New Home for Karine S.

Children at the kindergarten in Khndzoresk.

Description

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

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

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

Region

Syunik

Start Date

March 2024

City / Village

Khndzoresk

End Date

Four months from start

Khndzoresk Kindergarten Renovation

$42,900 of $120,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Updates: Images & Information

March 3, 2024

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

March 15, 2023

Armenia Honey Project

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

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

$24,100 of $25,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

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.

January 11, 2023

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships

Shahen Kavafian 1933-2019

Description

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

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

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

When Mr. Kavafian passed away on April 20, 2019, he left a generous contribution to the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul. To honor his memory, a music scholarship fund has been created 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

2023

End Date

2024

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships

$5,000 of $10,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Gallery Images

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Updates: Images & Information

June 7, 2023

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

January 11, 2023

Musical Armenia

Guitar lessons funded through the Musical Armenia project.

Description

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

This project aims to provide full, ongoing music scholarships to children from socially vulnerable families in Vanadzor who attend the Orran Center andchildren 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

$6,117 of $14,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Dhol group during City Day celebrations in Vanadzor.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

Updates: Images & Information

February 22, 2024

With consistent funding, the children are continuing their music education. At the Orran Center, the children are improving on their dhol and guitar skills. The children attending classes at the Andreasyan School of Music are continuing to learning new skills in their private lessons.

November 29, 2022

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2023-2024 Funding

Ghoghanj Nor Nork - 2023-2024 Funding

Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 85 children every month. Children who attend the Center are loosely defined as “at risk.” These children typically come from very poor households, often times with a single head of household, who cannot pay for such assistance. The goal of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center is to provide the necessary academic, psychological and social support to ensure that the children attending mature to well adjusted, successful, young adults.

In order to further impact more “at-risk” children, the Center has identified a need for this model to be replicated and offered to other communities in Armenia. Through the generous support of the Dadourian Foundation, a second center for “at-risk” children was opened in 2014 in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan to provide support to 85 additional children annually. The new center has provided students the same core classes daily (English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance) as the Ghoghanj Children’s Center – Kentron. The goal of this project is to broaden the services offered to socially vulnerable children and families in other communities and provide them with the proper support and guidance needed to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults.

Amount will include rent, utilities, teacher salaries, maintenance and additional improvements, and supplies.

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Nor Nork / Նոր Նորք

Start Date

September 2023

End Date

August 2024

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2023-2024 Funding

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

The Need

Children living in the community of Nor Nork in Yerevan are in need of additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support. A second center for these kids has been opened and needs financial support in order to cover operational costs for the following school year 2023-2024.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, sponsorship of this project will help continue to employ teachers, and provide 85 children in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan with their needed tutoring and guidance.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 85-100 at-risk students by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to fund the operational costs for the 2023-2024 school year for Ghoghanj-Nor Nork will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the center when you are in Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

January 26, 2023

Children from both the Kentron and the Nor Nork locations of the Ghoghanj Children's Center attended the Armath Engineering Event in Yerevan.

June 20, 2023

Med-Aid 2023 visits the Ghoghanj Nor Nork Children's Center to give free medical exams to the children.

December 27, 2023

The Ghoghanj Nor Nork Children's Center celebrate Christas with performances, awards, and Christmas snacks.

January 19, 2024

Children of displaced Artsakh families are welcomed to Ghoghanj Nor Nork Children's Center for the launch of the We are the guardians of Artsakh's culture program. The program includes classes on folk dance, history, excursions, embroidery, and choir lessons.

November 29, 2022

High-Tech Education for Children

Students from the Debi Arach Children's Center in Gyumri working on their entry into a regional competition for robotics.

Description

Educators around the globe are aggressively promoting STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) for children in schools. These important subjects help secure student’s futures in a world filled with high tech advances in nearly every aspect of live.

This project aims to augment existing high tech classes including robotics, computer programming and 3-d printing at schools and children centers across Armenia with additional hardware and educational materials aimed at familiarizing students with drone and photography technology. Support this effort and help arm our future generations with the skills they need to succeed in our ever changing world.

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

October 2023

End Date

One Year From Start

High-Tech Education for Children

$77,522 of $90,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

Student designed and manufactured robot is demonstrated at a robotics competition.

The Need

Students need to be armed with STEM education to compete in an every increasing high tech society. Current STEM classes offered in most of Armenia’s schools do not include drone and photography education. This project will help familiarize students with this technology.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, schools and children centers will receive both hardware and appropriate instruction on drone usage, repairs and maintenance.

Long Term Impact

In the long run, as these students are exposed to and master drone usage, they will be more confident in their abilities to utilize drones. In addition, having this technology and classes available in schools will encourage them to pursue related tech careers and higher education.

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 programs can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

February 4, 2023

Our Paros team visited the Armat Odum Lab at a school in Vardenis where students take STEM courses. With appropriate funds raised, we hope to give them a drone to increase their STEM knowledge.

March 2, 2023

About a month later the Armat Odum Lab at a school in Vardenis was given a drone. With the help of our donors, we are excited to donate many more drones to schools in Armenia.

March 23, 2023

As part of the High-Tech Education program a guest speaker and a drone operator visited the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur School to show the children more about the abilities and usage of drones.

November 29, 2022

Home Improvements for Samvel G.

Samvel's home also has a small barn that needs repairs.

Description

Samvel and his wife along with their four young children (3 boys and a girl) live together in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

Samvel has done his best to make improvements on the family home including rebuilding their bathroom and repairing the roof. The home needs a complete cosmetic remodel including new doors and windows.

Samvel is a retired contract soldier from the Armenian army. Several years ago, Samvel and his family were beneficiaries of The Paros Foundation’s Agribusiness project and received several pigs. He continues to work with his pig farm on a regular basis. He also works as a beekeeper for The Paros Foundation’s honey production effort at the local school. Astrig, Samvel’s wife, was employed until recently as the director of the village’s kindergarten.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of approximately 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community remains under constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village during the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents have suffered due to these difficult and dangerous conditions. In particular, 70% of their fertile land is unusable because of frequent sniper attacks. Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a beneficiary village of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border Initiative. With major financial support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family over the last 10 years, much of the village’s infrastructure has been completely rebuilt and improved including, but not limited to, its large secondary school, expanded kindergarten, medical center, emergency services building and water distribution system. In addition, several families have benefited from agribusiness and animal husbandry projects. Having funded the rebuilding of NKA’s infrastructure, the Atamian family is now focusing its attention on the reconstruction of severely damaged houses to provide decent and safe homes for deserving families in the village.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four months after start

Home Improvements for Samvel G.

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

Gallery Images

Parts of Samvel's home are not used because of their poor condition.

Water damage can been seen throughout the Samvel's home.

Samvel has completed partial renovations to his home including constructing a bathroom for his family.

The Need

Samvel’s home is in poor condition. Due to the lack of economic opportunities in this border community, Samvel and his family cannot afford to complete renovations to their home.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local construction crew will be employed to renovate this home and earn a fair market wage. Reconstruction materials will be purchased locally also to provide a benefit to the regional economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, as homes in these communities are improved, local villagers will take greater pride in their communities. More importantly, Samvel and his family will live in safer and more comfortable conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

October 17, 2022

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 22

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

October 28, 2022

End Date

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 22

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.

April 27, 2022

Wrestling Programs in Tavush