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

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

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Tag: Completed

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Vahan Village School Repair

Vahan Village School Repair

Description

The village of Vahan is located in an isolated border area north of Lake Sevan, and south of Armenia’s Tavush border communities. More than 1,000 people call Vahan their home. According to Armenianow.com residents of Armenia’s border village Vahan (meaning shield) say proudly that their village is the northeast gate, the main border-guard of Armenia. They came here from Artsvashen. This was an Armenian village within the administrative territory of Azerbaijan during the Soviet period; and Azeri villages surrounded it. Armenians left Artsvashen during the Armenian-Azeri conflict years.

The medical center was renovated in the last few years. The village kindergarten, designed for 40 children, which had been closed since 1992, was reopened in November of 2011. Residents maintain livestock and cultivate potatoes to earn a living.

The school, which has 150 students attending, is located 500 meters from the Azeri border. It has been partially renovated by several different organizations. Currently, three classrooms are in need of renovation. Sponsorship of this project will help renovate all three classrooms, including new flooring, paint, doors, windows, electrical work and refurbished furniture. There will also be minor cosmetic renovations done to the entryway of the school.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vahan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two months from start date
Vahan Village School Repair

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

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 due to the cold. 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 three people to renovate the classrooms for two months and the benefit to the local economy through the order for needed supplies and classroom furniture. All materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy. In addition, local villagers will be hired to complete the construction work, thus providing them with temporary jobs. Three classrooms will be fully renovated.
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 teachers. When schools are in better conditions they will encourage families to stay hence, deter emigration from the village.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsorship of the Vahan Village School Repair will be recognized on a plaque at the School, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Vahan Village School when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
JD

John A. Boghossian, DDS

CA, United States March 29, 2017
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MG

Mr. & Mrs. Vartan & Talin Gharibian

Porter Ranch, CA March 12, 2017
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HY

Anonymous

United States March 2, 2017
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AM

Armenian Students Cultural Association, University of Michigan

Brighton, MI February 9, 2017
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MJ

Mr. Richard Lee Weil, Jr.

Boston, MA January 23, 2017
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TF

The Phase Foundation

Germantown, MD January 17, 2017
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Mrs. Katherine Halebian

Englewood Cliffs, NJ January 12, 2017
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MK

Mr. & Mrs. Raffi & Nanor Karagozian

Watertown, MA January 11, 2017
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MM

Mr. & Mrs. Pakrad and Katrin Markarian

Glendale, CA January 7, 2017
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HK

Hilion, Taleen & Armen Khatchadourian

United States January 7, 2017
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Mr. David Tateosian

Martinez, CA January 6, 2017
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MD

Mrs. Virginia Dadourian

Port Washington, NY January 4, 2017
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Updates: Images & Information

Video Update

July 15, 2020

A video shows the protests in Baku calling on a resumption of war with Armenia.

July 16, 2020

The kindergarten in the village of Aygepar was hit by Azeri artillery this morning. We had finished the complete renovation of this kindergarten in 2018 and will assess the damage and rebuild again as soon as possible! We build, they destroy!

 
July 21, 2020

Members of The Paros Foundation team joined Tavush Governor Hayk Chobanyan, Berd Consolidated Communities head Harutyun Manucharyan, representatives of the Prime Minister's office, and local village representatives to visit the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar and Chinari communities to assess the damage and to strategize and coordinate the next steps forward.

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Rind School Revival

Rind Village School Revival

Description

The Armenia Tree Project and Paros Foundation are joining forces to dramatically improve conditions at the school in the village of Rind. Currently, more than 1,800 people live in Rind and almost 300 children attend the village school. The children do not receive a hot meal because the kitchen and cafeteria are operated from a small space located via a separate entrance behind the school. This situation makes it impossible to cook hot meals for the children. It is often cold and too difficult for the children to access this space in the rainy and snowy months.

Additionally, the school has a large yard that is barren. With the addition of irrigation, the school could accommodate 500+ fruit and shade trees. This would be a tremendous benefit economically for the village, for the environment and for the children’s nutrition.

This project would also introduce environmental education into the school’s curriculum. Age-appropriate methods will be used to teach children of the importance of caring for the environment and its benefits for society. This curriculum would be especially timely given the large and dangerous wildfire that destroyed hectares of old growth forest in the summer of 2017 in the Vayots Dzor region.

The implementation of this project will take three months and include the relocation of the kitchen and cafeteria to an available space in the main school building. New water and sewer lines will be run to the new kitchen. At the same time, water will be provided for irrigation in the schoolyard. The kitchen space will be renovated and joined to the cafeteria. New flooring and wall tiles will be installed, along with new paint and lighting. New kitchen furniture and needed appliances will be purchased and installed. New tables and chairs for the dining room will complete the renovation. Following the renovation work, 550 new fruit and shade trees will be planted at the school via a team of both students, volunteers and paid staff. The expert staff of the Armenia Tree Project will introduce environmental education curriculum to the students.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Rind

Start Date

March 2018

End Date

May 2018
$16,626 of $23,550 raised
$
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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need
The kitchen and cafeteria at the school in the village of Rind are in terrible condition. Children are not able to benefit from a daily hot lunch because of the lack of facilities and unsanitary conditions. In addition, the schoolyard is large and spacious, but does not have many fruit trees or shady areas.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of implementing this project will be the immediate reconstruction of the kitchen and cafeteria, planting of trees and launch of the environmental education curriculum. Local labor, trees and materials will be utilized and purchased benefitting the local economy.
Long Term Impact
The long-term impact of this project will include the increased health and welfare of the village children as they benefit from hot meals, fresh fruit and improved environmental conditions at the school. The new environmental education classes will help future generations better manage their resources.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsorship of this project at the Rind Village School will be recognized on a plaque at the School, on The Paros Foundation website, and in all appropriate press related to this project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Rind Village School for sponsors of this project.
Anonymous User
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{OMIT}

Woburn, MA February 20, 2018
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MY

Ms. Elise Yacoubian

La Crescenta, CA February 8, 2018
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Mr. & Mrs. Dikran & Lynn Barsamian

Allendale, NJ
February 7, 2018
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Ms. Lara Setrakian

New York, NY January 3, 2018
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MA

Ms. Sarine Adishian

Oradell, NJ November 16, 2017
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Ms. Melanie Dadourian

New York, NY November 16, 2017
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Ms. Yelena Nersesyan

United States November 16, 2017
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Mr. David Ekizian

United States November 16, 2017
Anonymous User
MD

Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Karmen Dadourian

Manhasset, NY November 16, 2017
Anonymous User
MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY November 16, 2017
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Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Rachel Nadjarian

Arlington, VA November 14, 2017
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MS

Mr. Roger Strauch

Berkeley, CA November 14, 2017
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Updates: Images & Information

November 16, 2017

A fundraiser was held in New York at the Almayass NYC restaurant to celebrate the partnership between Paros Foundation and the Armenia Tree Project and to raise funds for this project.

 
March 2, 2018

Work at the Rind Village School began today!

 
April 27, 2018

Renovation work at the Rind Village School is progressing nicely. New doors and windows have been installed, the tile work is almost completed and minor work remains.

 
May 25, 2018

Paros Foundation & Armenia Tree Project staff came together today for a ribbon-cutting celebration in the village of Rind. Today marks the opening of the newly renovated kitchen and cafeteria as well as the “Plant an Idea, Plant a Tree” environmental education curriculum by the Armenia Tree Project (ATP) at the school. ATP also planted more than 550 trees and shrubs around the school.

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Handicraft & Art Classes for Warm Hearth

Excursions for Warm Hearth

Description

The mission of Warm Hearth is to provide forever homes for people with special needs who have been abandoned and have outgrown the orphanages. Individuals with special needs are often forgotten in both Armenia and in much of the world. Warm Hearth provides care in a group-home setting that mimics family life to the extent possible and that empowers their residents to live as independently and confidently as possible. At Warm Hearth they value their residents’ social, physical, mental, spiritual and vocational development and strive to provide growth opportunities.

Warm Hearth has planned several excursions for their residents. Excursions can help provide much needed community interaction, recreation and educational opportunities. Sponsorship of this project will help cover costs for these excursions including transportation and admission (if any) for different venues, museums and churches for residents and care providers.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

February 2018

End Date

May 2018
Handicraft & Art Classes for Warm Hearth

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

The Need
Individuals with special needs are often forgotten in both Armenia and in much of the world. Those who have been abandoned and have outgrown orphanages need a safe and loving home that will preserve and protect their dignity, choices, fulfillment, privacy and independence. Warm Hearth has been that place for their residents and is in need of financial support in order to continue to further enhance the quality of life through different methods including excursions.
Short Term Impact
Warm Hearth will take their residents on several excursions for the duration of four months.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, residents’ quality of life will be more enhanced and fulfilled through experiences with their community and culture.
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to Warm Hearth will be recognized at their home and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to Warm Hearth when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
IK

Anonymous

Los Angeles, CA December 27, 2017
Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 14

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 14

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 14

Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert serving more than 250 children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. The orphanage is a state run facility that receives governmental support to provide these vulnerable children with their basic care and education.

Excursions for these children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues provide these children with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society. These children do not attend school, but rather attend classes at the orphanage. It is important for both these children and society for these children to experience community life.

For each donation of $250, approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of care provides will be able to go on an excursion to Yerevan at Victory Park, or another appropriate venue for a morning or afternoon of activities including transportation, admission and snacks. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

July 20, 2022

End Date

July 20, 2022
Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 14

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

The Need
Approximately 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. While these facilities provide basic care for these children, their limited funding does not permit these children regular visits and participate in various social and cultural activities. A child with a disability has very few opportunities to visit the city and experience life outside of the grounds of the Kharpert orphanage.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of this project will be the employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most important the education and social benefits for 20 children with developmental disabilities.
Long Term Impact
This project has considerable long-term benefits for both the children and for society. Society’s attitudes towards people with disabilities will slowly begin to change as witness these children regularly and realize that society can indeed accommodate them as part of their community.
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the Kharpert Home for Special Children when you are in Armenia.
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LC

Ms. Lena Chatchatrian

Belgium December 8, 2021
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MV

Ms. Gale Valentini

Petaluma, CA October 12, 2020
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DZ

Dr. & Mrs. Alfred & Volga Zohrabian

United Kingdom August 15, 2020
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MH

Ms. Gohar Harutyunyan

NJ, United States September 26, 2018
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Mr. Vladimer Oganezov

United Kingdom August 5, 2018

Updates: Images & Information

July 6, 2022

Participants and volunteers of the SERVICE Armenia 2022 group with kids and young adults of the Kharpert Home for Special Children during a fun afternoon excursion at Victory Park. 

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Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 14

Orphaned Children's Day Excursion 14

Description

More than 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. These facilities provide for the children’s basic needs, but their limited budgets do not allow these children to participate in visits to popular historical sites, an amusement park or concert, or attend a cultural event.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions in Armenia, or simply have a fun afternoon or activity that they normally would not be able to experience. Many different activities and excursions can be organized for these children. The extent of the activity or trip is directly related to the sponsorship amount. For sponsorships amounts between $250 -$750 approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of chaperons will be able participate in a memorable activity. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

The Paros Foundation staff and volunteers will organize and oversee the excursion/activity. Opportunities to sponsor excursions for orphanages serving both disabled and non-disabled children exist. Whenever possible, our staff will work with the destination for the excursion to secure group pricing and/or discounts.

Region

Vanadzor

City / Village

Lori

Start Date

July 2017

End Date

July 2017
Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 14

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

The Need
Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most important the education and social benefits for orphan children.
Long Term Impact
This project has considerable long-term emotion, education and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.
Sponsors Benefits
Your support of this project will be recognized at the relavent Orphanage, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the care facility when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
SS

St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church-Sunday School

Costa Mesa, CA May 23, 2017

Updates: Images & Information

Video Update

July 21, 2017

Children from the Vanadzor Orphanage were taken to an excursion at Victory Park. Participants and volunteers of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 group spent the day enjoying the rides and implementing this important project.

 
aygepar

Kindergarten Renovation in Aygepar

Kindergarten Renovation in Aygepar

Description

Armenia’s northeastern border communities live under the watchful eye of Azeri snipers. In many of these villages, more than 50% of the land remains unusable (both for cultivating and grazing) due to its proximity to the border. In other villages, inadequate infrastructure left over from Soviet times has created unbearable conditions for families to live, learn and work. Many of the husbands and fathers in these communities are heroes–serving as contract soldiers protecting our borders in their villages– while others work as seasonal migrant workers in Russia. Prosperity and our Nation’s security go hand in hand.

As part of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border initiative, The Foundation has identified the kindergarten in the village of Aygepar as a needed infrastructure improvement project. Aygepar Village is located in a peninsula jutting into Azerbaijan in a valley surrounded on three sides by Azeri military posts in Armenia’s Tavush region. Almost 500 people call Aygepar their home. The village’s kindergarten was in direct line of site from Azeri snipers and was partially unusable until The International Red Cross built a security wall to protect the children. Other organizations implemented partial poor quality renovations to the kindergarten, but the majority of the building including roof repairs remains unmet.

The kindergarten currently serves almost 20 children. Partial renovations to the building have been completed by various organizations, however the roof, floor and kitchen and bathroom need complete renovation. In addition, one large room will be renovated and converted into an indoor playground for the children’s use.

Aygepar’s Mayor stands ready to assist with contributed labor to help realize this important project for the village.

Watch Video

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Aygepar

Start Date

May, 2017

End Date

Spring, 2018
Kindergarten Renovation in Aygepar

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

The Need
The kindergarten in the village of Aygepar needs renovation. Specifically the kitchen, bathroom, playroom and roof and flooring throughout most of the building must be addressed. Once completed, children and their families in the village will be able to take full advantage of early education in a safe, clean and comfortable environment.
Short Term Impact
Village kindergarten-aged children will benefit from the advantages of early education in a clean, safe and comfortable environment. The local economy will benefit from the purchase of local materials and labor for the construction.
Long Term Impact
Improving the infrastructure in Aygepar is important. With a modern kindergarten, hundreds of children will benefit through their attendance. Families in Aygepar will take pride in their kindergarten and this may even assist with population growth in the village.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors of the renovation at the Aygepar Kindergarten will be recognized on a plaque installed at the Kindergarten, on Paros Foundation website and in all related press to this important project.
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MB

Mr. & Mrs. Sevag & Nairi Balian

Chevy Chase, MD September 13, 2017
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MA

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian

New York, NY August 15, 2017
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MB

Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Kelley Badishkanian

New York, NY April 21, 2017

Video Update

Updates: Images & Information

October 14, 2017

The interior renovation work at the kindergarten is complete and classes have resumed. The work to beautify the garden and playground will be completed in the early spring of 2018.

 
August 13, 2018

Today the village gathered to celebrate the official completion of the renovation at the kindergarten! The Badishkhanian family, who helped sponsor the renovation attended the ribbon cutting! Thank you again to the Badishkhanian, Atamian and Balian families for supporting this important project for the people in Aygepar!

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Adopt A Classroom 21 – Ljashen

Adopt A Classroom 21 - Ljashen

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? One of the schools recently identified in need of a complete renovation is located in the large village of Ljashen in the Gegharkunik region at Lake Sevan. Ljashen Village has a population of 5,000 and one local school. About 300 students attend this run down school. The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of a classroom at this school including doors, flooring, lighting, paint, electrical, and furniture as needed. The heating system was replaced 10 years ago by Developmental Services for Armenia, a California based humanitarian organization, and is still fully functioning. 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

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Ljashen

Start Date

Summer 2017

End Date

Two Months From Start Date
Adopt A Classroom 21 – Ljashen

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

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 that students will have a newly renovated classroom in which to continue their studies. Also six local residents will be employed to renovate the classroom. There will be benefits to the local economy through the purchase of supplies.
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
Your donation to sponsor the renovation of this classroom will be recognized on a plaque at the school, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Ljashen Village School when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
TF

The Phase Foundation

Germantown, MD January 17, 2017
19894771_854876594688891_2124459277114693134_n

Adopt A Classroom 22 – Ljashen

Adopt A Classroom 22 - Ljashen

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?

One of the schools recently identified in need of a complete renovation is located in the large village of Ljashen in the Gegharkunik region at Lake Sevan. Ljashen Village has a population of 5,000 and one local school. About 300 students attend this run down school.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of a classroom at this school including doors, flooring, lighting, paint, electrical, and furniture as needed. The heating system was replaced 10 years ago by Developmental Services for Armenia, a California based humanitarian organization, and is still fully functioning. 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

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Ljashen

Start Date

Summer 2017

End Date

Two Months From Start Date
Adopt A Classroom 22 – Ljashen

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

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 that students will have a newly renovated classroom in which to continue their studies. Also six local residents will be employed to renovate the classroom. There will be benefits to the local economy through the purchase of supplies.
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
Your donation to sponsor the renovation of this classroom will be recognized on a plaque at the school, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Ljashen Village School when you are in Armenia.
Anonymous User
LC

Lauren & Catherine Conrow

Ross, CA June 4, 2017
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Oknooshoon

Oknooshoon Project

Description

Nairi Krafian, a young Armenian-American Birthright volunteer is establishing a project called Oknooshoon in Armenia, which is literally a hybrid of the words help (oknoutyoun) and dog (shoun) in Armenian. As a pre-veterinary student who is passionate about both her homeland and animals, her goal is to improve the public perception, and in turn the quality of life, for rescued dogs in Armenia. Nairi has partnered with The Paros Foundation in order to introduce dog therapy in Yerevan, help provide education to improve the public perception of stray and rescued dogs and minimize their poor treatment.

Nairi will be in Armenia this summer for 11 weeks to introduce her Oknooshoon project. She will be collaborating with the Centaur Hippotherapy Center, where they train stray dogs as therapy animals, and the International Child Development Center (ICDC) and My Way socio-rehabilitation day care center, where they have programs for autistic youth. She hopes to create a sustainable animal therapy program for autistic children that will benefit the children, expose more of the Armenian community to animal therapy, and showcase the positive qualities of dogs to the human population. Furthermore, once the program has been refined, Nairi plans to also create a national standard for therapy animal certification, which will allow the practice of animal therapy to expand to other shelters. She will monitor the progress of her program though surveys given to the staff at both facilities, the parents of the children at ICDC, and the general public.

$5,300 is needed in order to fund this summer’s program. Costs include handler training education, dog training supplies, memory devices, PR materials, transportation between facilities, communication between involved parties, preventative medical care for the dogs, and hygiene supplies.

The following is a timeline for the Oknooshoon project:

May 29-June 16, 2017: Visit ICDC and Centaur, assess the facilities, introduce the program to staff and parents (of children at ICDC), and determine what qualities of the dogs would be suitable and therapeutic to which children. Buy necessary supplies. Assess dogs at Centaur and refine their training to suit the program.

June 19-July 7, 2017: Continue training dogs and handlers as needed. Slowly integrate dogs into ICDC, with highly supervised visits and trials, assessing the effectiveness of interactions between certain dogs and children or groups of children. Create a weekly schedule of animal therapy at ICDC accordingly.

July 10-August 4, 2017: Implement animal therapy schedule, continuously assessing and refining the program to ensure its continued success when I leave.

Fall 2017-Spring 2018 (in Boston): Assess and improve the pilot program. Create the standardized criteria and process for therapy animal certification. Complete independent study on animal therapy through the Occupational Therapy department at Tufts University. Expand PR and do outreach to more potential target facilities in Armenia (i.e. hospitals, orphanages, universities, war veterans, etc.)

Summer-Fall 2018 (return to Armenia): Have Centaur dogs undergo the official certification process. Expand certification availability to all shelters and provide training sessions and certification tests for dogs and handlers at all locations.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

June 2017

End Date

July 2018
Oknooshoon

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

The Need
Armenia lacks animal welfare advocacy and has a severe stray dog problem with longstanding social and economic roots, which perpetuates the negative stigma around stray dogs. The few existing shelters are saturated and often forced to adopt dogs overseas, which is a large financial burden. The goal of Oknooshoon is to incorporate dog therapy into the Armenian human healthcare system in order to improve the reputation of dogs and thus increase their adoption rate. There is also a very limited amount of easily accessible animal therapy for all people, including special needs children, for whom the benefits of animal therapy has been proven in many other countries. Oknoushoun will create a situation in which more people know about and have access to animal therapy.
Short Term Impact
The short term impact is to successfully implement a pilot project working to train dogs and handlers for animal therapy for the children at the ICDC and My Way.
Long Term Impact
The long term impact will be to give rescued dogs at shelters the opportunity to be tested and certified as therapy animals, and make animal therapy more popular and accessible for the Armenian population. This can increase the number of dog adoptions, help improve public perceptions of stray dogs and ultimately benefit people who utilize animal therapy.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and on all relevant press regarding this project. In addition, sponsors will also be included in an Oknooshoon e-newsletter in 2018.
Anonymous User
KB

Anonymous

Cambridge, MA June 12, 2018
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MA

Mr. John Aftandilian & Mrs. Krista Aslanian

Belmont, MA June 11, 2018
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MN

Mr. Richard Nigosian

New York, NY June 9, 2018
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AS

Anonymous

MA, United States June 8, 2018
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SS

St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School

Watertown, MA June 5, 2018
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MA

Mrs. Hilda Avedissian-Tokat

Belmont, MA
In Honor Of Yeraz Kaligian's 16th Birthday April 6, 2018
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Magnus, Snorri, Tamsin & Duncan

United States
In Honor Of Yeraz Kaligian's 16th Birthday April 5, 2018
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Ms. Laura Cherry

Watertown, MA
In Honor Of Yeraz Kaligian's 16th Birthday April 5, 2018
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Mr. & Mrs. Dikran & Seda Kaligian

Watertown, MA
In Honor Of Yeraz Kaligian's 16th Birthday April 5, 2018
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Ms. Maroush Kalfaian

United States February 15, 2018
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Ms. Susan Higgins

Clinton, CT February 12, 2018
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Ms. Alvart Badalian

Watertown, MA December 31, 2017
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Updates: Images & Information

School-Khndzoresk

Adopt a Restroom, Khndzoresk School Phase 2

Adopt a Restroom, Khndzoresk School Phase 2

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.

Khndzoresk is a village in the South-East of Armenia to the south of the Goris – Stepanakert highway near Artsakh. Originally, the village school, which has 306 children in attendance and 20 staff members, had no running water or functional restrooms. Students and staff shared an outhouse-style squat bathroom with no working sinks.

This first phase has been completed, including renovations to three of seven restrooms through our partner and lead contributor the Armenian Network of America – Los Angeles Chapter. Furthermore, new water and sewer lines were installed. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the funds needed to renovate four more bathrooms (phase 2) at the school including, addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. We will also install new water and sewer lines for these new restrooms.

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Khndzoresk

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Three months following start date
Adopt a Restroom, Khndzoresk School Phase 2

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

The Need
Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.
Short Term Impact
306 children and 20 staff members will have running water and functional restrooms. The reconstruction of four additional bathrooms will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.
Long Term Impact
Hundreds of children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school for years to come. In addition, epidemics and health issues will be avoided through improved sanitation.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsorship for this project will be recognized on a plaque in the entryway of the school, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Khndzoresk School when you are in Armenia.
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Mr. & Mrs. Sebouh & Varti Vartanian

Hillsborough, CA October 5, 2017
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Mr. & Mrs. Sebouh & Varti Vartanian

Hillsborough, CA
October 5, 2017
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Maine Women's Network Portland Chapter

United States September 13, 2017
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Ms. Victoria Milsop

ME, United States
In Honor Of Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte's Birthday March 13, 2017
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Mr. Tyler Johnson

MO, United States
In Honor Of Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte's Birthday March 13, 2017
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Ms. Naira Dadyan

CA, United States
In Honor Of Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte's Birthday March 13, 2017

Updates: Images & Information

May 9, 2018

Demolition work on the four bathrooms is complete. Our construction crew has installed new sewer lines and is completing the installation of new fresh water lines to the bathrooms.

 
July 23, 2018

The renovation work at all four bathrooms is complete! Our team visited the school on the way to Artsakh this afternoon and viewed the beautiful new restrooms.