In Progress – The Paros Foundation

Tag: In Progress

August 13, 2023

New Home for Karine S.

Description

Karine S. and her two young sons live in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Last year, Karine’s husband was killed in a tragic auto accident. Prior to this accident, Karine and her husband had purchased a home of their own in the village with plans to renovate the space, work the properties orchard and build a future for their children.

Karine and her boys currently live in a rented home in the village. The home they purchased needs to be rebuilt completely and partially expanded. Once rebuilt, the home will have two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and bathroom.

Karine and her boys would be grateful to receive the support needed to help them renovate their home and give them a fresh start for their future.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

November, 2023

New Home for Karine S.

$10,000 of $33,250 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Karine and her boys currently rent a home in the village as their home needs a complete renovation.

Karine's home needs an addition to accommodate the construction of a bathroom and the kitchen.

A new roof needs to be installed on the home.

This space will be expanded to facilitate the home's bathroom and kitchen.

Work on the home will take an estimated four months to complete.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important. Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community. Karine, a widow, cannot afford to renovate the home she purchased with her husband prior to his death.

Short Term Impact

A local construction team will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work on Karine’s home. In addition, windows and other materials will be purchased locally, which help support the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, rebuilding Karine’s home will create a lasting bond for her boys within this border community. In addition, making significant improvements to her home will improve her and her children’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

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.

By Peter Abajian

August 9, 2023

Home Improvements for Vardan S.

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Description

Vardan S. and his wife Anush have three children. The family of five live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. The family purchased their home a few years ago and spent their savings on expanding the home to its current size of 1, 100 square feet.

The expanded portion of the home was never finished due to lack of funds. The home’s entire roof is in need of being replaced. The roof replacement and completion of the interior of the addition will dramatically improve the living conditions for this family.

Vardan works as a contract soldier with the Armenian Army. He is at his post two weeks of every month.

Vardan and his family would be grateful if we could replace the leaking roof on his home along with completing the construction of their addition. This would help seal his home from the cold winter weather and rain and allow his children to live in a safer, more comfortable environment.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

November, 2023

Home Improvements for Vardan S.

$0 of $8,300 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Vardan's home has an addition that was never completed.

The family's home needs a new roof and the addition completed.

The addition needs to be completed for Vardan's family to enjoy the additional living space.

The existing part of Vardan's home is in acceptable condition with the exception of needing a new roof.

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important. Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders. Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to manufacture the windows in the addition. Roofing materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy. Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

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

By Peter Abajian

August 9, 2023

Home Improvements for Samvel P.

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Description

Samvel and his wife live with their married son, Ivan and his wife and children all live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Six people spanning three generations live together in the family’s home. The home is approximately 1,100 square foot and is mostly renovated. They need one additional room renovated so the children have a place to sleep and a bathroom constructed in the home.

Samvel works at the school as the guard and facilities person. Karine, his wife, works as one of the school’s cooks. Ivan, his son, works for the Ministry of Emergency Services.

The work that Samvel is requesting will cost approximately $6,200 to renovate one bedroom and build the bathroom. This work would offer the children a safe and comfortable enviroment in which to sleep and would offer the family the benefits of indoor plumbing.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

November, 2023

Home Improvements for Samvel P.

$0 of $6,200 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

One of Samvel P.'s grandchildren. Currently the children do not have a bedroom in the home.

Samvel's home does not have a bathroom. The family uses an outhouse.

This room would be renovated to provide the family's children a bedroom of their own.

The roof has been replaced but the interior ceiling still bears scars of the past leaks at Samvel's home.

Modest renovations have been made to Samvel's home in the past.

The Need

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local construction team will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work on the bedroom and bathroom. Materials will be purchased locally to help impact the local economy. The family will soon benefit from their new bedroom and bathroom.

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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

By Peter Abajian

August 9, 2023

Home Improvements for Lyova V.

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Description

Lyova. and his mother, his two sons and one of his son’s family all live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Nine people spanning four generations live together in the family’s home. The home has been renovated and maintained over the years, however Lyova has asked for some interior doors to be replaced and one room to be fully remodeled including new windows.

The home is two story with each floor containing about 2,000 sq feet of space. The family lives both upstairs and a portion of the downstairs as living space.

Lyova is retired and had worked as a contract soldier. His sons, Gnel and Vrezh both work for the Emergency Services and as a guard for the Security services respectively. The work they are requesting will cost approximately $5,800. This work will improve the conditions within Lyova’s home for his large family.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

November, 2023

Home Improvements for Lyova V.

$0 of $5,800 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

Lyova's wife and grand children in their home.

Lyova's home has had renovation done to it, however, one room and all of the interior doors require attention.

Several windows need replacing in Lyova's home.

The Need

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to replace the remaining windows in the home. All materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy. Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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

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

Immediately

End Date

4 months from start date

Community Gym for Verin Karmiraghbyur

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

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

By Peter Abajian

June 1, 2023

Home Improvements for Vachik M.

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Description

Vachik M. and his wife, their son and his family all live together in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Seven people spanning three generations live together in the family’s home. The home has a leaky roof and is need of having it replaced. In addition, the family’s home has old, broken windows that he would like replaced.

The home is two story with each floor containing about 1300 sq feet of space. The family uses the upstairs mainly and some of the downstairs space for a summer kitchen and storage.

Vachik works in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur turning on and off various pumps in the village to supply various parts of the village with water. Several year’s ago he was shot in the leg and walks with a strong limp. He was shot while working his field. His son, Karen, works as a guard at the Berd police station.

Vachig and his family would be very happy if we could replace the leaking roof on his home along with all the windows (several windows are broken) and doors. This would help seal his home from the cold winter weather and rain and allow his grandchildren to live in a safer, more comfortable environment.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

November, 2023

Home Improvements for Vachik M.

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

Gallery Images

Vachik's home needs new doors and windows.

The kitchen in Vachik's home.

Vachik's home needs a new roof.

Vachik at the entrance to his family's home.

The Need

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to replace the windows in the home. Roofing materials will also be purchased locally, thus positively impacting the local economy. Local construction teams will be hired to do the reconstruction and renovation work.

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

By Garik Khachatryan

March 15, 2023

Armenia Honey Project

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Description

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

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

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

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

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

Region

Various

City / Village

Various

Start Date

October 2023

End Date

Armenia Honey Project

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

Gallery Images

The Paros Foundation's existing hives are located in a secure and ecologically serine area of Verin Tsakhavan

2021 honey production amounted to almost 800 lbs of high quality honey.

Honey produced at the Aygepar Incubator is for sale at various supermarkets throughout Yerevan.

Students at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghybur work in the field as part of their education.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

View More Sponsors

By Garik Khachatryan

January 11, 2023

Nor Ughi School Gym

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Description

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

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

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

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

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Ginevet, Nor Ughi

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four Months after start

Nor Ughi School Gym

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

Gallery Images

The Gym at the Nor Ughi School is dangerous and cannot be used by students.

The hallway leading to the school's locker rooms and gym at the Nor Ughi School.

The boys and girls locker rooms at the Nor Ughi School need to be completely remodeled.

Paros staff visited the school to assess the gym project.

facebook_1667703261283_6994854459613319350

John Mangassarian working out with the students at the Nor Ughi School.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Sponsor names will also be listed on a plaque at the school. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

View More Sponsors

Updates: Images & Information

April 17, 2023

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

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 Komitas Conservatory.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

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.

By Garik Khachatryan

January 11, 2023

Musical Armenia

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Description

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

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

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

Region

Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Vanadzor, Nork Marash

Start Date

January 2023

End Date

December 2024

Musical Armenia

$630 of $14,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

Make this donation monthly

Personal Info

Title

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Mailing Address *

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Zip Code *

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Comment

Dedicate this Donation

Yes, please
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Dedication Type

Honoree Details

First Name *

Last Name

Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Guitar lessons funded through the Musical Armenia project.

Dhol group during City Day celebrations in Vanadzor.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Updates: Images & Information

By Garik Khachatryan

Contacts

Tag: In Progress

New Home for Karine S.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Kelley Badishkanian

Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Kelley Badishkanian

Home Improvements for Vardan S.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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

Home Improvements for Samvel P.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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

Home Improvements for Lyova V.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Honoree Details

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

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

Community Gym for Verin Karmiraghbyur

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Mary Goshtigian

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Mary Goshtigian

Home Improvements for Vachik M.

Description

Region

City / Village

Start Date

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

Short Term Impact

Long Term Impact

Sponsors Benefits

Mr. & Dr. Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian