,200 for 12 computers
$6,500 for the computer classroom
$1,800 for furniture
$15,000 for three classrooms

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Meds Masrik

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four Months After Start

$66,268 of $126,500 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The Meds Masrik School principal's office will be converted and renovated into the computer classroom.

One of the classrooms at the Meds Masrik School that needs to be renovated.

The second classroom that will be renovated.

The third classroom that needs renovations.

The Need

The Meds Masrik School services 420 children. The school needs computers and renovations on classrooms to provide the best possible environment for students’ classes.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 420 students will enjoy new computers and learn valuable computer skills. They will also have three newly renovated classrooms that provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to learn.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, thousands of children will benefit from the renovations completed at the school. The children will learn lasting computer skills that can lead to careers in Armenia’s technology industry. Providing this resource to children in a border village will also give them more opportunities to learn real-life skills.

Sponsors Benefits

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

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Updates: Images & Information

November 2024

The school in Meds Masrik currently has 425 students including 45 from Artsakh, and needs additional renovations to accommodate these new students. We have already helped renovate and equip the computer classroom, the nurse’s station and three additional classrooms, but one additional wing needs a complete renovation. This wing encompasses four additional classrooms and one additional set of bathrooms. Once renovated, these classrooms will house the 4th- 8th grade students. The renovation for this wing will cost $95,000 including a new roof, furniture and heating system.

By Annie Dilsizian

January 12, 2024

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor 2

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor 2

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Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California and The Paros Foundation have successfully partnered in order to help the mobile dental clinic bring dental care to poverty stricken communities throughout Armenia.

Dr. Viken Garabedian who has worked closely with Drs. Gary Kevorkian and Jack Bayramyan and the ADSC mobile clinic, is ready to tackle the challenge of bringing expanded dental health to the communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region by adding a second mobile dental clinic. In partnership with ADSC, the Syunik Development NGO and The Paros Foundation, a second bus will be converted into a mobile dental clinic and serve the isolated and poverty stricken communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region.

Many of the villagers in Vayots Dzor live only a few hundred meters from the Azeri Border. Many of the men in these villages serve in the army, protecting Armenia’s border. The harsh and isolated conditions in these areas has forced many of the residents to flee their homes and resettle in the larger neighboring cities.

Currently, $3,500 is needed for monthly operating funds.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Yeghegnadzor and surrounding villages

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

$100 of $35,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Our second Mobile Dental Clinic ready to get on the road.

The second mobile dental clinic on the road in the village of Khachig seeing patients, many of whom are soldiers.

Dr. Viken Garabedian visiting with the staff in the first mobile dental clinic.

Children in rural and poor communities greatly benefit from the mobile clinic and its free services.

The Need

Dental supplies and clinics are difficult to find or too expensive for residents living in Armenia’s isolated and poverty stricken villages in the Vayots Dzor Region. This can cause a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease for these people. 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 in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia will be visited regularly by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists, one assistant and a driver work on the clinic all from Armenia, and have the opportunity to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of in the Vayots Dzor region 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 Annie Dilsizian

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January 3, 2024

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2024 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children's Center 2024 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 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. $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 2024

End Date

March 2025

$87,433 of $92,000 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 2024 of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will proudly arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

April 24, 2024

On the 109th Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Peter Abajian and The Paros Team visited the Debi Arach Children's Center. With our staff , the children commemorated April 24th through a presentation on Armenian Genocide history.

June 26, 2024

Med-Aid Armenia 2024 visited the Debi Arach Children's Center providing important health check-ups for the children.

August 5, 2024

The Dadourian and Barmakian Families visited the Debi Arach Children's Center, which they have been main supporters of since day one in 2015. During their visit, they made gata, handed out backpacks to the children, and distributed groceries to families living in domiks. We were also thrilled to show the family the site of our Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center, which will house our second Debi Arach location and provide apartments for 27 families.

November 12, 2024

The families of Debi Arach Children’s Center gathered for an informative night to learn more about the direction and future of the center. It was a great night with collaborative feedback from the families.

By Narine

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September 24, 2023

Artsakh Refugee Support Fund

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Description

Armenians living in Artsakh last week woke up to the Azeris again attacking their ancestral homeland. This time their goal was the complete surrender and ethnic cleansing of the entirety of Artsakh.

The mass exodus from Artsakh has begun, and while the fate of our brothers and sisters there remains uncertain, one thing for sure is that thousands of refugees are arriving in Armenia in need of food, shelter and basic necessities. This humanitarian crisis has begun.

To assist, and based on our experience from the refugee crisis during and after the 2020 War, The Paros Foundation is launching the Artsakh Refugee Support Fund to assist refugees coming to Armenia with basic humanitarian needs including food, medicine, clothing, and shelter.

Our main goal is to begin assessing housing needs and re-home refugees into permanent homes as quickly as possible and as funding provides. Our team will work closely with our contacts throughout the country to help find communities and homes available as well as provide immediate humanitarian support for refugees.

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

September, 2023

End Date

One Year From Start

$997,232 of $1.1 million raised

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The Need

Armenian refugees driven from their homes in Artsakh have already begun arriving into Armenia in the thousands. This people will need food, shelter, clothing, medicine and other immediate humanitarian support. The Armenian government is not able to immediately help these people, nor are there any international organizations prepared and willing to support this effort.

Short Term Impact

As refugee families begin arriving in Armenia, we will help provide as many as possible with short term humanitarian support. All forms of support provided will benefit the local Armenian economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, The Paros Foundation will again support these families re-homing needs as we did following the 2020 war. Homes in communities outside of Yerevan will be purchased and renovated and given to refugee families. This work will be done with local materials and labor and thus have a significant impact on the local economy.

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.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

October 26, 2023

The Paros team has distributed firewood to now 20 families from Artsakh who have taken refuge. It will be used for both heating and cooking.

October 31, 2023

Paros Staff and JOURNEY Through Armenia Participants all gather together to distribute shoes to women who are refugees from the Artsakh in preparation for the cold winter months lying ahead. The shoes are donated from the company Zadur Shoes. They gave a grand total of 500 pairs of winter boots.

November 5, 2023

After much consideration, we will be focusing on providing permanent housing for displaced Artsakh families. We will be resettling families in the Vardenis, Berd, and Kapan areas.

December 1, 2023

Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have raised enough funds to purchase 26 homes for displaced families. Our team is actively engaged in this process -- more updates coming soon!

April 30, 2024

Thus far five families have been moved into their newly renovated homes. Currently, three homes are under renovation, ten are being built, and a Community Living for Older Refugees home in Goris is in the process of being launched.

May 21, 2024

The Paros Foundation is pleased to launch a new effort to provide permanent housing for older Artsakh refugees with the purchase of a home for the Community Living for Older Refugees project in the community of Goris. This home will serve as a group home for 10 older refugees to offer them a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to live dignified lives.

October 21, 2024

Two additional families now have permanent housing! The Telyan Family originally received housing in Maghavuz, Artsakh through the Emergency Resettlement program following the 2020 War. However, after having to relocate again in 2023, they now have stable housing in Meds Masrik that they are looking forward to calling home. The Harutunyan Family also moved into their new home located in Geghamasar. The family has six boys and are thankful for a new beginning where their children can thrive.

November 2024

Humanitarian aid for Artsakh refugee families continues to be an important priority. The Paros Foundation continues to distribute firewood for heating and cooking, clothing, winter boots, and food packs to these families with the generous support of individuals and organizations. As winter is especially cold in these communities, we must continue these distributions of humanitarian relief. We have added an additional budget of $15,000 for food, firewood and warm clothing for this winter season. Furthermore, more families are hoping to make the community of Vardenis their permanent home. Funding permitting, the Paros team will continue our existing housing resettlement program, which purchases, renovates, furnishes and gives these refugee families 90% ownership in their new homes. The balance of ownership will be transferred to them in 10 years to ensure a stable home for their entire family. The budget to permanently resettle an average family of six people is $35,000, which includes a fully renovated and furnished home, furniture and appliances.

By Peter Abajian

June 1, 2023

Community Gym for Verin Karmiraghbyur

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Description

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

Gevorg wishes to build a second gym in the Tavush village of Verin Karmiraghbyur. More than 1,500 residents call this community home and they do not have nearby facilities for training or rehabilitation. The local community has given Gevorg’s NGO a space in one of the community buildings that will serve as the gym once it is renovated.

Gevorg and his NGO partners and friends are willing to do supply labor to complete the renovation work themselves. They need funding for the materials. Once completed, their intent, as is currently operating at the Gavar gym, is to charge a modest fee for the gym’s use and for classes to help off set the expenses related to providing free access to people with disabilities and injured veterans.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Verin Karmiraghbyur

Start Date

October 2023

End Date

April 2024

$7,500 of $9,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

A large space in the center of the Verin Karmiraghbyur has been given rent free to Gevork's NGO to build out his gym.

Once completed, people with disabilities, veterans injured in the 2020 War and the community alike will be able to utilize the facility.

Gevork is an accomplished weight lifter despite his disability and wants to help those with disabilities and injuries.

The Need

In the village of Verin Karmiraghbyur, there are no gym facilities for the community. This absence effects the ability for people with injuries from the war, those with disabilities and the community at large from gaining the benefits of exercise and training.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, Gevork and his friends and supporters will join together to renovate the space in the building. This effort should last four months. Materials will be purchased locally thus positively impacting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, once the gym is completed, residents will enjoy the benefits of this new addition to their community. People with disabilities and war veterans injured will be able to have a space to exercise, train and conduct rehabilitation activities free of charge.

Sponsors Benefits

Updates: Images & Information

October 8, 2023

Renovation on the gym has started. Our construction crew started by adding new windows and doors.

April 17, 2024

After several months of hard work by Gevorg, his friends and family and materials from The Paros Foundation, the new community gym “Sport Zone” was opened in the community of Verin Karmiraghbyur. The gym will offer free access to injured veterans and those with disabilities. A special thank you to Patrick and Mary Goshtigian who contributed generously to this important project.

By Peter Abajian

June 1, 2023

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Renovation

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Description

More than 2,000 residents call the ancient village of Khndzoresk their home. This large village on the border with Azerbaijan has a rich history and is known for its beautiful canyon and cave dwellings.

The village’s large kindergarten currently is operating with three groups of children (75 in total) and has a waiting list of an additional 30 children who would like to attend, but cannot do to the conditions within parts of the building.

Over the years, parts of the kindergarten have been renovated and operating. However, the roof over two parts of the kindergarten needs to be replaced and the entire facility does not have proper heating and is currently heated in the cold winter months with ineffective electric heaters. In addition, one complete wing of the kindergarten encompassing a classroom, sleeping room and bathroom needs to be renovated to expand the number of children attending. The balance of the kindergarten needs to have a cosmetic renovation throughout.

Region

Syunik

Start Date

March 2024

City / Village

Khndzoresk

End Date

Four months from start

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Renovation

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

Gallery Images

Children at the kindergarten in Khndzoresk.

Some of the Khndzoresk kindergarten's windows are replaced, and others need to be replaced.

Years of water damage from the leaky roof have scarred many of the kindergarten's walls and has created unsanitary conditions.

This large classroom needs to be renovated to help expand the kindergarten in Khndzoresk.

This is the current bathroom in the wing that needs to be renovated to help expand the kindergarten in Khndzoresk.

The kitchen storage room needs to be renovated as part of the entire kindergarten's renovation and expansion.

The kitchen at the kindergarten in Khndzoresk needs to be renovated and equipped with proper ventilation.

The Need

The large village of Khndzoresk has children that cannot attend kindergarten because of the current conditions within the building. This negatively effects both the children and their families. In addition, the current facility does not have proper heating and is not protected against rainy weather.

Short Term Impact

Work at the kindergarten in Khdzoresk will begin as soon as funding is available with the roof and balance of windows that need to be replaced. Once the exterior of the building is sealed, work will begin on the inside of the facility. This will immediately create several part time jobs and have a boost for the local economy as all materials will be purchased locally.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, once construction is completed, three new full time jobs will be created with the expansion of the kindergarten. In addition, 25 new children and their families will benefit from the fact that they will be able to attend kindergarten in a safe and comfortable surroundings.

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 kindergarten in Khndzoresk can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

March 3, 2024

Today, renovations on the Khndzoresk Kindergarten began. The crew removed old roofing and is ready to continue renovations.

April 3, 2024

Work on the interior of the Khndzoresk Kindergarten has started with the crew removing old walls and flooring.

May 15, 2024

The crew has made great progress! So far, they have installed new flooring, windows, doors, supports and paneling for the walls and ceilings, as well as painted several rooms, and so much more.

July 11, 2024

Today, the SERVICE Armenia 2024 group had a work day at the Khndzoresk Kindergarten. Our team sanded and painted walls, cleaned the various spaces, and laid down laminate flooring.

By Garik Khachatryan

January 11, 2023

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships

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Description

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

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

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

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

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

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

2023

End Date

2024

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships

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

Gallery Images

Shahen Kavafian 1933-2019

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Updates: Images & Information

June 7, 2023

At the Komitas Conservatory, six scholarships have been awarded to bright young musicians that were in need of financial aid to continue their academic studies in 2023.

By Garik Khachatryan

Contacts

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Shgharshik School Gymnasium Renovation

Shgharshik School Gymnasium Renovation

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Anonymous

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Yemenjian Family

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Demirjian Family

Armen & Gloria Hampar Family Foundation

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Hrag & Taleen Kalebjian

Mr. Teodick Shahbandari

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Anonymous

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Yemenjian Family

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Demirjian Family

Armen & Gloria Hampar Family Foundation

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Hrag & Taleen Kalebjian

Mr. Teodick Shahbandari

Anonymous

Ekmanian Family

Arisian Family

Mr. & Dr. Rami & Arevig Gabriel

Hratch, Maro & Vatche Daghlian

Ms. Heripsime Babujyan

Mr. & Mrs. Rafi & Tamar Gabriel

Gaidzag Attarian Family

Mr. & Mrs. Anton & Maral Kismetian

Ms. Engie Attia

Mr. & Mrs. Fares & Seta Gabriel

Zenian Family

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 – 2025

Groceries for Gyumri 2024 - 2025

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Gregory & Dawn Tarpinian

Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Laura Derderian

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Hagop & Sona Dakessian

Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Kathy Mouradjian

Anonymous

Anonymous

Ms. Gale Valentini

Anonymous

Anonymous

Mr. Joe Richey

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Gregory & Dawn Tarpinian

Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Laura Derderian

Anonymous