Vardenis Culture Center – Dance Costumes

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Description

The Vardenis Dance Center currently does not have traditional Armenian dance costumes, also known as taraz, for the children participating in its cultural programs. The center serves boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18, not only from the town of Vardenis, but also from 35 surrounding villages who come together to participate in cultural gatherings, concerts, and holiday performances.

Despite limited resources, the dance center continues to provide children with opportunities to remain connected to Armenian culture and heritage through traditional dance and community events. However, the lack of proper costumes limits the children’s ability to fully participate in performances and represent their communities with pride.

Through sponsorship of this project, 85 traditional Armenian taraz sets will be produced for 55 girls and 30 boys participating in the dance center’s programs. The costumes will be created in Vanadzor, Armenia using authentic Armenian ornaments and traditional designs. These costumes will support the participation of children from Vardenis and neighboring villages in cultural performances and celebrations for years to come, while helping preserve and promote Armenian cultural traditions among the younger generation.

Region

Gegharkunik Region

City / Village

Vardenis & Surrounding Villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

Since the establishment of the Vardenis Dance Center, children from Vardenis and the surrounding villages have continued to participate in cultural performances and community events without having their own traditional Armenian taraz costumes. Obtaining new costumes will allow these children to properly represent their culture and heritage while encouraging continued participation in dance programs and strengthening cultural life within their communities.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be to provide the children of the Vardenis Dance Center with traditional Armenian taraz costumes to use during upcoming cultural performances, concerts, and community events.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the success of this project will help encourage continued community participation among the children and their families while strengthening cultural life in Vardenis and the surrounding villages. In addition, participation in these cultural programs will help the children build confidence, self-worth, and a stronger connection to their Armenian heritage.

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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Nor Ughi First Grade Classroom Renovation

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Description

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

170 students attend the village school, including six displaced students from Artsakh. The students are from both the neighboring villages of Ginevet and Nor Ughi. Over the last two years, the school’s gym was renovated, and a high-quality outdoor soccer field was constructed and most recently the school’s science laboratory and teacher’s lounge was renovated through the continued leadership of Mr. and Mrs. John & June Mangassarian from Rhode Island and they want to continue positively impacting Nor Ughi.

Next on the list of priorities is the renovation of a large classroom that serves the school’s incoming first grade class.   The scope of work will include the complete renovation of the room’s flooring, walls, electrical and lighting.  

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Ughi

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

2 Months From Start

Gallery Images

The first grade classroom at the school in Nor Ughi needs to be completely renovated.

The Need

Currently, the Nor Ughi School’s classrooms are in poor condition.  The school leadership wishes for its incoming first graders to start their education in safe, clean and inviting surroundings.  It is important to note that currently the Nor Ughi School has not been identified by the Armenian Government to be included in its immediate plan for school renovations. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, first grade students at the Nor Ughi School will receive a newly renovated classroom to more effectively study and begin their education.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the benefit of student’s learning in a clean, safe and comfortable environment directly impacts their level of achievement. This renovation will positively impact hundreds of children over its useful life. 

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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June 9, 2026

Renovation work on the Nor Ughi School Classroom has begun and improvements are now underway.

July 25, 2026

Great progress has been made on the classroom. Structural changes are set, the walls have been painted, and, over head lights have been installed. 

August 4, 2026

Renovations to the first-grade classroom at Nor Ughi School are now complete, and the students are excited to begin learning in their safer, newly renovated space.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Anahit G. – Anahit T. – Araksya A.

Description

 Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide the following young girls from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce their out of pocket costs towards their education:

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2026

Anahit G.
Anahit Gevorgyan was born on December 10, 2006, in Gyumri, Shirak region, into a family of five living on limited means – her father’s military pension and her grandmother’s disability allowance.

When Anahit joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2021, she was a very different young girl. She struggled to be heard and often expressed herself through impatience and conflict. Listening felt difficult, and relationships were challenging. But what she found in Nor Luyce was something she had never experienced before – a safe, supportive environment where she was seen, guided, and believed in. Through mentorship and consistent support, she learned to listen, to reflect, and to communicate with respect and confidence. She grew into someone who not only understands others – but truly cares for them. Today, Anahit’s story has come full circle. She is no longer only a mentee – she has become a mentor. Anahit now supports a younger girl in the same program, offering her guidance, patience, and encouragement.

Anahit is currently a second-year student in the Department of Social Work at Shirak State University. Her dream is to stand beside those who feel unseen and unsupported – because she knows what that feels like. Her family is unable to afford her annual tuition. Without support, Anahit may be forced to pause her education – and with it, the path she has worked so hard to build.

By supporting Anahit, you are not just helping one student stay in university. You are investing in a future social worker, a mentor, and a changemaker.

Scholarship needed: $1,130

Anahit T.
Anahit Tadevosyan was born on April 15, 2007, in the village of Goghovit, Shirak region. The family consists of 5 people: father, mother, brother, sister and herself. The only workers in the house are the father and brother. Her father works in construction, and her brother is a furniture maker, but neither has a stable main job.

She was included in the program of the Nor Luyce NGO in 2021. Currently, Anahit is a Nor Luyce alum. Before participating in the program, Anahit was a closed person, avoided contact with people, especially large crowds, but thanks to Nor Luyce, she got rid of these problems and made new friends. Now she communicates more freely with people and has a large circle of friends. Nor Luyce also helped Anahit with her professional orientation.

Anahit was admitted to the service department of Shirak State University this year. She currently has a problem with tuition fees, as her family is in a difficult social situation and will not be able to pay her tuition fees.

Scholarship needed: $1,600

Araksya A.
Araksya Avagyan was born on December 24, 2007, in the village of Kamo, Shirak region – a place where opportunities are limited, and resilience is a necessity. She comes from a family facing deep financial hardship. Her father is currently unable to work due to serious health issues and is undergoing treatment. The only person who works is her mom. She works as a nanny at the local kindergarten.

When Araksya joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2022, she was a shy and reserved girl who struggled to express herself. She often held her thoughts inside, unsure of her voice and her place in the world. But Nor Luyce became the turning point in her life. In a supportive and empowering environment, Araksya began to open up. She learned to speak with confidence, to connect with others, and to believe in her own worth. She built friendships, developed new skills, and discovered a strength within herself she did not know existed. As she shares, Nor Luyce gave her more than she ever imagined – it became the beginning of her journey toward self-discovery.

Today, Araksya has taken a major step forward – she has been admitted to the Service Department at Shirak State University. For her, this is more than education; it is a path toward stability, independence, and the ability to support her family in the future.
But right now, that path is at risk because her family cannot afford her tuition fees. Without support, Araksya may be forced to give up her education – despite all the strength, growth, and determination she has shown. By supporting Araksya, you are giving her the chance to continue becoming the person she has fought so hard to be.

Scholarship needed: $1,300

https://youtu.be/QeZljFgGm1Uhttps://youtu.be/Y-XpgDzCQkohttps://youtu.be/cY57AsM4X_Q

The Need

Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.

Short Term Impact

Anahit G. – Anahit T. – Araksya A., who all currently live in Gyumri, will receive the financial support they need, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of their college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.

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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Nvard M. – Zoya S.

Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide the following young girls from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce their out of pocket costs towards their education:

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2026

Nvard M.
Nvard Minasyan was born on July 30, 2007, in Gyumri, Shirak region, into a small family of four. Her mother, a dedicated teacher at Shirak State University’s high school and is the only steady income earner. Her father takes on occasional daily work as a construction worker whenever possible. With a monthly family income of just 228,400 AMD, resources are limited, but Nvard’s dreams have always been bigger than her circumstances.

She joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2019 and is now a proud mentee in the graduate program. When Nvard first became part of the program, she struggled with insecurity, had difficulty expressing her thoughts and emotions, and often felt unsure about herself in new situations. Through mentorship, support, and a nurturing environment, Nvard blossomed. She gained confidence, developed strong communication skills, overcame her fears, and became proactive and engaged in her community. For Nvard, Nor Luyce was more than a program – it was a space of self-discovery. She learned to understand her personality, clarify her interests, and make informed choices about her future. The program gave her motivation, direction, and the belief that she could shape her own path.

This year, Nvard achieved a major milestone: she was admitted to the Department of Computer Science at the American University of Armenia. Thanks to an incredible 90% scholarship, her tuition is mostly covered. Yet she still faces a significant challenge: the cost of dorm accommodation is beyond her family’s reach. Without support, she risks being unable to live near campus and fully engage in her studies. Your support can transform Nvard’s life.

By helping cover her dorm fees, you are not just assisting with living costs – you are empowering a young woman who has already overcome challenges, embraced growth, and is ready to step into a future full of potential, innovation, and impact.

Scholarship needed: $5,700

Zoya S.
Zoya Saribekyan was born on November 5, 2007, in Gyumri, Shirak region, into a large family of eight. Her household is supported by her mother, a physical education and healthy lifestyle teacher at Gyumri College of Economics, and her father, who works in the eco-parking service. With a monthly family income of just 350,000 AMD, resources are limited, but Zoya has never let that define her dreams.

She joined Nor Luyce NGO in 2023 and is now a mentee in the organization’s Higher Education Phase. Before joining, Zoya struggled with her emotions – she was sensitive, often hot-tempered, and found it hard to manage her reactions. Through mentorship, guidance, and the supportive environment of Nor Luyce, Zoya has transformed. She has gained confidence, developed strong communication skills, and achieved personal growth that stretches far beyond academics. For Zoya, Nor Luyce is more than a program – it is a warm, caring space that has become a cherished part of her life.

This year, Zoya reached an important milestone: she was admitted to the Intercultural Communication (English) Department of Yerevan State Linguistic University. Her dream is to build a future where she can connect cultures, break barriers, and use her voice to make a difference. Currently, her family cannot afford her annual tuition. Without support, Zoya risks putting her education – and her potential – on hold.

By contributing to Zoya’s education, you are not just helping a student stay in university – you are investing in a young woman who has already overcome personal challenges, embraced growth, and is now ready to step into a future of opportunity and impact. You are giving Zoya the chance to turn her potential into a reality – and to inspire others along the way.

Scholarship needed: $1,800

https://youtu.be/9142vWV47_Ahttps://youtu.be/kldvKlEhvuw

The Need

Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.

Short Term Impact

Nvard M. – Zoya S., who all currently live in Gyumri, will receive the financial support they need, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of their college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that four girls, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing their educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful lives.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.

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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.

Sporting Goods for Village Schools

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Description

For many of Armenia’s most isolated and poverty stricken regions, sporting equipment is difficult to come by and expensive to buy. By supporting this project you will help thousands of children attending schools in the poverty stricken villages throughout Armenia. Although schools in these villages may have a few sporting goods, often times, the kids are playing with items that are old, unsafe and unusable.
Our goal is to purchase and distribute a variety of sporting goods and equipment to village schools and give these students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, play individual and team sports and exercise. In addition, the completion of this project will help to promote health and fitness.
The variety of sporting goods will include volleyballs, volleyball nets, basketballs, basketball hoops, soccer balls, soccer nets, wrestling mats, jump ropes, hula hoops, assortment of weights, tennis rackets, tennis balls and some gymnastics equipment based on the needs of individual schools.

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One month after start date

Gallery Images

All old, unsafe and unusable sporting goods will be replaced with newer and safer equipment for students to use.



Many of the sporting goods are unsafe and unusable.



Worn out volleyball net.

The Need

Children living in Armenia’s poverty stricken villages cannot afford basic toys and sporting goods that can provide them with hours of entertainment and good physical exercise. This effort would help meet this need.

Short Term Impact

Students at village schools will immediately benefit from use of the new equipment as part of the education and overall fitness.

Long Term Impact

In the long term the lives of several thousand children throughout the villages of Armenia will be positively affected. This project will not only promote good health through providing them with a chance to exercise, but will also help to increase good team work skills through team sports, and give them an opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Sporting Goods for Village Schools project will be recognized in appropriate press related to this important project and your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the village schools that have benefited from this project.
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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. 

Goris Autism Center

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Description

As stated by the World Health organization, it is estimated that worldwide about 1 in 100 children have autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition, which involves challenges with socialization, narrow interests and repetitive behavior. Autism is a spectrum because it manifests itself differently in everyone, resulting in varying levels of needed support. This means that although on average children can be diagnosed between the ages of 2-3; some children can be diagnosed as young as 18 months while others may not receive a diagnosis until well into adulthood. Additionally, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

The cause of ASD has not yet been identified; however, modern science indicates that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. Some people strongly believe that ASD is a disease. However, a disease typically has a known cause (such as bacteria or viruses), ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and is not something that can be cured, rather be managed and supported. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Diagnosing ASD usually involves multiple processes: developmental monitoring, screening, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Instead of self-diagnosing your child, asking for advice from relatives, or hoping your child will grow out of certain behaviors, it is crucial to seek medical advice and intervene as early as possible. The sooner the parents find out about the diagnosis, the better the developmental outcome will be. Pediatricians typically assess children’s developmental progress during routine well-child visits at 18 and 24 months, even if no symptoms are evident. These assessments involve observing the child and discussing family history.

One of the most common treatments is behavioral therapy.  Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research and evidence-based therapy that looks to improved children with ASD’s social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. It can additionally support greater independence for activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, going to the toilet, bathing, etc. Additionally, there are some other interventions which can also be effective such as speech-language therapy (helps individuals with ASD to improve both verbal and non-verbal communication), physical therapy (help with movement and balance, enhancing motor skills and overall physical coordination), occupational therapy (helps with fine motor skills such as utensil eating and writing) and much more. Some children may need access to all these therapies and more, while others will benefit from only one or a few. Each child’s circumstance will vary depending on where they are on the spectrum.  

The municipality of Goris stands ready to assist and partner in this important effort for the children of Goris. 

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Goris & Surrounding Villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

18 months from start

Gallery Images

The building that has been identified for purchase to facilitate the new autism center in central Goris.

The Need

In the communities of Goris and surrounding villages, children with autism do not receive any specialized services or therapy because a specialized autism center does not exist.  Once this center is funded and open, local therapists will receive specialized training to offer a full array of therapy for the more than 200 children with autism in the area. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a facility will be purchased and expanded to serve as the autism center.  This will create a modest boost in the local economy as all labor and materials will be purchased locally.  Therapists will also receive specialized training and be prepared to begin working at the center with these children.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children with autism will receive the needed therapy and support they need to live their lives to the fullest.  Families will be given the tools they need to facilitate better support for their children.

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 center  can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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June 10, 2025

Now with school out, our crew has begun the work to renovate the school’s science lab and storage rooms.  

July 25, 2025

Thanks to the successful fundraising efforts of John and June Mangassarian and the generosity of their family and friends, this project is being expanded to include the reconstruction of the school’s teacher’s lounge and the principal’s office.  In addition, school supplies for the displaced children from Artsakh who now attend the school will be purchased and provided for the upcoming school year.  Finally, a critical shortage of books for the school’s library will also be addressed as part of this expanded project with the assistance of the Armenian Educational Foundation.  

November 7, 2025

The school science laboratory renovation has now been completed. With the assistance of the government, essential laboratory equipment has been provided. Classes have officially begun, and students are now actively attending laboratory classes and utilizing the new instruments as part of their science education. 

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2026

Description

The Packs on Backs initiative, was started by the The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a former Los Angeles based non-profit organization that supported children in need and their educational advancement. HHF partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia, and together successfully distributed 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015 and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016. Since then, the Packs on Backs initiative continues to impact the lives of children in need in Armenia with this essential need.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015 and distributions have continued in years since.

This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of all of the children. Our goal is to distribute backpacks and supplies for 180 children attending Debi Arach. A donation of $35 will help obtain one backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

July 2026

End Date

July 2026

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.

Short Term Impact

A total of 180 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive either proper backpacks and school supplies or new school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.

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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Updates: Images & Information

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July 8, 2026

The SERVICE Armenia 2026 group assembled backpacks with necessary supplies for the next school year and passed them out to the children of Debi Arach in Gyumri.