Tsap-Tsapik Music Education Program

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Description

The Tsap-Tsapik Music Education Program is aimed at developing inclusive education through music in Armenia. The program was founded by Sevana Tchakerian, whose approach and content is unprecedented in Armenia. Currently, there is no music education program for preschool children in Armenia, except occasional choir practice. The Tsa-Tsapik Early Music Education Program aims at introducing preschool children in Armenia to the musical world through a playful and diversified pedagogic approach. In addition, this initiative aims to educate children who are underprivileged, for geographical, sociological, physical or psychological reasons and cannot afford to attend music in private schools in Yerevan.

Through this program Sevana, who is also the Program Director, provides open instruction to everyone without discrimination, helps develop children’s curiosity for musical practice, while valuing them and giving them the opportunity to express themselves. Music researchers have found correlations between playing music and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. Music helps develop children’s language, math and listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as relieves their stress, and is an excellent way to teach children with special needs. The program is more complete and focuses on the discovery of sounds and rhythms, instrumental exploration and body awareness, in addition to singing. To ensure the sustainability of the project, the priority is to empower the local teaching corps by sharing new teaching resources and working directly with both the teachers and the students via infield workshops.

Sponsorship of this project will allow Sevana to launch this program in seven villages during the 2015-2016 school year, provide training and instruments for those villages and help develop inclusive education in Armenia. The training she will provide during the one year will educate around 30 teachers and benefit 350 students. The tools provided to the teachers, along with regularly updated teaching resources, can be used for many years following the implementation of the program in a village. Sponsoring seven villages for a year means providing music education to more than 1750 children in Armenia within 5 years.

The program will run from September 2015 to July 2016 in the seven villages (kindergartens, daycare centers).

September-December 2015: biweekly training sessions and workshops in centers A, B, C and D.

January-March 2016: biweekly training sessions in centers E, F and G

April-June 2016: weekly follow-up workshops in all seven centers

End of June 2016: open house workshops, gathering with the communities

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Region

Armenia

City / Village

Seven villages throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One year from start date

Gallery Images

Program founder, Sevana Tchakerian, working with the children.



Music helps develo’p language, math, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as relieves their stress.



The program focuses on the discovery of rhythms, in addition to singing.



The program also helps children with discovering different sounds.



Children are able to explore instruments and have fun.



Little children putting into practice what they have learned from the Tsap Tsapik Music Education Program.

The Need

Although Armenia has achieved universal primary school enrollment, close to 80% of preschool age children do not attend preschools due to poverty and/or absence of preschool facilities, while 7,000 of the 8,000 children with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantages are systematically excluded from education. As music is an excellent vector of child development and inclusion, we want to develop the practice of inclusive education in Armenian villages by training the local teachers and educators to early music education, and by providing music instruments to the involved kindergartens and day care centers.

Short Term Impact

In the short term about 30 teachers will receive early music training and be able to administer the program to 350 underprivileged children all within kindergartens and daycares in seven villages. In addition, the kindergartens and day cares will receive musical instruments for the teachers and children’s use.

Long Term Impact

The long-term teachers will be provided with regularly updated teaching resources, which can be used for many years following the implementation of the program in a village. In addition, hundreds of additional students will partake in the program in the coming years. Hundreds of underprivileged children in villages will develop improved language, math and listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as improve their general well-being.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the seven villages, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website, on social networks, and in appropriate press related to this important. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the villages and a meeting the children when you are in Armenia.
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Adopt A School Restroom – Hatsik 3

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of the school bathroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Whenever possible, the school staff, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

June 2014

End Date

August 2014

Gallery Images

This restroom at the Hatsik Village school is the third restroom to be renovated and is primarily used by the school staff.

The Need

Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.

Short Term Impact

The reconstruction of a new bathroom will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.

Long Term Impact

Hundreds of children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation website.
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Video Update

July 14, 2014

Renovations work began in order to renovate the third restroom at the Hatsik Village School.

August 28, 2014

The work has been completed and the staff at the Hatsik Village school now has a new and fully functioning restroom.

Adopt A Restroom, Nor Geghi Kindergarten

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of the school bathroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Whenever possible, the school staff, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Nor Geghi

Start Date

2015

End Date

One month from start date

Gallery Images

The condition of the staff restroom at the Nor Geghi Kindergarten prior to renovations.



The condition of the student restrooms at the Nor Geghi Kindergarten prior to renovations.



Materials that will be used for the Nor Geghi restroom renovations.



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



Tiles and sub flooring completed.



Four local residents were hired to complete renovations.



Staff restroom after renovations.



Student restrooms after renovations.

The Need

Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.

Short Term Impact

The reconstruction of a new bathroom will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.

Long Term Impact

Hundreds of children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation website.
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Packs On Backs Armenia: Kharpert Home

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Description

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a Los Angeles based non-profit organization, supports children in need and their educational advancement. The organization was founded in 2008 by six Armenian Americans with the belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessities needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status. Their mission is to provide backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, HHF hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures.

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor this summer, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia. Together we have decided our next distribution will be for the kids living at the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

The Kharpert Home is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert currently serving 225 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. The Paros Foundation has worked with the Kharpert Home several times in the past implementing excursions for the children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues in order to provide these children with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Of the 225 kids living at the center 55 attend local specialized schools, while the remaining 170 attend classes at the orphanage.

Sponsorship of this project will help give 55 children at the Kharpert Home regular backpacks and school supplies in addition to 225 drawstring backpacks filled with custom supplies for their specific needs. Some of the these items will include: arts & crafts supplies -beads, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, yarn, sewing kits and some minor hygienic needs- deodorant, toothpastes and toothbrushes. A donation of $30 will help obtain either 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

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

May 2016

End Date

August 2016

Gallery Images

Children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children.



Children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

The Need

Children with disabilities in Armenia are one of the most vulnerable groups of people due to the stigmas associated with having a disability and the lack of resources and programs to care for them. At the Kharpert Home, things are very different and the children receive wonderful care and support through an experienced staff and administrative team. Unfortunately, at times the aid from the government and their budget does not permit them to provide needed educational necessities and/or additional hygienic and extracurricular supplies for the children. These supplies serve as important tools for therapy, as well as educational aids.

Short Term Impact

225 children living at the Kharpert Home for Special Children will receive drawstring backpacks filled with custom supplies for their specific needs. Additionally, 55 of these children who attend school outside of the Home will also receive proper backpacks and school supplies. Local supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 225 children living at the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be able to obtain supplies needed for their therapeutic and extracurricular advancements. In addition, the effects of this project will bring joy to these children. 

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Kharpert Home project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation 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. [vp_give_donor_wall
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June 28, 2016

SERVICE Armenia participants assembled the backpacks to deliver to the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

 August 5, 2016

Children at the Kharpert Home received their backpacks.

Scholarship For A Sustainable Future: Arevik Q.

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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 Arevik, a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Arevik lives at home with her parents, two sisters and brother. Her father is unable to work due to heart issues while her mother’s income, as a nurse, is not enough to support their whole family. Arevik has chosen to follow her mother’s footsteps in the medical field and is currently attending the Gyumri Medical College studying Pharmacy. She hopes to have her own pharmacy one day. Arevik is also very interested in archeology, law and reading books and has in the past taken dance and drawing classes. Her ultimate dream is to one day travel to Venice. The requested scholarship funds will help Arevik continue her studies and cover the costs of her tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

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Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2013

End Date

2014

Gallery Images

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

Arevik, who currently lives in Gyumri’s, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation for one year.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsor will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl’s progress during their university studies.
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February 9, 2015

After receiving the scholarship funds, Arevik and her sister Lusine were both in need of winter coats in order to stay warm during Gyumri’s cold winter. Due to their families financial limitations, their mother was unable to purchase the coats. Upon hearing about this situation, our generous donor, Mr. Candan, who funded both sisters scholarships, covered the costs for the girls to have brand new and warm coats.

Scholarship For A Sustainable Future: Flora M.

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Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyurmi, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shogher Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive role models and emotional support. 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 Flora M., a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Flora lives with her siblings and mother. She lost her father several years ago to cancer. Their family survives on the mother’s modest income. Currently, Flora plans to begin her college career in 2016 at the Pedagogical State University in Gyumri. Her dream is to become a social worker and help children dealing with social issues. Flora has been attending Nor Luyce for a year, during which she has grown as a person and overcome many of her insecurities. She is now described as a cheerful, active, mature, and self-resilient individual. Flora is in need of financial assistance in order to continue her education at the Pedagogical State University and reach her goals. The requested scholarship funds will help Flora cover the costs of her tuition, books, stationary, some clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2016

End Date

2017

Gallery Images

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

Flora M., who currently lives in Gyumri, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, books, stationaries, some clothing and transportation for one year.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and The Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl’s progress during their university studies.
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Emergency Relief & Reconstruction Fund – Artsakh

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Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyurmi, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive role models and emotional support. 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 Lia G., a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Lia, her younger brother and parents live in a “domik.” Her mother is a housewife and her father does not have a permanent job. Currently, Lia plans on attending the medical college in Gyumri starting 2016. She is studying to become a nurse and hopes to one day help her patients fight incurable diseases. Lia enjoys cooking and yoga sessions at Nor Luyce and credits the organization for being a shinning light in her life. She is described as a very kind, caring, patient, friendly and goal-oriented individual. Lia is always respectful towards her teachers and always helps her friends and classmates. Lia is in need of financial assistance in order to continue her education at the medical college and reach her goals. The requested scholarship funds will help Flora cover the costs of her tuition, uniform, books, stationary, some clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2016

End Date

2017

Gallery Images

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

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

Lia G., who currently lives in Gyumri, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, some clothing and transportation for one year.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsor will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl’s progress during their university studies.
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Book In A Bag

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Description

Students attending schools in Armenia do not easily have access to Western/English language literature. In the last decade, English has steadily become the most popular foreign language in Armenia. Students throughout the country are learning how to read, write and speak English and could really benefit from another means by which to learn and practice the language further. In addition, reading can significantly increase students’ vocabularies as well as strengthen their creativity. English language classic novels are not readily available or affordable, especially in rural and impoverished villages, towns and cities.

Peter Chelebian (16), an Armenian-American from Los Angeles has recently come up with a brilliant idea to help children in Armenia gain access to terrific literature. He hopes to use his passion for books to help make a difference in the lives of his fellow brothers and sisters.

Peter will be helping lead the effort in raising funds to place small English literature libraries, each stocked with 50 important literary works, throughout impoverished villages, towns and cities. The bookshelves housing the books will be built in Armenia. $2,025 ($675 each) is needed in order to complete three full libraries in three different locations throughout Armenia. Donations of books (in excellent condition) are welcomed alongside monetary support for this important project.

Region

Armavir, Gegharkunik, Tavush

City / Village

Hatsik, Ljashen, Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

December 2015

End Date

March 2016

Gallery Images

Peter Chelebian will be spearheading this project.

The Need

Students could really benefit from access to Western/English literature throughout Armenia. As the English language becomes more popular in Armenia, the need for language aids, such as books, has become a necessity.

Short Term Impact

Three small libraries stocked with 50 books will be placed in three different schools in Armenia for children to read.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children will benefit from these libraries as their proficiency in reading and writing in the English language will increase. In addition, mastering the English language will open the doors to more opportunities in their future. 

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Book in a Bag project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. There will be a small sign with donor name(s) on each library. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to your library when you are in Armenia.[vp_give_donor_wall
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July 11, 2016

Peter Chelebian and the SERVICE Armenia 2016 group delivered libraries of books to Ljashen, HatsiK and Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur village schools.

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – Math & Science Dream Lab 2

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Description

The mission of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center, which was founded in 2003, is to provide the proper support and guidance children need to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults. The second location, established in 2014 in Nor Nork also works with vulnerable “at-risk” children and their families to help them overcome social, psychological and legal issues.

The Center’s programs are specifically designed to facilitate group discussion and are sensitive to the psychological challenges of an at-risk child and their families. The Center works to develop successful communication, self-expression and tolerance skills among the students. A fundamental focus on the arts, homework assistance and tutoring to ensure academic success is a key ingredient of the programs’ success.

In the last two years, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Kentron successfully impacted and steered the lives of 13 children to higher education and new opportunities. To further their success with more children, the Center has identified a need for a programmatic shift emphasizing math and science. The establishment of a Math & Science Lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork will provide an additional 75 at-risk students access to Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics instructors, lab equipment such as microscopes and workbooks, educational textbooks and Internet usage. The goal of this program is to broaden the educational experience of the students through interactive learning, projects and experiments.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

June 2016

End Date

June 2017

Gallery Images

Robotics class through the Nor Nork Math & Science Lab in session.

The Need

With the addition of the Math & Science Lab, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork will have the opportunity to continue to steer their at-risk students toward a larger spectrum of future opportunities and expose them to classes many of them lack in school. Furthermore, the Lab will equip students with additional skills necessary for a successful future such as working together and employing technology.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will to supply the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork with a sufficient amount of educational materials and workbooks, lab equipment, and access to Internet. In addition, four subject instructors will be immediately employment to help instruct and oversee the students while in the lab.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 75 at-risk students gain the Math and Science education that will open the doors for them to achieve greater future opportunities and provide for their families

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the creation of a Math and Science Lab will be recognized on the Ghoghanj Children’s Center’s website and in their printed materials, and your name 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 Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork when you are in Armenia.
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June 6, 2016

Our Engineering laboratories are officially up and running!

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