Tag: Available

February 4, 2019

Paruyr Sevak KG & PreK

Kindergarten & Preschool for Paruyr Sevak Village

Description

The village of Paruyr Sevak was founded in 1978 and named after the famous poet Paruyr Sevak. The village is located in the Ararat Region and is near the border of Nakhchivan and occasionally receives cross border sniper fire. Almost 600 people live in the village of Paruyr Sevak. Currently 16 children attend the preschool. The village does not have a working kindergarten, nor an appropriate public gathering space for events and activities. There is no gas infrastructure in the area, so families burn wood or use electricity to heat their homes and public buildings. Improvements were recently made to the drinking water infrastructure for homes in Paruyr Sevak. Irrigation water continues to be a problem for the village and dramatically effects their ability to farm.

The goal of this project is to rebuild several wings of the building that currently houses the preschool. This will facilitate three major things for the village. First, it will allow for the expansion for the preschool to accommodate additional children who are not attending due to the current poor conditions. Second, it will allow the village of Paruyr Sevak to establish a kindergarten for the village. Currently the village has 33 children awaiting the establishment of a kindergarten. This will help these children receive the benefits of early education. Finally, the renovation of a large assembly hall will allow the village to have an appropriate space to gather for various meetings and community activities.

This project will be implemented in phases as funding becomes available. The first phase will include the renovation of the second story preschool space and will cost $18,500. The second phase will include the renovation of the first story kindergarten space and the adjacent kitchen and will cost $28,500. The third and final phase will include the renovation of the main entryway, the community assembly hall and the building’s entry courtyard and will cost $22,000.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Paruyr Sevak

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Five Months after start date

Paruyr Sevak KG & PreK

$86,550 of $130,000 raised

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Gallery Images

The kindergarten and preschool in the village of Paruyr Sevak occupy approximately half of this building.

The building in Paruyr Sevak houses the kindergarten and future preschool and community hall.

The bathrooms in the kindergarten building were partially remodeled, but never completed.

Broken windows and a leaky roof has caused a considerable amount of damage to the upper floor.

One of the classrooms on the upper floor of the kindergarten building in Payuyr Sevak.

The head of the Paruyr Sevak community shows Paros staff the damage relating to the roof leaks in the kindergarten.

The main entrance to the building is currently not used and needs to be renovated.

Once renovated, the second floor assembly hall will be a very good addition to the Payuyr Sevak community.

The kitchen will serve both the kindergarten and the preschool once renovated.

The head of the Payuyr Sevak community shows Paros Staff the direction of Azeri sniper fire from Nakhchivan.

This room once served as the auditorium and assembly room for the community of Paruyr Sevak. Once renovated, it will again fulfill, this important role both for the children as well as the community at large.

The upstairs hallway will be renovated as part of the work on the preschool in the village of Paruyr Sevak.

The grounds outside of the kindergarten building will also be renovated to serve as a beautiful park space for the community and a playground for the children.

The Need

The village of Paruyr Sevak has a small working preschool that needs renovation in order to better serve the community. In addition, children currently do not have a kindergarten to attend. The community as a whole does not have an appropriate assembly hall to meet for various events and activities.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, all of the preschool and kindergarten aged children will benefit from the newly renovated facilities. Additional jobs will be created at both the preschool and kindergarten, and during the reconstruction phase of the building. Materials will be purchased locally whenever possible, to help the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, children in the village will benefit from early education and the villagers will have an appropriate space for community gatherings and events.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the building’s entrance in Paruyr Sevak, and in any press related to this important project. Visits to the village can be arranged for sponsors and their families during visits to Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

May 19, 2019

Work began today on the second floor classroom spaces that will house the new pre-school.

July 16, 2019

Work is completed on the second floor classroom space. Now the crew is beginning the phase two work which includes the new main entrance, staircase, hallway and kitchen.

September 5, 2019

Today the Piligian and Hamparian families who are the primary sponsors of this project, visited the village of Paruyr Sevak and sponsored a gala celebration for the work that has been completed to date!

January 13, 2020

With work on phase two nearing completion, our work crew has begun the renovation of the first floor kindergarten space.

February 29, 2020

After a considerable amount of research, our Paros staff concluded the most effective heating system for this large building is an electricity fired boiler and radiators to heat all newly renovated spaces. Our heating specialist was able to tie in the existing partial solar heating system for additional benefit.

March 7, 2020

The work on the first floor kindergarten classroom spaces is also complete and the crew is now working on the second floor auditorium.

April 9, 2020

Today our crew finished the interior work. The children will return to both the kindergarten and the newly opened pre-school as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. We will continue to work with the project sponsors to tackle the work on the grounds next.

July 9, 2021

Today our SERVICE Armenia participants spent the day at P. Sevak helping paint some of the verandas in the playground space. Thanks to participant's donations, these structures were rebuilt and will offer both students, staff and families shelter from the heat!

August 27, 2021

Thanks to the generous continued support from the Piligian and Hamparian families, the village's medical center, which is located next to the kindergarten's kitchen, is being renovated! Work began today and should be completed within a few weeks.

By vespartech

July 12, 2018

Abovyan School #8 Renovation-Phase One

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Description

The town of Abovyan in Armenia’s Kotayk region is often referred to as the northern gateway to Yerevan because of its proximity to city (about 10 miles north.) Abovyan is home to more than 34,500 residents. More than 530 children attend School #8 in Abovyan. The school is in overall poor condition. School administrators do what they can to maintain the facility, but outside assistance is needed to dramatically improve conditions throughout this school.

The school is comprised of seven building, six of which are currently being utilized. All six buildings need new roofs to prevent leakage during the wet and winter months. Most of the school’s windows need to be changed to modern, double-pane windows. The school’s boilers are 12 years old and one of them has ceased to function. The bathrooms all need to be completely renovated and transformed into modern restrooms. The large gym is also in very poor condition and needs a total remodel.

Improvements to this large school will be completed in phases. The Phase One project will include the replacement of the school’s roofing and roof support structure (as needed) over six of the buildings that are in use. Two of the buildings are in very bad condition and will be replaced immediately as soon as funding is available.

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Abovyan

Start Date

June 2019

Abovyan School #8 Renovation-Phase One

$77,240 of $84,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The roof over the six buildings of Abovyan School #8 needs to be replaced.

The roof above the bathrooms at Abovyan School #8 have leaked and caused a considerable amount of damage to the interior.

The ceiling above the gym at Abovyan School #8 shows a considerable amount of water damage.

Like most of the other rooms at Abovyan School #8, the auditorium also leaks.

The Need

The roofs over the six buildings that are currently being used at the Abovyan School #8 are leaking and beyond repair. These roofs and much of the support structure beneath must be changed to help create a safe and comfortable environment for the children while they are at school.

Short Term Impact

In the near term, a roofing crew will replace roofs over six of the facilities buildings including new corrugated roofing, gutters, downspouts and wood supporting structure as needed. This will benefit the local economy as both materials and labor will be purchased locally.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, children will be able to learn in a cleaner, safer environment. In addition, a new roof will help better protect the children and staff and prevent further deterioration of the facility.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque installed at the school and in all appropriate press materials related to this project.

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Updates: Images & Information

December 27, 2018

Today our construction crew did a closer inspection of the roofs at the school. Our hope is to have enough funding in place to redo at least two of the building's roofs as soon as weather permits.

June 3, 2019

Our construction team arrived at the school today to begin the demolition of the roof on the first building on campus! Exciting!

July 23, 2019

So happy to announce that our team completed the work on the roof at the first building on campus!

July 10, 2020

Work on the roof over the second classroom building at the school began today thanks to the support of several generous donors.

August 15, 2020

Work on the second classroom building's roof was completed today!

October 15, 2021

The school's main entrance was reroofed a several year's ago through a government supported project. Unfortunately, it was done very poorly and aggressive wind damaged a considerable amount of roofing over the entrance. Thankfully, through the support of generous donors, our crew began the reconstruction of the third building's roof today!

November 16, 2021

Work on the third building's roof was completed today before the weather becomes too moist!

September 4, 2022

Demolition work has begun in the school gym. Once that is completed, the entire gym will be renovated complete with paint, windows, lighting, electrical and equipment.

By vespartech

July 10, 2018

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor Region

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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.

$30,000 is needed to retrofit the bus with two dental chairs and the proper equipment. The monthly operating budget for the mobile clinic once it has been put into operation is $3,000 per month.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Yeghegnadzor and surrounding villages

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

December 2021

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor

$93,648 of $101,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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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.

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Updates: Images & Information

October 28, 2019

In advance of the official launch of the Mobile Clinic for Vayots Dzor, our team of Dentists and staff spent the day equipping the clinic and preparing it for the big day!

November 1, 2019

A big celebration was held to mark the official launch of the Mobile Clinic for the Vayots Dzor Region.

April 1, 2020

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Mobile Clinic is currently not operating. As soon as it is safe to resume operation, our staff will, once again, tackle their important mission.

By vespartech

April 13, 2018

Promote Scientific Research in Armenia

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Description

Since 2011, a group of American and European-Armenian professors and academics have organized and taught advanced one-week long training courses, in Armenia, to graduate students in biology. the courses were developed by Raffi Aroian (University of Massachusetts Medical School) and Haig Alexander Eskandarian (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). Their specialty is one coherent course focused on the thematic of host-pathogen interactions, for which Armenia faces critical health problems like chronic tuberculosis brought on by antibiotic persistence or genetic disorders like Familial Mediterranean Fever, for which the role of infectious bacteria play a critical role in disease outcomes. Their goal is to teach Armenian students and researchers the approaches to how science research is conducted for the discovery of fundamental concepts in biology.

In order to begin the courses this group of scientists and researchers raised $7,300 to purchase needed equipment including incubators for culturing and cultivating bacteria, three dissecting microscopes and an upright optical fluorescence microscope for live cell imaging. Their goal has been to train students and researchers to undertake their own experiments using the equipment that they purchased and have donated to Professor Nelli Hovhannisyan’s lab, at Yerevan State University. Nelli’s lab hosts these courses and maintains the instruments. She also offers a select group of talented trained students the opportunity to continue the studies that they sought to begin during our course.

Their ultimate goal is to establish enough physical infrastructures and technical and philosophical knowledge for young researchers taking the courses to be able to build their own research themes and interests out of the experiments that they were taught. The end result would be for the students to publish their own work and eventually apply for research funding in order to continue to pursue their research interests that spawned out of these courses. Currently, they are in need of additional funding in order to continue this program. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the funds needed to purchase additional equipment and the ability to invite groups of professors and young researchers from abroad interested in teaching prolonged lecture and practical training courses to Armenian students and researchers. The equipment they presently need includes one inverted optical phase contrast microscope ($5,000) and a more sophisticated inverted phase contrast fluorescence microscope ($10,000). $10,000 is budgeted for establishing practical advanced training courses with international professors and researchers. This program will provide intensive lecture and practical training courses to graduate students specializing in a field of research related to biomedicine.

The group of professors and researchers include:

Raffi Aroian (University of Massachusetts Medical School)
Diane Barber (University of California, San Francisco)
Haig Alexander Eskandarian (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
Alexander Hajnal (University of Zurich)
Bana Jabri (University of Chicago)
Sarkis Mazmanian (California Institute of Technology)
Erich Schwartz (Cornell University)

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Year from start date

Promote Scientific Research in Armenia

$250 of $25,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

13495528_1139086856112039_4725805349384474435_o-e1523838663855

Since 2011, a group of American- and European-Armenian professors & academics have organized and taught advanced biological training lecture courses in Armenia.

Students & researchers are taught approaches to how science research is conducted for the discovery of fundamental concepts in biology.

Two new and different microscopes are needed to aid these important courses.

The Need

Infectious disease originating from pathogenic bacteria or parasites remains a major risk to the health and wellbeing of Armenians and a burden on society. It is estimated that one in four Armenians is infected with parasitic nematodes. In addition, bacterial infections, like tuberculosis, remain difficult to treat because we still do not have adequate means of clearing the infection. Therefore, it is imperative to train competent scientists and researchers to discover why infectious diseases persist and resist treatment.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, science equipment will be purchased and intensive lecture and practical training courses will be offered to graduate students specializing in a field of research related to biomedicine.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this program can provide sustainable and innovative course offerings by inviting more researchers and professors to participate in the co-conception of and teaching of both the lecture courses and practical courses. In addition, it can help expand course syllabi by offering researchers and professors from abroad a budget to create their own practical courses. Such a program can help spur cutting edge research in Armenia (i.e. building microfluidic devices for studying bacterial antibiotic resistance).

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsorship of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. Laboratory equipment can be named in honor of major benefactors. Donors will also be acknowledged throughout the course for their contributions. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Yerevan State University when you are in Armenia.

By vespartech

April 6, 2018

Med Aid Armenia 2018/2019

Med-Aid ARMENIA 2018/2019

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Description

Health care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken areas is very hard to find and difficult to afford. Residents in these communities have a high rate of health issues that could otherwise be prevented or cured if they had access to simple medical care. In order to help remedy this unfortunate situation, The Paros Foundation has launched Med-Aid ARMENIA.

Sponsorship of this project will help raise the necessary funds needed to obtain basic medical equipment, supplies and medicine. In-kind donations of any of these items are also welcomed. Furthermore, we specifically need physicians, nurses, pharmacists and more to help our volunteers conduct physical exams and provide basic medical care.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

January 2018

End Date

December 2019

Med Aid Armenia 2018/2019

$7,100 of $10,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

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First Name *

Last Name *

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Comment

Dedicate this Donation

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

Health care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken areas is very hard to find and almost impossible to afford. This can cause a lifetime of medical issues, which can be otherwise prevented. Residents living in these areas are in need of basic medical aid in order to prevent serious health issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, equipment and medical supplies will be provided to clinics in impoverished areas to be used for patient care.

Long Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will have a decreased occurrence of health issues in the future. As this program expands, repeat visits will create more access to health care and in turn increase the overall health and well being of this population.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Med-Aid ARMENIA 2018/2019 will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.

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

By vespartech

February 10, 2018

Debi Arach Vocational Center 2018-2019

Debi Arach Vocational Center 2018/2019

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Description

The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015. The center, which provides 120 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. In 2016, Debi Arach 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. Students participate in their choice of several programs including computer programing 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. In 2019, we plan to add additional hands-on training programs, the first of which will be culinary and restaurant service classes. The center operates Monday- Saturday and classes are offered on a rotating basis. 50 young adults will be enrolled per year and attend the training class of their choice. Once the training courses are completed, the Debi Arach staff will work with the students on job placement. Since the inception of this vocational program, 28 students have been either enrolled in one or more classes and 11 have already found jobs and are earning money. Sponsorship towards this project will help run the vocational center for one year, including staff wages and supplies. 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.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

September 2018

End Date

August 2020

Debi Arach Vocational Center 2018-2019

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

Gallery Images

13043442_492277367642879_5457082379307344652_n

Students will have the opportunity to recieve training in different fields including robotics and computer sciences.

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, 50 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 Vocationsl 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.

By vespartech

January 31, 2018

De-mining in Nor Karmiravan Village

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Description

Since 2000, The HALO Trust has cleared nearly 500 minefields in Nagorno Karabakh and is the only humanitarian mine clearance operator here. Our mission is to lead the effort to protect lives and restore livelihoods threatened by landmines and the debris of war.

The intensive fighting during the 1992-94 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh resulted in the laying of hundreds of minefields and large amounts of explosive remnants of war littering the region. Twenty-six years have passed since the end of the war, and local communities still suffer the enduring presence of landmines and other explosive remnants. With one of the highest annual per capita accident rates in the world, with 1 in every 382 Karabakhis being killed or injured from a landmine or other explosive since the end of the war, Karabakhi communities fear for their lives and the safety of their children.

Aside from the immediate risks landmines present to life and limb, they also directly affect the socioeconomic well-being of communities of Karabakh, who are among the poorest in the region with 21.6% of the population living below the national poverty line of $2.40 per day. The majority of impoverished people in Karabakh live in rural areas, where people disproportionately rely on subsistence farming, foraging, and the use of natural resources for survival. Their struggle to support themselves and their families is compounded by the presence of explosive remnants of war, which make accessing and using their land impossible. A study conducted by the University of Southern California on the socioeconomic impact of mines on communities in Karabakh found that, on average, the presence of landmines cause a 45% decrease in the income of rural households. This information is further supported by HALO’s internal evaluation of post-clearance land use, which shows that the household income of rural communities increased by nearly 40% through the use of cleared ground for agricultural purposes.

In partnership with The Paros Foundation, The HALO Trust proposes to mobilize and deploy an eight-person manual de-mining team to clear a minefield in Nor Karmiravan village. Nor Karmiravan has a population of 195 people, or 56 households, and is a remote village in the Martakert region, which is the most heavily mine-impacted region in Karabakh and a priority for HALO. Around Nor Karmiravan, HALO has already cleared 19 minefields with 190 acres (770,773 square meters) of land—the size of 144 football fields—and has found and safely destroyed a total of 138 landmines and 159 items of unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions.

However, there are still mined areas remaining that must be cleared. One major priority is a piece of land located close to a regularly used road. This minefield (labeled M-200) is contaminated with anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines. An anti-personnel mine is designed to maim adults, but is powerful enough to kill a child; an anti-vehicle mine can destroy a tractor and kill its operator, or kill or injure a whole family if driven over by a car.

The estimated contaminated area of M-200 is 14,318 square meters. The clearance of this minefield will ensure the safety of local villagers who will cultivate the cleared land, as well as that of all Karabakhis using the nearby road.

HALO is need of $23,000 USD, to be matched fully by an anonymous donor for a total project budget of $46,000 USD. The primary expenses relating to this project will be salaries for eight Karabakhi Armenian staff members working full-time for a period of six months.

Region

Artsakh

City / Village

Nor Karmiravan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Six months from start date

De-mining in Nor Karmiravan Village

$125 of $23,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Gallery Images

Nor-Karmiravan-Map_Paros-Foundation_Aug-2020-scaled-e1597805200535

Map of Nor Karmiravan

Clearance of this minefield will ensure the safety of local villagers.

The village of Nor Karmiravan.

The Need

Securing funding for any form of humanitarian aid in Karabakh is always a challenge. Its disputed status makes it difficult to receive international government aid. The only government partner in recent years has been the U.S. government, which limits the use of its funds to areas of Karabakh that fall under the Soviet-era boundaries of the Nagorno Karabakh Oblast (“Traditional Nagorno Karabakh”). As a result, the people residing outside of Traditional Nagorno Karabakh (HALO uses the term “Green Areas” to describe these areas) are left isolated and vulnerable to the threat of landmines. HALO is the only international non-governmental organization providing any form of support in the Green Areas. In order to clear minefields in the Green Areas, HALO is reliant on support from private donors. The minefield in Nor Karmiravan falls outside Traditional Nagorno Karabakh and, therefore, HALO cannot conduct clearance there using funds from government donors. Furthermore, as of April 2020, the U.S. funding has ended, and future funding is still uncertain. HALO is looking forward to partner with The Paros Foundation and its supporters to clear the minefield in Nor Karmiravan.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, minefield M-200 in the village of Nor Karmiravan will be mine free six months after the start of de-mining.

Long Term Impact

Clearing minefield M-200 in the village of Nor Karmiravan will eliminate the risk of death or injury and allow for close to 195 people to live and raise their children safe from the harm of landmines and to open up access for farmers to work, to take their crops to market, and lift themselves from poverty; and to help with safe access when they seek medical care and education for their families.

Sponsors Benefits

HALO will be producing co-branded and co-logo materials as part of this project which can be jointly shared in communication channels by HALO Trust and The Paros Foundation. Stories and recognition of such partnership will be featured in HALO’s and Paros Foundation’s social media channels and newsletter and on our website. Following clearance of the minefield, HALO staff will organize a ceremony with local leaders in order to return the cleared land back to the community and will place a board near the minefield marking The Paros Foundation’s support for the clearance, with the Paros logo. HALO would like to invite Paros Foundation staff members and key donors to visit the site of the project while clearance is happening and to also meet local people who will use the cleared land.

By vespartech

September 29, 2016

Nork Orphanage-Ari’s Playground

The Nork Orphanage Play Area - Ari's Playground

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Description

The Nork Orphanage houses approximately 80 infants and toddlers, from newborns to six years of age. The facility is located in the Nork area of Yerevan approximately 15 minutes from the city center. The orphanage is in need of an appropriate play area for the children that can provide them with a safe environment in which they can play and interact with one another, with staff, and with perspective adoptive parents.

A 25 x 25 meter (approximately 7,000 square feet) outdoor space is prime for the addition of a small wading pool, water feature, flower garden and seating area. This area would give the children need summer relief during the hot weather and create a very nice space for the children, the staff and perspective adoptive parents to spend time.

The scope of work in this space includes constructing a water feature (sprinkling type), a small wading pool (about 140 square feet) with filtration system, the addition of benches, flowerbeds, walkways, outdoor lighting and landscape.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nork Marash

Start Date

April 2012

Nork Orphanage-Ari’s Playground

$14,520 of $26,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

Title

First Name *

Last Name *

Is this donation on behalf of a company?

Company Name

Donate from an international address.

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Country *

Display Name

Phone Number

Email Address *

Make this an anonymous donation.

Comment

Dedicate this Donation

Yes, please
No, thank you

Dedication Type

Honoree Details

First Name *

Last Name

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The future site of Ari's Playground.

Paros staff surveying the future site of Ari's Playground.

A great view of the future site of Ari's Playground.

The Need

Children need a safe and secure environment in which to play and interact with one another. The Nork Orphanage is generally in good repair, but lacks an outdoor space that can provide a safe play space and relief from the hot summers.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be the employment of a construction team to build the outdoor space and the immediate benefit for the local economy.

Long Term Impact

The long-term benefit of creating this outdoor play space will be realized through the increased happiness of the children, staff and perspective adoptive parents, who will have an environmentally friendly, safe and beautiful space to enjoy during the non-winter months. Additional benefits will be realized through the cultivation of a vegetable garden, which will provide the children fresh vegetables and will augment the orphanage’s food budget.

Sponsors Benefits

Your sponsorship of the Nork Orphanage Play Area will be recognized with a commemorative plaque installed at the Play Area, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit and tour the Orphanage when you are in Armenia.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

April 5, 2012

Today we broke ground on Ari's Playground with a group of volunteers from the College Prep School in Oakland, California!

April 20, 2012

Work began today on the grading and work is continuing on stuccoing the block walls.

September 9, 2012

The Side by Side mentoring program from the Ghoghanj Children's Center in Yerevan spent the day today working to prepare the flower beds for plantings. Thank you!

October 9, 2012

Ari's Playground is a complete!

July 25, 2019

The Paros Foundation is sad to have learned of the untimely passing of Mr. Vasken Laurancian, and we extend our condolences to his family and friends. Vasken's family has decided to support the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of Ari's Playground in his memory. His funeral will be held on Friday, July 26th at 12 noon at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California.

By vespartech

September 29, 2016

Talin Music School

Talin Music School Project

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Description

The town of Talin, with a population of about 5,400 people, is located in the Aragatsotn Region of Armenia and is considered one of the oldest residential areas of the region. Currently, Talin houses a music school in a building in poor condition without any proper practice or performance spaces for its 120 students and 15 teachers. The building lacks access to proper health and safety standards, and severely limits the school’s dedicated staff from doing their jobs. These horrible conditions also prevent the students’ ability to learn. The town of Talin is in need of a modernized school, offering a safe, comfortable and appropriate environment to study and teach classical and folk instruments and music.

The reconstruction will be a complete remodel of the existing building consisting of new individual practice and classrooms for students, western toilets and construction of a concert hall with ample seating. With these renovations the Talin Music School can properly assume its leadership capacity in the community. Furthermore, the professional environment of a newly renovated facility will encourage students to reach higher standards of excellence in their musical ambitions including: education, performance, and creative service. A positive and more creatively stimulating environment will also help instill confidence in performers, teachers, and the Talin community. Furthermore, the town of Talin has committed to support this project to the extent that they are able.

The school will be completed in three phases: The construction of the new concert hall, the renovation of the third floor and finally, the renovation of the second floor.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Talin

Start Date

June 2016

Talin Music School

$165,370 of $200,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

Title

First Name *

Last Name *

Is this donation on behalf of a company?

Company Name

Donate from an international address.

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Country *

Display Name

Phone Number

Email Address *

Make this an anonymous donation.

Comment

Dedicate this Donation

Yes, please
No, thank you

Dedication Type

Honoree Details

First Name *

Last Name

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

A student and her teacher practice Kanon at the Talin Music School.

A modern concert hall will be added to the reconstructed school.

Despite the poor conditions, students excel at music at the Talin Music School.

The Need

Armenia’s smaller towns suffer from the lack of proper educational facilities. Currently, the Talin Music School, is working to promote music education, culture and the arts for the children in Talin, Armenia in an substandard structure. In addition, the building’s present-day condition undervalues the pride the staff, students, and community members feel when educating their talented youth.

Short Term Impact

The 120 students currently enrolled at the Talin Music School and 15 teachers would have access to a newly renovated, safe, and comfortable building, with individual practice rooms, modern bathrooms and a concert hall. The local economy will benefit from construction jobs that will become available throughout the reconstruction process.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, a proper facility will have the potential to attract more students in order to give them the same opportunity as current students to renew their connections to Armenia’s rich musical culture. The newly renovated school will also be able to support a more diverse faculty and instrument offerings. Having modern facilities can have the potential to attract other talent and touring Armenia. Additionally, the reconstruction of the Talin Music School can have the potential to attract master instructors to teach master classes.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Talin Music School will be recognized in their printed materials and a sponsor plaque will be placed in the entrance of the school. Additionally, your name will be listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Talin Music School when you are in Armenia.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

June 8, 2016

Thanks to the generous support of Vasken Ekmekjian and his family, funding is now available to begin the construction of the concert hall at the Talin Music School. After interviewing several contractors in Armenia, we chose our firm, and today they broke ground!

October 3, 2016

Exterior work on the concert hall is complete. The job comprised of raising the entire roof and ceiling for acoustics, combining several small rooms to create a larger concert hall, installing new windows, doors and a new fire escape.

November 15, 2016

Work on the interior of the concert hall has begun. A stage will be constructed along with beautiful tiled flooring, appropriate lighting, paint and new chairs will complete the hall.

January 17, 2017

A foggy and snowy visit to the Talin Music School today showed what terrific progress the crew is making on the interior. The walls are being completed now and the painting work will begin soon.

August 15, 2017

Vasken Ekmekjian and his family visited the Talin Music School to see the newly constructed concert hall in honor of his parents.

June 29, 2019

With funding secured to complete the renovation of several classrooms and one set of bathrooms, SERVICE Armenia spent several days at the Talin Music School working along side the Paros crew to renovate the second story of the school.

September 3, 2019

Students began this school year with an entirely renovated second floor. In 2020, the hope is to have enough funding to complete the entire first floor of the school.

July 3, 2023

Work at the Talin School has been continuing for that past three years with the help of SERVICE Armenia 2021, 2022 & 2023 and SERVICE Armenia Young Professionals 2022. More classrooms and offices have been updates through these efforts.

By vespartech

September 9, 2016

Adopt A Classroom

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers. How is a student supposed to learn if there are not proper desks, chairs or windows in the classroom?

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of a classroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, chalk or white board and desks and chairs. Whenever possible, the school, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

June

End Date

August

Adopt A Classroom

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

Gallery Images

A typical Armenian classroom prior to renovation.

Missing parquet flooring create hazards for children.

Leaky roofs exist in many schools.

Unsafe electrical wiring in many schools.

The Need

Many classrooms throughout Armenia’s schools remain in deplorable conditions. Children should not have to try and learn in these conditions. Because of substandard doors and windows, many classrooms become unusable in the winter months because of the cold. In addition, even schools with proper heating are affected negatively with insufficient warmth in the classrooms that have broken doors and windows. While the Armenian Government and others regularly engage in a campaign to remodel schools, they simply cannot meet the huge need.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact will be the employment of at least two people to renovate the classroom for one month and the benefit to the local economy through the order for needed supplies and classroom furniture.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impact will benefit at least 10 years of students that will be able to take classes using the updated and modern classroom. This will have a huge psychological impact on both the students and teacher. In addition, the school will benefit from energy savings in the winter months.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the remodeled classroom and on The Paros Foundation Website.

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

By vespartech

Contacts

Tag: Available

Paruyr Sevak KG & PreK

Kindergarten & Preschool for Paruyr Sevak Village

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Mrs. John & Beth Hamparian

Susan & Stepan Piligian

Mr. & Mrs. John & Beth Hamparian

Piligian Family

Ms. Renée Deramerian

Ms. Tiffany Matevosyan

Mr. & Mrs. John & Beth Hamparian

Susan & Stepan Piligian

Mr. & Mrs. John & Beth Hamparian

Piligian Family

Ms. Renée Deramerian

Ms. Tiffany Matevosyan

Ms. Sareen Armenian

Mr. & Mrs. John & Beth Hamparian

Ms. Sanah Syed, Ms. Sarosh Syed

Ms. Audrey Bogosian

Mr. Aram Tashjian

Ms. Ava Kuredjian

Updates: Images & Information

Abovyan School #8 Renovation-Phase One

Abovyan School #8 Renovation-Phase One

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Mrs. Nshan & Narine Karapetian

Mr. & Mrs. Norair & Seda Arabatlian

Mr. Bagdassarian Family

Bindra Family

Brar Family

Gevork Karapetian

Mr. & Mrs. Nshan & Narine Karapetian

Mr. & Mrs. Norair & Seda Arabatlian

Mr. Bagdassarian Family

Bindra Family

Brar Family

Gevork Karapetian

Flora Kurkdjian

Mirzakhani Family

Der Ohannessian Family

Khoshoryan Family

Mr. Yegiya Keseyan

Ms. Knarik Parsamyan

Updates: Images & Information

Mobile Dental Clinic Vayots Dzor

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor Region

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Dr. Jeffrey Wittmus

Dr. & Mrs. Viken & Arpi Melkonian