Aygepar Business Incubator

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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

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.

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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.

Shirak Center NGO Aid

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Description

The Shirak Center NGO, established in 2006, has been an instrumental organization aimed at helping Gyumri and its residents. Chairman, Vahan Tumasyan, and his staff have worked tirelessly for years fighting for the rights of impoverished residents, helping bring humanitarian aid and supplies to their families and helping shed light on their devastating living conditions. Furthermore, the Shirak Center NGO aims at bridging differences between local authorities and communities in Gyumri through coalition building and conflict resolution, and promotes homeless advocacy, and economic and social rights and civil liberties.

The Shirak Center NGO is also an important partner of The Paros Foundation and together we have successfully implemented several projects in Gyumri’s impoverished neighborhoods including the distribution of winter boots and coats for children, firewood for fuel to keep families warm and give them the ability to cook in the winter, identified and moved families out of domiks into homes and worked with children from these neighborhoods.

In order to continue this important work the Shirak Center NGO is always in need of additional funding. Sponsorship of this project will provide the funds needed to allow Shirak Center NGO to continue to distribute firewood for fuel for heating and cooking. Gyumri’s harsh winters and extreme poverty has led to families burning trash to keep warm and cook food for their families. Shirak Center NGO will also use the funds in order to locate and identify the vacant domiks in Gyumri, purchase the domiks from their owners, demolish them and distribute the remaining scraps of wood to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. Demolishing these domiks has several benefits including raising the communities morale, returning land to its former use and providing firewood for fuel to impoverished families. Finally, some of the funds will also be used to promote the work the organizations does through marketing, social media and communications and administration costs.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2021

Gallery Images

Shirak Center NGO staff preparing firewood for disbursement.



Delivering firewood to families in need.

The Need

The Shirak Center NGO and the aid they provide impoverished families in Gyumri have become a vital part of these family’s future well-being and success. They are in need of funding in order to continue their important work.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the Shirak Center NGO will be able to immediately continue their programs and distribute firewood to domik families, tear down abandoned domiks and distribute the firewood for heat to families, market their organization and cover some administrative costs.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the advocacy work led by the Shirak Center NGO, combined with the humanitarian aid they provide Gyumri’s impoverished families will help these families come out of their devastating conditions gradually and will steer them towards a positive future.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this project will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation and Shirak Center NGO websites and social media outlets.
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Armenia Support Fund Online Marketplace Platform – Shop Shouga

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Description

The Armenia Support Fund (ASF) was established in early 2020 to take on strategic initiatives impacting Armenians in both Armenia and around the globe. In response to COVID-19, ASF partnered with The Paros Foundation to launch the “Armenia COVID-19 Small Business Support Initiative,” which aimed to raise funds to support the business-related needs of family-owned businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 in Armenia. This project raised $50,000 and provided small business grants to over 40 struggling businesses in Armenia.
As part of ASF’s efforts to help rebuild Armenia after the devastation caused by the Azeri conflict, ASF has once again partnered with Paros to build the first ever exclusively Armenian online marketplace platform. This e-commerce website will be called, Shop Shouga (Armenian for marketplace) and will help businesses in Armenia sell overseas to diaspora communities and non-Armenians. We have handpicked and curated the collection to ensure the quality and value of the products.
Our team will help purchase the products that ASF has sourced from Armenia as well as ship them to Los Angeles where they will be placed in a fulfillment center for delivery.

Region

Throughout Armenia & Artsakh

City / Village

Throughout Armenia & Artsakh

Start Date

December 2020

End Date

December 2021

Gallery Images

The Need

COVID-19 and the war have had a devastating effect on Armenia’s economy and families that own small businesses. The pandemic ruined Armenia’s flourishing tourism industry and the war has displaced many small-business owners. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we encourage people to buy Armenian products. The Armenia Support Fund is committed to helping enable Armenia based small businesses to sell online internationally.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, this project will help Armenia based small businesses get back on their feet and keep their businesses running. The affects of this project will be felt immediately as it helps promote economic stimulus in Armenia.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, helping these family-owned small businesses will not only help Armenia’s economy recover, but will help ensure these families remain committed to their businesses and not consider abandoning them for economic reasons.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation and The Armenia Support Fund websites and in relevant press.
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GOALS for #everygirl EBRD Community Initiative

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Description

We are back-to-school and Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) is getting ready to relaunch its girls soccer leagues. Because of the recent pandemic children have been mostly isolated at home and most after-school activities had been either canceled or moved online. Children have been isolated from each other and haven’t been able to partake in physical activities. We are very eager to bring sports back to regional Armenia and give the opportunity to our girls to get back on the field.
As you know health and hygiene education are more relevant than ever. GOALS has developed a new curriculum to ensure that our 80 teams across 8 regions of Armenia are practicing not only a healthy physical lifestyle, and keeping to hygiene norms, but also have a safe space to work on mental health.
The topic of health and hygiene is underrated in Armenia, especially among rural communities. We know that by incorporating learning about health and hygiene into our sports activities we will be able to fundamentally improve the lives of over 1000 girls. Our anticipated indirect impact is estimated at over 5000 community members across Armenia. This is your chance to contribute to the overall wellbeing of our girls and Armenia. Your contributions will go towards ensuring our communities have the tools necessary to organize safe and healthy sports activities, this includes, uniforms, sports equipment, medical kits, masks, thermometers, etc.
Every dollar you contribute to this project will be matched by our amazing partner.
Subject to its rules, funding raised through this campaign will be matched by the EBRD Community Initiative to a maximum of EUR 50,000. The EBRD Community Initiative is a program dedicated to support staff who are engaged with local organizations helping communities in the EBRD countries of operations.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

80 Communities

Start Date

September 2020

End Date

April 2021

UPDATE:

Dear Supporters and friends of GOALS,

The pain and sorrow that we face as a nation and as a people are inexplicable. For the past 44 days, we have endured unimaginable crimes against our nation. We are mourning the loss of thousands of heroes who fell during brave battles and the loss of our historical lands. We are left with an empty feeling of despair but in these difficult times, we must remember that this is not the end. We will continue to fight for what is right and for our nation. We will continue to stand strong and united.

The past month’s events disturbed our way of life and changed priorities. Now we have a country to rebuild and families to support. Over 30,000 children have been displaced by war, and they need our love and support in these difficult times. We have an obligation to protect their childhood, their right to family life, education, and leisure.

War and military conflict negatively impact on the mental wellbeing of both adults and children. We have evidenced this during the past month while working with children from Artsakh and Armenia. From day one of the war GOALS started organizing activities and games for children that had been displaced because of the war, trying to give them a sense of normalcy. GOALS is committed to the inclusion and expansion of all activities for children displaced by the war. We will continue to increase our efforts and services and evolve to accommodate current needs.

As Armenians and allies around the world, I call on you, supporters of GOALS and beyond, to help us make a change in the lives of these children. Now they need us more than ever. Without your donations, we will be unable to continue carrying out these activities, let alone scaling up our efforts. We will not be able to provide organized leisure activities, outdoor exercise, and a safe haven from all the pain and uncertainty for our children.

Remember that all donations will be matched by the EBRD Community Initiative to a maximum of EUR 50,000. The EBRD Community Initiative is a program dedicated to support staff who are engaged with local organizations helping communities in the EBRD countries of operations.

United, we are stronger.

Gallery Images

The Need

Throughout Armenia, there are limited opportunities for girls to play soccer. Despite having a strong desire to do so, girls cannot find the resources necessary or sporting groups that make experiencing the game a possibility. In addition, organized sport participation has several benefits to youth development such as leadership skills, teamwork skills, confidence building and improved overall physical health. The GOALS organization helps give young women the chance to play soccer through their GOALS Leagues, Media, Coach and Referee trainings, Camps and After-school Clubs while helping Armenian communities change the broader mindset limiting girls and women in many aspects of their lives and see that girls can and should be future leaders of their country!

Short Term Impact

GOALS will fill the gap of the lack of afterschool activities in the regions of Armenia and non-formal education and development opportunities. Along with providing immediate health and hygiene education through sports, we will also facilitate conversations around mental health and wellbeing in a post-COVID world.

Long Term Impact

In the long-term, public opinion regarding girls’ participation in soccer is changing, paving for the way for greater sports and leadership opportunities. We see a movement toward more inclusive soccer leagues that start at a young age and continue, also contributing to a competitive National Team for Armenia.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on the GOALs website and in all relevant press of this important project.
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Nor Geghi Kindergarten Expansion

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Description

Nor Geghi is a village in the Kotayk Province of Armenia, located around 22 km north of the capital Yerevan, near the town of Nor Hachen. The village has a population of about 5,000 residents.

Beginning in 2015, several portions of the Nor Geghi kindergarten has been renovated including two restrooms, a large multipurpose room and an additional classroom and sleeping space for a second group of children.  Much of this work was completed through the efforts of The Paros Foundation with the support of the Nor Keghi Association of Detroit, MI and those families who descended from the historic village of Keghi.

The village once again has a need to expand the kindergarten’s capacity by adding an addition 30 children.  A large space on the second floor has been identified that will accommodate this new group of children. The scope of work will include the proper configuring of the space to accommodate a new classroom, playroom, kitchenette and bathroom.  In addition, the kindergarten needs to have its kitchen renovated and its entrance reconfigured.  This will work include the installation of new flooring, new electrical, new plumbing and the completion of the heating system.  The village administration is ready to assist with labor, furniture and other resources to help realize this important project.

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Nor Geghi

Start Date

February 2020

End Date

July 2023

Gallery Images

The current entrance to the kindergarten at Nor Geghi is not practical nor inviting. It will be reconfigured to allow space for the children to change their shoes, hang their coats and receive parents.



Two large rooms will be reconfigured to accommodate a new group of children.



A complete renovation is needed to prepare the new space for the expanded kindergarten group.



A villager works to cover his damaged roof in Aygepar before the rains. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

The number of young children in the village of Nor Geghi has increased and the existing kindergarten must be expanded to accommodate a new group of children.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 30 new children will be accepted into the kindergarten, allowing them to receive the benefits of early education. In addition, three new employees will be hired to work at the kindergarten.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, hundreds of children will benefit from early education. Families will also benefit from having their children accepted into kindergarten.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on a plaque installed at the kindergarten, on The Paros Foundation website, and in relevant press related to this important project.

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February 2, 2021

Kitchen, bathrooms, classrooms and hallway were all renovated. The kids are excited to finally be able to use their new space!

July 4, 2023

The new roof at the Nor Geghi Kindergarten was completed thanks to the continued support of the Nor Keghi Association based in Michigan. The local community also made a significant financial contribution to this work to help ensure it was completed this year prior to the onset of winter.

October 16, 2024

Construction on the Nor Geghi Kindergarten Gym is underway! This renovation will allow more than 80 students to enjoy and utilize the space for many fun activities.

January 23, 2025

Construction on the gym has been completed. The Paros Team visited for a ribbon cutting where the kindergarteners performed a program. 

Achajur Kindergarten Expansion

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Description

Achajur is a large village with more than 4,500 residents located in Armenia’s Tavush Region. Achajur located very close to the Kayan border crossing with Azerbaijan. The village’s kindergarten currently functions with 100 children attending on the first floor of a two story building. Because of the large population in the village, an additional 100 children are on the waiting list to attend kindergarten, but cannot due to the poor condition of the upstairs of the existing kindergarten.
Once renovated, the municipality is prepared to expand the staff and accept at least two additional groups of children into the kindergarten.
The renovation of the kindergarten will include the installation of new windows, subflooring, flooring, electrical, plumbing, new bathrooms, heating system and new furniture.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Achajur

Start Date

December 2019

End Date

October 2020

Gallery Images

Achajur’s kindergarten is located in one two-story wing of the primary school.



The first floor of the kindergarten in Achajur was renovated with village resources and is fully functional, but overcrowded.



The second floor of the Achajur kindergarten is in very poor condition.



The windows and heating system will be replaced as part of the kindergarten expansion in Achajur.



The second floor expansion will provide space for at least two more kindergarten groups of children.

The Need

Currently, more than 100 children are unable to receive the benefits of early education because of a lack of proper space to expand the existing kindergarten in the large village of Achajur.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the second floor of the kindergarten will be completely renovation employing local labor and materials. Almost 100 children will begin receiving the benefits of early education and a minimum of five additional staff people will be hired at the kindergarten.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, residents in the village of Achajur will benefit from the expansion of the current kindergarten through having this important asset available for their children.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, in relevant press related to this project and on a plaque installed in the renovated space of the kindergarten. Visits to Achajur can be arranged for all sponsors during their family trips to Armenia.
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December 26, 2019

As part of the local contribution, the community representative of Achajur had his work crew begin demolition today. The will prepare the space for our work crew to begin reconstruction immediately after the new year.

January 11, 2020

Materials were delivered to the kindergarten today. In addition, the new windows were delivered and the crew began installation.

March 19, 2020

The new subfloors have been installed and the crew is now working on blocking the new interior walls.

April 3, 2020

Our crew in Achajur is essentially sheltering in place living and working at the kindergarten during Covid-19. They are safe and work is continuing on the newly configured walls.

October 3, 2020

Work on the kindergarten is complete. However with the Covid-19 numbers being so high, the kindergarten is not operating.

January 27, 2021

Today our team visited the kindergarten at Achajur and reopened the kindergarten after the long break. They are operating at half capacity to be safe for now, but the children LOVE their newly renovated and expanded space!

GLAD Camp 2023

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Description

The purpose of the GLAD ( Girls’ Leadership and Development) camp is to address the often overlooked, but important needs of young girls and help them learn positive ways to cope with stereotypes, anxiety and culturally imposed limitations that have had a negative effect on their daily lives. Due to the success of the initial four (GLAD) Camps, the Margahovit Youth Center is fundraising to implement the camp again, taking lessons and tips from the previous camps, for a different group of participants from Margahovit.

The GLAD Camp will address several needs by teaching the participants negotiation skills, how to participate in community decision-making, work to overcome societal stereotypes, learn their civil rights, and receive basic self-defense and first-aid classes during the camp. This year’s camp will last five days for 20 rural girls in total and will be led by experts focusing on a range of aspects related to emotional and mental health and leaderships skills, including, but not limited to: creating a safe space for discussing these issues, healthy expression of emotion,  journaling,  strengths finding,  personality tests,  and leadership styles. The participants from last year’s GLAD Camp meet monthly for a follow-up club, in part to organize monthly seminars for other youth in the village to pass on what they learned during the camp. The participants from this version of GLAD will participate in these activities as well. The community of Margahovit will contribute significantly in planning, implementation, and follow-up work. Their goal is to help participants become more mentally and emotionally healthy, equip them with the tools they need to handle the difficulties life throws at them, and thus do good in school and become stronger leaders.

Region

Lori

City / Village

Margahovit

Start Date

July 2023

End Date

August 2023

Gallery Images

Arts & crafts at GLAD Camp.



Camp participants learn to have fun and better express themselves.



GLAD Camp participant preparing the telescope for star gazing.

The Need

Young girls living in villages are in needs of  learning positive ways to cope with stereotypes, anxiety and culturally imposed limitations that have had a negative effect on their daily lives. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 20 girls, from the village of Margahovit will participate in a five-day camp during which they collectively establish a safe space to discuss mental and emotional health and stress and learn healthy ways to deal with the variety of stressors in their lives. Following the camp, these girls will join the previous participants’ monthly club at which they discuss how they have been maintaining their mental and emotional health through the skills learned at the camp and support each other in their continuing communal safe space.

Long Term Impact

With the successful implementation of this project, in the long term the participants in our community will be mentally and emotionally healthier, equipped with the tools to handle the difficulties life throws at them, and thus ready to be stronger leaders in the community and spread this knowledge and skills to their peers. Given the variety of ways in which stress can affect girls’ participation and success in school, we also know that with the skills and abilities gained through this project the participants will experience greater academic enthusiasm and success.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the GLAD Camp will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. Donors will also be listed on the GLAD Camp Facebook page announcements and in the wrap-up slideshow/video . 

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Emergency Reconstruction Fund

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Description

In immediate response to the renewed Azeri attacks on civilian populations in the Berd Consolidated Communities of Armenia’s Tavush Region, The Paros Foundation launched an Emergency Reconstruction Fund. Funds raised will be immediately deployed to repair the most severely damaged homes shelled in this recent Azeri attack.
Azerbaijan has once again targeted the civilian population in villages along the Armenian border. Many homes in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar and Chinari received varying degrees of damage. Our goal is to quickly deploy our work crews in the area to not only repair the damage but make improvements to these families’ homes.
On July 12, during the midst of the global pandemic surrounding Covid-19, Azerbaijan renewed its attack on Armenia in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Over the next two days, Azerbaijan launched artillery of various calibers at the Armenian civilian populations of several communities within Berd Consolidated Communities of Armenia’s Tavush Region. Families in these villages have experienced material losses on their homes and property. Thankfully, villagers remain safe and there has been no civilian loss of life during this period. While the Armenian government has already visited many to assist, The Paros Foundation’s Emergency Reconstruction Fund will work to not only make repairs to these damaged homes, but, will make substantial improvements for them.
The best way for our compatriots to know the diaspora stands with them during this tense time is for us to not slow our work in this area, but to accelerate it by supporting these improvements within their communities.
As of July 15, 2020, four Armenian soldiers were killed during the fighting and several have been wounded including one in critical condition. The Armenian army has shot down 10 Azeri combat drones, including a Elbit Hermes 900 UAV with an estimated $30 million price tag. Moreover, two strategic Azeri military posts are now under Armenian control.
While the military losses on the Azeri side are reported to be substantial including the death of an Azeri general, Baku was the site of large protests by thousands of Azeris last night calling for war with Armenia.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar, Chinari

Start Date

July 2020

End Date

September 2022

Gallery Images

A home damaged by shelling in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq



The interior of a home in Aygepar hit by a mortar. Photo credit: Civilnet



The interior of a home hit by sniper fire in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq



A villager works to cover his damaged roof in Aygepar before the rains. Photo credit: Hetq



The remnants of a mortar from the bombing along the border. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

Several homes in these frontier communities were damaged to varying degrees and need immediate repair. Villagers need to know that the diaspora stands with them in this time of need.

Short Term Impact

As funding becomes available, homes with the greatest need for repairs will be addressed in a priority manner. Reconstruction materials will be purchased locally and the work will be completed with local labor crews.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, quickly removing these scars of war will improve villager’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.

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https://youtu.be/DEBBoibbM7Uhttps://youtu.be/oJGA_V1LdPI
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.

August 15, 2020

The Paros Foundation committed today to rebuild a 24 unit apartment building that was damaged from both the war in the 90s and the Azeri attack last month.  The budget for this work is approximately $220,000 which will include the complete renovation of any apartment that is occupied, plus the renovation of doors, windows, the hallway and facade of the entire building, and structural work to the building’s balconies.  

February 20, 2022

Renovations to 15 apartments that are currently occupied with residents have been completed.  The residents of this building are very pleased with the work.  The rear balconies that were struck by Azeri bombs have been demolished and the access to them blocked closed.  

March 1, 2022

The Paros team is ready to begin working on the common stairwells and the building’s facade as soon as funding is available.  We need $50,000 to complete this important work.

September 3, 2022

The local community has decided to complete renovation on the staircase and hallways of the apartment building.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Kindergarten Expansion

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a village with about 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community lives on the border with Azerbaijan under the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. The Paros Foundation completely renovated this building in 2014 as part of our Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity campaign. At the time, the kindergarten had fewer than 20 children in attendance. Thanks to a doubling of the birthrate of children in the village starting in 2013, the number of children in the village continues to increase with each passing year, and now the kindergarten is too small to accommodate the 45 children currently in attendance. To rectify this good problem, the first floor kitchen will be expanded into the former mayor’s office space, creating a new kitchen, store room and dining hall. The old dining hall will be configured into two larger bathrooms and a laundry room. Finally, an additional bathroom will be added upstairs in the former storage room along with a nurses station and an additional office. Finally, the heating system will be improved to include the expanded kindergarten space. It is anticipated that this work will be completed in four months.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

December 2019

End Date

April 2020

Gallery Images

The renovated kindergarden in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is now overcrowded and needs to be expanded.



The existing storage room will be rebuilt to accommodate two offices and a
new bathroom.

The Need

A considerable amount of work completed by The Paros Foundation, improving conditions in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, has led to something of a boom in the birthrate of the village. The kindergarten is in need of an expansion to accommodate the additional children. Work to enlarge the dining hall, add three new bathrooms, a new laundry space, storage room, kitchen and administration offices will dramatically improve the space for the children.

Short Term Impact

The expansion of the kindergarten will immediately better facilitate the educational needs of the residents in this village. Materials will be purchased locally when possible, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Several local workers will be hired during the renovation process and thus provide these residents short-term employment.

Long Term Impact

In order for a community to thrive, its residents must have access to an adequate, clean and safe kindergarten. This kindergarten expansion will impact the lives of all of the residents of the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur and their children.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the newly renovated kindergarten. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the village and kindergarten will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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November 2, 2019

Work was begun outside today at the kindergarten. The crew is installing a drain pipe along the foundation to prevent water seepage into the building, then they will pour a concrete ribbon along the front of the building.

 November 19, 2020

Work began in the kitchen and dining area today!

 February 13, 2020

The kitchen and dining room are open for business!

 March 30, 2020

The work at the kindergarten is complete! Students will return and the kindergarten will begin operating again as soon as the stay at home order is lifted throughout Armenia.

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2020-2021 Funding

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 60 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI1AwdYMja8

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Nor Nork / Նոր Նորք

Start Date

September 2020

End Date

August 2021

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 2020-2021.

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 2020-2021 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.

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