Arek’s Giving Campaign for Debi Arach

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Arek has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri for  humanitarian aid. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Through this effort, Arek will raise funds that will directly support the children’s essential needs and overall well-being. Your support will make a meaningful difference in their lives and help create a brighter future.

A message from Arek:

This summer, I’m planning to go on a service trip to Armenia to connect with my roots and support meaningful change for families and children that are in need.

From any time that I can remember, being Armenian has been an important part of my identity. Ever since I was little, I’ve eaten Armenian food, heard it spoken around me, and been told that I look and even act Armenian. Last summer, I got to see more of my Armenian family from around the world that came together in Istanbul to meet up with us. Feeling that shared family connection really meant a lot to me and strengthened my sense of identity as an Armenian. We were so close to Armenia, but didn’t visit and I realized how much I want to go there and connect.

I recently heard about the Paros Foundation and the service trip they lead, which includes a mix of service opportunities and cultural visits, along with experiencing the social life in Armenia with kids my age. I am excited to finally be able to experience the vibrant culture that I have only known from afar.

Along with organizing service trips, the Paros Foundation develops dozens of projects to support impoverished communities in Armenia. An important aspect of the trip is to raise money for the program that feels most important to me. I was drawn to the Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach program, which provides kids in need with backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, boots, shoes and groceries. I’m hoping to raise funds for Debi Arach in order to provide what these kids need most. As someone who has grown up in the Bay Area and attended private schools, I have always been privileged enough to not worry about having my essential needs met. My goal is not only to do my part to relieve this struggle, but also to spread awareness about the important work that the Paros and Debi Arach programs are providing. I’m asking you as our friends and family to help in this effort to support these communities.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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July 10, 2026

While in Armenia for the SERVICE Armenia 2026 program, Arek helped distribute shoes to the children of Debi Arach in Gyumri.

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 26

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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 $350, 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

Immediately

End Date

July 2026

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 Home for Special Children.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will help children from the Kharpert Home travel to Gyumri on an away trip and be able to perform their song and dance concert. 

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. This project will also gift the children a special day they will cherish in their memories for a long time.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the Kharpert Home for Special Children when you are in Armenia.

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July 6, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 participants accompanied  residents from the Kharpert Home for Special Children to a fun day at Victory Park in Yerevan.

Community Gym in Gavar

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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 and Verin Karmiraghbyur both for the quality of the trainings that takes place, 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 and his NGO partners and friends have successfully fully renovated the Gavar gym through supplying both labor and some materials to complete the renovation work themselves.  With utility costs, it is difficult for Gevork to continue to operate with his established model of charging 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.  Gevork would greatly benefit from a 10 KW solar panel system on the gyms roof.  This would off-set the Gavar Community Gym’s high winter heating costs and allow their existing fee structure to continue.  

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Gavar

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Month

Gallery Images

The Gavar Community Gym’s renovation is complete and fully equipped.

The Need

The Gavar Community Gym needs assistance with operating the gym under the model of free access for people with injuries from the war and those with disabilities.  To do this, the gym needs a solar panel array installed to help offset heating and electricity costs.  

Short Term Impact

In the short term, Gevork will be able to continue operating the gym with free of charge access to people with disabilities and those who were injured in the war.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 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

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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Lernakert Culture House Roof Renovation

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Description

Lernakert is a small village in Armenia’s Shirak province, home to 1,413 residents and a vibrant community life centered around its culture house & community center. In recent years, community groups and local partners have renovated the building and created after‑school clubs and a game room where elders and young people gather to play chess, backgammon, and checkers.

These small but meaningful projects have improved children’s daily lives and restored hope among villagers. Today, Lernakert urgently needs support to renovate the roof of the Lernakert Culture House so it can continue to serve as a safe, welcoming hub for cultural events, education, and community gatherings for generations to come.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Lernakert

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Three months after start date

Gallery Images

The Need

The village of Lernakert is in need of funds to renovate the roof of the Lernakert Culture House so it can remain a safe, welcoming space for cultural events, education, and gatherings for years to come.

Short Term Impact

In the short term a local crew will be hired to complete renovation work on the roof renovation, creating jobs for the community. Residents will have a warm and safe place to attend year-round.

Long Term Impact

Renovating the Lernakert Culture House roof will secure a safe, year‑round gathering space where children, youth, and elders can access educational programs, cultural events, and community services. By preserving the dedicated cultural hub in Lernakert, the project will empower local residents to sustain after‑school clubs and community initiatives, nurture local talent and traditions, and create a more hopeful, resilient future for the next generation.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Lernakert Culture House, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Lernakert Village for sponsors during their visits to Armenia. 

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Tech Aid for Ghoghanj Children’s Center

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center provides critical after-school and summer programs for socially and economically vulnerable children. Each year, the Kentron and Nor Nork centers serve approximately 170 students from extremely low-income families who would otherwise have no access to academic support or enrichment opportunities. For these children, the Center is not only a place to learn, but a safe and encouraging environment where they receive daily instruction, creative arts education, mentorship, and the emotional support needed to grow into confident and capable young adults.

Students take part in classes such as English, Russian, computer studies, design, painting, theater, and dance, gaining the skills and self-confidence necessary to succeed in school and build a brighter future. Technology plays a vital role in this process, yet the computer labs at both centers rely on machines that are 10–11 years old. While they have been carefully maintained and repeatedly upgraded over the years, they have reached the end of their useful life and can no longer meet the educational demands of the students.

Sponsorship of this project will help provide 12 new desktop computers for each center (24 total), giving students reliable access to modern technology, strengthening their academic experience, and ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Kentron & Nor Nork

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

Technology plays a critical role in modern education and future employment. Both centers currently have small computer labs that the children rely on for learning essential digital skills.

Despite years of repairs and upgrades, these machines are now far beyond their functional lifespan. They are slow, unreliable, and no longer capable of supporting the educational programs the children need.

Short Term Impact

24 desktop computers will be locally obtained and distributed to both the Kentron and Nork Nork locations of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. 

Long Term Impact

Your support will directly empower 170 at-risk children every year by giving them access to the tools they need to learn, create, and succeed in today’s digital world.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and be recognized with a plaque at the Centers and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Visits to the Ghoghanj Children’s Centers can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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July 14, 2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Oktanyan Family for visiting the Ghoghanj Children’s Center and generously funding nine new laptop computers for the students.

Their gift will give children access to the technology they need to learn new skills, complete schoolwork, and explore new opportunities. We’re grateful for their commitment to investing in Armenia’s future.

Help us continue equipping the Ghoghanj Children’s Center with the technology its students deserve. 

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2026-2027 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 2026

End Date

August 2027

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 2026-2027.

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 2026-2027 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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Jobs for People with Disabilities

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Description

For 17 years, Unison NGO for Support of People with Special Needs has been a leading advocate for the rights, inclusion, and independence of people with disabilities in Armenia. Through programs focused on accessibility, inclusive education, and employment, Unison works to remove barriers and ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, work, and thrive within their communities.

Today, Unison is helping create life-changing employment opportunities through a partnership with a diamond-processing company committed to inclusive hiring. The company plans to employ up to 20–25 individuals with disabilities and is adapting its facilities to ensure accessibility, while Unison provides guidance and connects qualified candidates with these opportunities.

These are real opportunities in an inclusive workplace where people with disabilities can work, grow, and thrive with dignity and independence.

Your support will help Unison continue creating accessible workplaces, expanding employment opportunities, and empowering people with disabilities across Armenia. Every donation helps build a more inclusive future.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

All

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Gallery Images

Unison has placed hundreds of people with disabilities into meaningful employment opportunities.



Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has several people with disabilities employed thanks to the efforts of the Unison NGO.



There is no limit to what a person with a disability can accomplish.

The Need

One of the most important on-going projects of Unison is promotion of employment for PWDs. However, in January 2019 Unison was suddenly deprived of the state support for this project. In spite of the absence of government and/orgrant support, Unison has continued serving young job seekers with disabilities. 9 PWDs have been placed to jobs since the beginning of the year, but needs the balance of funding to continue this important work through the end of the year.

Short Term Impact

In the near term, Unison’s efforts to help secure employment for PWDs will continue.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, because of Unison’s work, PWDs will continue to work, support their families and become contributing members of society. In addition, PWD in the work force will significantly contribute to a change in perceptions and bias toward PWDs.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors to this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, Unison’s website and in any appropriate press related to this important project. Visitors to Armenia can visit this project.

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Home Improvements for Arevik S.

Description

Arevik S. and her husband Armen reside in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur with their five young children (ages 1.5 to 13) and elderly parents. Their home is in need of a complete remodel, including a proper heating system and an interior bathroom, to provide safe and healthy living conditions.

Currently, the family relies solely on minimal pension income and sporadic seasonal work, leaving them unable to afford these essential renovations. This remodel will directly improve their quality of life and bring lasting stability to this family.

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 remained under constant risk of sniper fire for much of the last 30 years. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village during the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. 70% of their fertile land is located along the Azeri border. 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 13 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

September 2025

End Date

December 2025

Gallery Images

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. This family’s home is in need complete remodel, including a proper heating system and an interior bathroom to provide them with a safe and dignified living space.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, The family will gain a safe and warm living environment, access to proper sanitation through an indoor bathroom, and improved health for their young children and elderly parents. This project will also create employment for local construction workers and skilled laborers, providing a boost to the village economy.

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

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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May 29, 2026

Flooring is completed and home improvements are progressing well in Arevik S.’s home.

Home Improvements for Sona T.

Description

Sona and her husband, Karen, live in the border village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur with their two children, ages 14 and 8, and Karen’s parents. Karen serves as a contract soldier on the frontlines, while Sona works as a school librarian. To help support their household, the family also raises animals and sells figs seasonally.

The family home is in need of repair. The project will provide new flooring, replacement windows where needed, and a new heating system, along with a full remodel of the living areas. Their kitchen and restroom, already updated, will remain as is. This project will help provide a safe, warm, and dignified home for a family that continues to serve and strengthen their community.

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 remained under constant risk of sniper fire for much of the last 30 years. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village during the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. 70% of their fertile land is located along the Azeri border. 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 13 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

September 2025

End Date

December 2025

Gallery Images

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. This family’s home is in need of repair—requiring new flooring, windows, heating, and a remodel—to provide them with a safe and dignified living space.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local window company will be contracted with to manufacture the windows.   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

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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September 2025

Renovation work on Sona T.’s house has begun. 

March 7, 2026

Renovations and improvements to Sona T. ‘s house have been completed and the family is enjoying their new home.

Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion

Description

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Currently there are 75 children that attend the kindergarten, while 40 young children, in the village of Meds Masrik, are waiting for that chance—the kindergarten simply does not have enough space to welcome them.

With only three of five buildings currently usable, and outdated facilities limiting what the kindergarten can offer, too many children are left behind. By supporting the renovation of the kitchen, teachers’ station, and two unused buildings, donors like you will help create bright classrooms and welcoming spaces for every child on the waitlist.

Your gift to the Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion will not only open doors for the next generation, but will also create new jobs for caring teachers and dedicated staff, making a difference in families’ lives across the community. Help make this a reality for children in Meds Masrik.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Meds Masrik

Start Date

August 2025

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

40 children in Meds Masrik are waiting for a place in kindergarten because there simply isn’t enough space. These children risk missing out on early education and a safe environment to grow. Expanding and renovating the kindergarten will ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive in their community.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of expanding the Meds Masrik Kindergarten includes giving more than 40 additional children immediate access to early education and a safe environment. The renovations will also create new jobs for teachers and support staff, directly benefiting local families by increasing employment opportunities and improving daily life in the community.

Long Term Impact

Children will benefit from stronger academic foundations, higher achievement, and improved social skills—leading to greater educational attainment as they grow. More families will have access to early education.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Meds Masrik Kindergarten, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Meds Masrik for sponsors during their visits to Armenia. 

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August 14, 2024

Construction work has started the two new buildings for the kindergarten.

July 15, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 participants spent part of their service days repainting the playground at Meds Masrik Kindergarten, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for the children.