Purchase a Home 27

February 17, 2021

Roots in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Students at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur will be instructed on how to care for their new orchard.

Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a village located on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The population is around 1,000 people and the main source of economic activity revolves around the agriculture sector. Economic opportunities in border villages like NKA are extremely limited due to lack of investment and safety issues. Without these opportunities, families are forced to either find work elsewhere, or move out of the region entirely. The Tavush region sees much of it’s economic activity in the summer months when fruits and vegetables are grown. The products are then either directly sold to consumers or undergo further processing before being sold. Tavush in particular is known for its production of fruits, such as Apples, Pomegranates, Persimmon, and much more. The Paros Foundation seeks to establish a small orchard in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA). The orchard will be located on the grounds of the local school; Paros has completed extensive renovations on the campus, and as a result has developed strong, productive relationships with school administrators and community leaders. More than 800 high quality fruit trees will be planted along with a drip irrigation water system. Staff will both oversee the orchard on a regular basis and provide a living classroom experience for students at the school. Within three years, it is expected that the orchard will provide commercially viable quantities of fruit. This project will have the added benefit of encouraging the creation of other local businesses to further process the fruit and creating additional value for the marketplace. Proceeds will be reinvested into the community.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

August 2020

End Date

August 2025

$23,931 of $50,000 raised

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Gallery Images

The Need

Economic opportunities in border villages like NKA are extremely limited due to lack of investment and safety issues.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, several employees will benefit from the work in preparing the school grounds for planting 800+ fruit bearing trees. A new full time staff position at the school will be created to support both the orchard and classroom instruction.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, once this pilot project proves successful in helping improve the economics of this village, this project will be replicated in other needy communities.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on a plaque at the orchard, on The Paros Foundation website, and in all appropriate public statements. Visits to the orchard can be arranged for families visiting Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

November 26, 2020

With the drip irrigation system installed, staff, students and teachers joined in to plant more than 800 fruit trees.

March 18, 2021

Classroom and field based instruction began for the students at the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School. They will learn how to manage the orchard through hands-on activities.

November 16, 2021

Students helped plant 18 new trees in place of those that needed to be replaced.

July 29, 2021

The Paros team visited the school orchard today. We were delighted to find that the trees were giving fruit and in full bloom getting ready for fall.

March 28, 2023

A sign thanking our sponsors is added for providing this school with an orchard.

June 13, 2023

For a second season in a row, the orchard is providing fruit for the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School. The cherries are ready to be picked and we are excited to have a full crop in 2024.

January 17, 2021

Aygepar Business Incubator

Description

Aygepar is a village of 675 people located in Armenia’s Tavush region. The terrain is such that Azerbaijan is surrounding this village on three sides with sniper posts in the hills above. 53 of the village’s men work as contract soldiers guarding this important border and protecting their homes. Few other jobs exist in this village to support the 210 families that call Aygepar their home. The village does not have much land to grow crops and/or care for animals, making agribusinesses difficult to implement. During the Soviet Union, the village of Aygepar was built to sustain workers working at the three (now non-functioning) village factories (tobacco processing, champaign and fruit preserves and compote.)

To address the dire economic situation for Aygepar’s residents, The Paros Foundation will establish a business incubator aimed at establishing conditions to allow the start of several small businesses for local families. With proper oversight, training and guidance villages will be able to launch their businesses in sanitary conditions and take advantage of a larger marketplace. The Paros Foundation has been granted ten year usage of one of three abandoned factories for the project’s use free of charge. The Paros Foundation needs to raise a total of $75,000 to make investments in the facility and to support the launch of this important project.

The Paros Foundation will provide space to locals interested in starting their businesses rent free. In addition, Paros staff is dedicated to investigating and helping secure export opportunities for commodities and/or helping secure distribution to the marketplace.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Aygepar

Start Date

August 2020

End Date

Eight Years From Start Date

$224,810 of $245,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

The Need

The villagers in the border community of Aygepar need opportunities to work and to care for their families. The village does not have much land to grow crops and care for animals. Most survive with the small gardens they have at their homes. One of three abandoned factories in the village needs to be renovated to launch a Business Incubator to help provide rent-free space and technological knowledge for villages to start their businesses.

Short Term Impact

A construction crew will be immediately hired to make the necessary renovations to the building that will house the Aygepar Business Incubator. Local materials and labor will be utilized that will immediately benefit the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, village families will benefit from the businesses they are able to start through their work and ownership. The village as a whole will benefit through this increase in income from its residents. Based on the improved economic conditions, villagers will feel more secure and stable in Aygepar, and thus be less likely to consider abandoning their homes and moving elsewhere.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, in any appropriately related print or electronic promotional materials, and on a plaque at the Aygepar Business Incubator.

Updates: Images & Information

May 1, 2020

After more than a year of researching and planning, our team had made the decision to begin renovation of space and begin the process of job creation by launching the first of the many businesses envisioned at the Aygepar Business Incubator. We decided it would be much more beneficial for the community to have the opportunity to utilize quality, clean and secure space for their business, rather than promote any one specific business. Initial serious consideration was given to open a mushroom farm in the space, but due to the inability to attract technical expertise in the form of a project partner, it was determined that this is a much better path to follow.

August 12, 2020

A new roof was built and installed over one half of the building to allow us to launch the first businesses including a rabbit farm and fertilizer production.

December 23, 2020

Both the rabbit farm and fertilizer projection businesses were launched this month.

July 12, 2018

Abovyan School #8 Renovation-Phase One

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

Description

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

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

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

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Abovyan

Start Date

June 2019

$78,090 of $87,000 raised

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

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

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

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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

December 27, 2018

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

June 3, 2019

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

July 23, 2019

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

July 10, 2020

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

August 15, 2020

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

October 15, 2021

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

November 16, 2021

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

September 4, 2022

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

February 20, 2023

The gym renovations are complete! A grand opening with performances from the students was held in celebration of its completion. Continuing with school renovations, we still need funds to renovate the locker rooms and the teacher's office.

June 2026

Abovyan School continues to thrive thanks to the renovations completed to date, and additional funding is now needed to complete the locker rooms.

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June 30, 2016

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 29

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 29

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, amusement parks, concerts, or attend cultural events.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions. 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 sponsorship 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

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 29

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 importantly the emotional and social benefits for 20 orphan children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotional, educational 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 relevant 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.

March 28, 2016

Prkutyun Dental Clinic

Apelian Clinic at Prkutyun Center

Dr. Apelian has generously supported the clinic for more than 12 years.

Description

The Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Disabled Children & Young People Center NGO has been providing free dental services to disabled children and impoverished families living in the Shengavit community of Yerevan. The clinic was established in 2005, by the generous efforts of Dr. George Apelian, a former member of Armenian Dentists’ Association of California. Since its establishment, the clinic has rendered dental services to more than 12,000 patients, including children and adults.

Dr. Apelian, who continues to direct the clinic’s functions, hopes to expand the reach of the clinic and its services to nearby communities. Residents living in Armenia’s poor communities commonly overlook dental care and hygiene due to high costs. The Apelian Dental Clinic is in need of additional funding in order to be able to serve more families who are unable to afford dental care and help them prevent a lifetime of serious dental problems in the future. Sponsorship of this project will help raise $17,000 annually in order to help keep the clinic fully operational so that they can continue to provide dental care free of charge. Dr. Apelian has continued his generous pledge to match any funds raised.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

January 2016

End Date

December 2022

$115,238 of $120,000 raised

$ Donation Amount:

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Personal Info

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Donation Total: $100 One Time

Gallery Images

The Prkutyun Center entrance.

Dental equipment from the United States keeps the clinic operating.

The clinic keeps equipment sanitized to ensure patient health.

This x-ray machine needed to be replaced as it has outlived its useful life.

Low speed and high speed tools need to be replaced.

Patient at Apelian clinic about to get her teeth checked.

Children receiving treatment at Apelian Dental clinic also receive a new toothbrush and toothpaste.

The friendly staff at the Apelian Dental Clinic.

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Dr. Apelian, his family and the staff during a visit at The Apelian Clin

The Need

The Apelian Dental Clinic is in need of additional funding in order to be able to continue its great work and expand its reach to provide more disabled children and families free dental care for the impoverished communities of Yerevan.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the Apelian Dental Clinic will keep its doors open, pay its employees wages and obtain more dental equipment and supplies needed. In addition, the clinic will welcome patients from other impoverished communities from Yerevan and provide them dental care free of charge.

Long Term Impact

The additional funding will allow the clinic to remain open for four years during which time it will serve more patients and help more individuals prevent serious dental problems in the future with no financial burden.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Apelian Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, the Prkutyun Disabled Children and Young People Center NGO website and in all appropriate press related to this important project. In addition, a sponsor plaque will be placed in the clinic. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Apelian Dental Clinic when you are in Armenia.

Updates: Images & Information

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October 15, 2015

The dental clinic celebrated its 10th anniversary of working to help their patients at the Prkutyun center.

October 17, 2018

Anna Hakobyan, wife of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, visited the clinic to become acquainted with its work and witness its services.

March 2, 2020

The George Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Center is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 following the order of the Prime Minister until further notice.