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Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Project Category: Education

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Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion

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With only three of five buildings currently usable, and outdated facilities limiting what the kindergarten can offer, too many children are left behind.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

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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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Updates: Images & Information

August 16, 2024
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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.

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Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships 2025-2026

Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships 2025-2026

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Description

The Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul has created a scholarship fund in memory of one if its founding members, Mr. Shahen Kavafian.

Mr. Kavafian was born on August 24, 1933 in Istanbul, Turkey, where he received his primary education.  He graduated from Robert College in Istanbul and then moved to the United States to further his education. He received a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Michigan and settled in metro Detroit.  He worked at Detroit Edison for the entirety of his professional career.  

In 1964, he became one of the founding members of the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul, an organization which helps promote Armenian cultural and educational programs.  Mr. Kavafian shared a love of music and the arts with his mother, who was an accomplished pianist.  

When Mr. Kavafian passed away on April 20, 2019, he left a generous contribution to the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul.  To honor his memory, a music scholarship fund has been created in 2024 to support student’s attending the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia.  

Students wishing to apply for this scholarship may do so through the.


APPLY HERE/ԴԻՄԵԼ ԱՅՍՏԵՂ

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

2025

End Date

2026

Gallery Images


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Shahen Kavafian
1933-2019

The Need

Students who wish to pursue studies at the Komitas Conservatory often have financial difficulties meeting their tuition requirements.  The government of Armenia does offer some tuition assistance to students in need, however they cannot meet the needs of all of the students.  

Short Term Impact

In the short term, students who are in financial need will be able to continue their musical education with the support of these scholarships. 

Long Term Impact

In the long term, Armenia’s rich cultural and heritage will be promoted through these students pursuit of the arts.

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 Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Aparan School Auditorium

Aparan School Auditorium

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Description

Aparan is a town in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, about 50 kilometers northwest of the capital Yerevan. The town has a population of about 6,500 people.

Founded in 1986, the Secondary School 2 after Hambardzum Voskanyan underwent a partial remodel in 2000 and today serves 560 students with the support of 70 dedicated teachers and staff. Earlier this year, strong winds damaged the school’s roof, which will soon be renovated with government support. Over the years, the school has proudly produced athletes who have competed in the Olympics and earned championship titles across Europe and around the world. Beyond sports, students have access to a variety of clubs and extracurricular programs, including a renowned dance ensemble that represents the school’s commitment to art and culture.

To continue offering these opportunities and to strengthen its cultural programs, the school now requires a full renovation of its auditorium. This project will upgrade the stage, seating, lighting, paint, and floors, creating a vibrant and inspiring space for performances, events, and student activities.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Aparan

Start Date

August 2025

End Date

October 2025

Gallery Images


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Secondary School 2 after Hambardzum Voskanyan


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The stage was renovated in April of 2024.

The Need

The renovation is needed to provide students with a safe, modern, and fully equipped space for performances, gatherings, and cultural events. Updating the auditorium will ensure the school can continue fostering creativity, community, and student growth for years to come.

Short Term Impact

In the short term the school auditorium will be renovated including new flooring, electrical fixtures, paint, a new stage and  new auditorium chairs. Supplies will be purchased locally and local labor will be used whenever possible, thus providing them with temporary jobs.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the completion of this project will provide a proper facility for current and future students and town residents to hold graduation ceremonies, musical recitals, concerts, seminars and other functions for the entire town.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsorship of the Aparan School Auditorium renovation will be recognized on a plaque in the auditorium, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the auditorium in the town of Aparan when you are in Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

September 5, 2025
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August 12, 2025

Renovation work on the auditorium has now begun.

September 12, 2025

Knights of Vartan leadership visit the Abaran School and view the progress on the auditorium.

October 5, 2025

Work is completed on the auditorium. 

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Debi Arach Children’s Center 2026 Operating Budget

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2026 Operating Budget

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Description

The Paros Foundation launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 185 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities since the tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake. More than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children with the proper guidance, supervision, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures. The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” helps these socially vulnerable children through a holistic approach providing them with both humanitarian and educational support. The center provides counseling and group therapy with a psychologist on staff, homework help and tutoring for almost every subject the children learn in school including English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, they are served a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they would otherwise not have. Furthermore, the Center addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities. The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

To date, the center has already had several important successes. At least nine children have been taken out of boarding schools, attend our center and now live back at home with their families. Many of the children who were receiving poor grades in school are now achieving top scores. The children have become socially well adjusted and much more healthier than before with the continued consumption of multi-vitamins and a daily well-balanced meal. Staff trainings take place with an academic counsel of professionals from the United States and Armenia to ensure that the children are receiving the best care, treatment and methods for their development.

The center is working on funding year ten and raising additional funds in order to develop and add to the programs and classes offered with the ability to hire more educators, and get more supplies, and equipment. Funds will also be used to supplement daily activities, hold forums for guest speakers and provide educational and career planning opportunities. $92,000 is needed to cover operating costs for the Center. In January of 2017, Debi Arach successfully launched its first program within its Vocational Training Center, teaching children computer programming, 3d printing and robotics curriculum. The goal of this newest component is to provide these children with marketable job skills in order to help them work themselves out of poverty. In 2019, with the long term commitment by Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian (MI) the vocational training program was renamed the Assarian Vocational Training Program.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2026

End Date

March 2027

The Need

Thousands of children in Gyumri are living in extreme poverty, with no hope for a decent future. These socially vulnerable children are in need of a safe and enriching environment where they can receive additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support giving them a chance to break their cycle of poverty. The children’s center will continue to provide these children with the opportunity to attend afterschool and summer school programs providing them with the additional skills necessary for a successful future. Additionally, these children suffer from malnutrition and related illnesses due to a lack of well-balanced meals. The center will continue to provide each child with a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they need. Furthermore, many families were forced to take refuge in overseas shipping containers (domiks), or in condemned buildings after the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake or due to their poor socioeconomic status. An entire generation of children has grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat to take showers. The Center will address this very important hygienic need by continuing to provide the children in attendance with supervised new bathing facilities.

Short Term Impact

The short-term 185 children will receive immediate support and guidance to help them succeed for the second year. The Center will continue offer nutritious meals, bathing facilities, counseling opportunities, homework aid and tutoring and core classes including English, Computer, Art/Design, and Math.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, with the success of the Center’s current offerings, additional classes and programs will be added and attendance will rise. The number of children growing up in poverty in the future will decrease as the number of children successfully graduating from our program and continuing onto college or successful vocations increases. The number of “social orphans” and children temporarily residing in boarding schools in Gyumri will be reduced as parents become increasingly able to keep their children at home given the humanitarian support they receive at the center. Through ongoing employment opportunities created, several families will continue to receive a fair wage, hence improving Gyumri’s economy.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the operating cost for 2025 of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri 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 proudly arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

April 30, 2026
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April 20, 2026

At the Debi Arach Children’s Center, students are eager to learn, explore, and grow, but outdated computers—now over a decade old—limit their ability to fully engage in today’s digital world. Technology plays a vital role in modern education, and with access to updated tools, these children will be better equipped to develop new skills, express their creativity, and build a stronger foundation for their future. Through this effort, we will replace 20 computers—each equipped with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and essential software—with each complete workstation costing $1,000.

July 9, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 participants spent one of their service days distributing shoes at Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri.

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Knights of Vartan School 106-Improvement 3rd Floor

Knights of Vartan School 106-Improvement 3rd Floor

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Description

Նորք (Nork) is a neighborhood in the Armenian capital Yerevan. It is located in the Nork-Marash District. The school currently has 1,010 students enrolled from grades 1-12. The school is made up of two buildings and was built in 1981.

Since 1993, The Knights of Vartan has supported the #106 school in Yerevan, which since 1995 officially was known as the Knights of Vartan #106 Public School. It is one of the many schools the Knights of Vartan has supported via its partnership with the World Bank Armenian Social Investment Fund and the ATDF.

Through their continued support the entry way, one two-story building of classrooms, and the gym & auditorium have been fully renovated. Currently, the third floor of the school’s three story building is in need of renovations to 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallways and the third floor portion of the staircase. One classroom has already been renovated.  

Region

Yerevan Երևան

City / Village

Nork Նորք

Start Date

May 2025

End Date

Three Months After Start

The Need

The Knights of Vartan School 106 serves more than 1,000 children. The third floor of the three story  building is in need of renovations, including 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallway & staircase.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local crew will be hired to complete renovation work on the third floor of the building. 

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, keeping the school’s infrastructure and investing in the education of the scores of children that will attend this school in the years to come will dramatically benefit the community including the teachers, children and other staff. A sense of community, unity with the Diaspora and pride in one’s surroundings will be instilled and reinforced.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed at Knights of Vartan School 106.
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Updates: Images & Information

May 16, 2025
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May 16, 2025

Renovation work has begun on the 10 classrooms. 

July 19, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 participants spent four days helping renovate the third floor of Knights of Vartan School 106 in Yerevan. Their work included demolition, cement repairs, painting, and installing new flooring in the classrooms and office spaces.

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Tech Aid for Vardenis

Tech Aid for Vardenis

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Description

Access to computers and printers remains limited in many small towns and villages across Armenia. Providing students with these tools equips them with essential digital skills, enabling them to complete homework more efficiently and connect with opportunities around the world. However, due to the high cost of equipment, many schools, children’s centers, libraries and cultural institutions are unable to offer this vital access to their residents.

The Vardenis Municipality in the Gegharkunik Region has reached out to us with an important request. The municipality serves the town of Vardenis and surrounding 34 villages. The region is home to over 20 educational institutions including schools, kindergartens, music schools, libraries and cultural centers. Due to high costs they are unable to obtain the tech needed to serve these institutions and the residents that  attend them. 

We hope to be able to raise the funds needed to provide the Vardenis Municipality  24 computers and 12 printers. Donations of new computers and printers are also welcomed.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vardenis & Surrounding Villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two Months as Start

The Need

Unfortunately, the high cost of computers prevents many schools, children’s centers, and cultural institutions from being able to provide residents with these essential tools. 

Short Term Impact

24 computer and 12 printers will be obtained and distributed to the educational and cultural institutions throughout the Vardenis Municipality.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential to positively impact thousands of residents by allowing them to access the services offered by these institutions. 

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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Musical Armenia 2025-2027

Musical Armenia 2025-2027

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Description

Musical Armenia was founded in 2017, to support youth music education in Armenia. They believe that every child in Armenia should have access to music education, regardless of financial means. Musical Armenia has partnered with The Paros Foundation to help provide tuition scholarships and instruments for underprivileged children. Musical Armenia is solely supported by individual donors.

This project aims to provide full, ongoing music scholarships to children from socially vulnerable families in Vanadzor who attend the Orran Center and children in need from Nork Marash who attend the Andreasyan School of Music. The budget includes funds allocated for securing instruments, transportation costs and other related expenses whenever needed.

Your contribution of $20 per month ($240 per year) will sponsor one child for the duration of one year. Sponsorship in any amount is welcomed.

Region

Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Vanadzor, Nork Marash

Start Date

January 2025

End Date

December 2027

Gallery Images


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Guitar lessons funded through the Musical Armenia project.


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Dhol group during City Day celebrations in Vanadzor.

The Need

Children who attend the Orran Center in Vanadzor and the Andreasyan School of Music in Nork Marash have been identified who would like to study music, but are unable to pay for tuition due to their family’s economic condition.

Short Term Impact

Children will study music in a warm and nurturing environment. This includes learning an instrument, studying music theory, and having the opportunity to sing in the school choir (optional). In addition, the project increases teacher salaries, since teachers are paid per student and the project increases the number of students.

Long Term Impact

Musical education teaches discipline, helps develop good work ethic, increases self-esteem and empowers children. This project will sponsor children for the duration of their studies (maximum 8 years), making a lasting investment in the child’s development. The goal is to inspire and allow the children to explore their talents and reach their full potential. Furthermore, this project has the potential to promote Armenia’s rich culture.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Musical Armenia websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.

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Updates: Images & Information

June 11, 2025
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June 11, 2025

Through support for Musical Armenia, students have been continuing their instrumental lessons. 

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Nor Ughi School Science Lab

Nor Ughi School Science Lab

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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 10 displaced students from Artsakh. The students are from both the neighboring villages of Ginevet and Nor Ughi. Recently, the school gym was renovated, and an outdoor soccer field was constructed through the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. John & June Mangassarian from Rhode Island and they want to continue positively impacting Nor Ughi.

Next of the list of priorities is the reconstruction of a science lab that will serve as the laboratory for the school’s physics, chemistry and biology classes.  This project will consist of the renovation of two rooms including a large classroom that will serve as the lab, and a smaller room that will serve as the adjacent storage area.  The scope of work will include the complete renovation of the room’s flooring, walls, electrical & lighting, ventilation and plumbing including the installation of fresh water and sewer lines.  Once the renovation is completed, the Armenian Government will be providing laboratory furniture and equipment to the school. 

Two separate entities have generously agreed to match all donations. The Rafaelian/Caruolo family will be matching all donations to honor Ralph and Lucy Rafaelian, and John and June Mangassarian will also match all contributions. Therefore, for every $1, we move $3 toward our goal!

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Ughi

Start Date

June 2025

End Date

2 Months From Start

Gallery Images


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Current lab at the Nor Ughi School.


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The current classroom used to teach science at the Nor Ughi School is not suitable for laboratory experiments.


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A small adjacent room will be converted to a proper storage facility for chemicals and other science supplies.


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The floor throughout the classrooms needs to be removed and replaced.

The Need

Currently, the Nor Ughi School does not have sufficient facilities nor equipment for students to study physics, biology or chemistry effectively. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, students at the Nor Ughi School will receive a newly renovated science lab and necessary furniture and equipment to more effectively study.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, students in this community will be better equipped to engage in studies of the higher education fields of physics, chemistry and biology, thus being better prepared for the future. 

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

Jun 10, 2025
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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. 

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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2025

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2025

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 2025

End Date

July 2025

Gallery Images


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Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.


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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

June 28, 2025

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June 28, 2025

SERVICE Armenia 2025  assembled backpacks with necessary supplies for the children at the Debi Arach Children’s Center. The backpacks will be distributed ahead of their school year.

July 12, 2025

The backpacks were distributed with the help of SERVICE Armenia 2025  to 180 children at the Debi Arach Children’s Center. Thank you to all of the donors who made this project possible. The children are now ready for the new school year ahead of them!

Scholarship for Future

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush P. – Anahit M.

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Siranush P. – Anahit M.

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

2025

Siranush P.
Siranush Papoyan was born on December 9, 2004, in Gyumri, Shirak region. Her family consists of four members: her father, mother, brother, and herself. Siranush’s mother works at a store, while her father takes on seasonal jobs abroad as he does not have permanent employment.

She joined the Nor Luyce NGO program in 2019 and is now a mentee in the Nor Luyce Graduates’ Program. Before participating in the program, Siranush struggled with social interactions, often facing communication challenges, conflicts, and limited friendships. However, her time with Nor Luyce has been transformative, helping her develop strong communication skills, build meaningful friendships, and become a more active and proactive individual.

Siranush is currently studying at the Service Department of the State Linguistic University of Armenia. Despite her family’s best efforts, their monthly income is only about $275, leaving them in a challenging financial situation. Unfortunately, her family is unable to cover this expense, and she does not currently benefit from any discounts or financial aid.

Scholarship needed: $1,000

Anahit M.
Born on September 15, 2005, in Gyumri, Armenia, Anahit has proven that determination can overcome life’s challenges. Growing up in a small, close-knit family with her parents, who work tirelessly to support their household, Anahit learned the value of hard work early on. Her mother is a cook at Gyumri’s “Igit” restaurant, while her father takes on jobs abroad to make ends meet. 

Anahit joined the Nor Luyce NGO program in 2020. Now a mentee in the graduate round of the program, her journey with Nor Luyce has been transformative. Initially, Anahit faced challenges with expressing her emotions, self-reliance, and overcoming her fears. Through mentorship and skill-building, she blossomed into a confident, proactive young woman, developing strong communication skills, building lasting friendships, and finding clarity in her personal and professional aspirations.

Anahid currently attends the Gyumri State Medical College, however, her dreams are at risk due to financial difficulties. With her family unable to cover her tuition fees, Anahit is seeking support to continue her education and keep moving forward with the determination and resilience that define her.

Scholarship needed: $800

https://youtu.be/bqd7rZ1cwIk

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

Hasmik T. – Elmira k. – Lusine 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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