Talia’s Effort for Debi Arach Food Program

Description

This July Talia went to Armenia for 3 weeks with The Paros Foundation. She was part of various service projects, including helping renovate village school classrooms and distributing humanitarian and educational supplies in rural communities.

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, Talia will be raising funds for a Paros project that she is passionate about. Talia has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri for their food program. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

A message from Talia:

This summer, I had the unique opportunity to participate in SERVICE Armenia. During our time in Gyumri, we visited the Debi Arach Children’s Center, an experience that left a lasting impression on me.  While at the center, we distributed shoes and backpacks filled with school supplies to the children. I also spent time with the students during Armenian studies, worked alongside them, and joined them during structured play. Being able to interact with the children and experience the welcoming and supportive environment created for them made my visit especially meaningful.  One moment that particularly stood out to me was lunchtime. I watched as the women at the center prepared homemade meals for the children with such care. It reminded me that Debi Arach provides more than educational opportunities and activities. It also helps meet the children’s everyday needs and creates a place where they feel cared for and supported.  After experiencing Debi Arach firsthand, I knew I wanted my fundraising efforts to support their work in a meaningful and practical way. I am committed to raising funds to help purchase fresh, healthy ingredients for meals prepared for the children throughout the year.  Supporting a place I have personally visited and children I had the privilege of spending time with makes this project especially meaningful to me. I hope the funds I raise will help Debi Arach continue providing nutritious, homemade meals and the caring environment I was fortunate enough to experience. 

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

Gallery Images

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July 9, 2026

This summer, Talia traveled to Armenia with SERVICE Armenia and had the opportunity to visit the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. During her visit, she spent time with the children and experienced firsthand the lunch program she is supporting through this project. Talia was able to see how the meals are prepared, enjoy lunch alongside the children, and see the impact these nutritious, homemade meals have on their daily lives.

Growing Gyumri: Ani’s Fundraising for the Debi Arach Food Program

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Ani has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Through this effort, Ani will raise funds that will directly support the children’s needs and overall well-being. Your support will make a meaningful difference in their lives and help create a brighter future.

A message from Ani:

Gyumri is a special place, one that uniquely embodies everything we Armenians pride ourselves on: history, family, and resilience. And though the people of Gyumri may be known for their lighthearted sense of humor, like most Armenians, what they’ve been through is anything but light.

We all know about the Spitak earthquake of 1988. What many of us don’t know is that many survivors of that disaster are still without basic human rights—adequate food or shelter. Living out of shipping containers that once held humanitarian aid and the ruins of crumbling Soviet-era buildings that once were, these Gyumri families have exhibited the resilience hallmark of Armenians everywhere.

But Armenians are more than just our resilience. We are a family. We take care of each other. Which is why when other Paros service volunteers and I distributed humanitarian aid to our struggling compatriots in Gyumri, we would get stopped in our tracks and invited for coffee afterward.

This is how we grow—by taking care of each other. And now, it’s time to grow Gyumri. Paros Foundation’s Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri provides more than 180 children with academic, psychological, vocational, social, and humanitarian support—all free of charge. Beyond that, Debi Arach provides opportunity. And right now, Debi Arach is providing us with one: it’s time to take care of our family.

By supporting this project, you will be directly supporting Debi Arach’s food program. Many of Gyumri’s bright young minds need proper sustenance. Debi Arach provides these kids with nutritious meals throughout the day, often more than they receive at home. My goal is to raise at least $3,000 for this project. This helps Debi Arach Children’s Center’s food garden, home-grown by the children themselves. It also helps the community members working in the kitchen, making the food that keeps these children going.

After all, we’re family, and together we can make it happen!

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

Gallery Images

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July 9, 2026

This summer, Ani traveled to Armenia with SERVICE Armenia and had the opportunity to visit the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. During her visit, she spent time with the children and experienced firsthand the lunch program she is supporting through this project. Talia was able to see how the meals are prepared, enjoy lunch alongside the children, and see the impact these nutritious, homemade meals have on their daily lives.

Fruit Dryer for Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur School

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a border village located in Armenia’s Tavush Region. The village has a population of approximately 1,000 residents, and its main economic activity is agriculture. Economic opportunities in border villages like NKA are extremely limited due to a lack of investment and ongoing safety concerns. Without these opportunities, families are often forced to find work elsewhere or move out of the region entirely.

NKA School currently operates an orchard and greenhouse where fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown. While students eat some of the produce as part of their school lunches, the school is producing more than it can use before it spoils. Currently, the school has two small household dryers, but they do not have enough capacity to process the available harvest.

The Paros Foundation is raising $9,200 to purchase a small commercial fruit dryer, refrigerator, fruit processing containers and the supplies needed to package the dried products. This budget will also cover the labor costs of two seasonal employees. The dryer will be installed in the back room of the school’s greenhouse, which is already equipped with solar panels and a freezer for the produce. This equipment will allow the school to dry fruits, vegetables, and herbs, extend the life of its harvest, reduce food waste, and even package products for potential sale.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately 

End Date

One year from start date

Gallery Images

The Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Orchard.



Students at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur picking cherries to eat and dry.



Cherries drying in small household fruit dryer.



Fruit Dryer to be purchased.



Racks and inside of fruit dryer to be purchased.

The Need

NKA School’s orchard and greenhouse produce more fruits, vegetables, and herbs than the school can consume while fresh. As a result, part of the harvest goes bad and is wasted. The school’s two small household dryers cannot process the volume of produce being grown. A commercial dryer will allow the school to preserve more of its harvest and prepare dried products that can be packaged, sold and used later.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, NKA School will receive a small commercial fruit dryer and the packaging supplies needed to begin preserving its produce. The equipment will increase the school’s drying capacity and help prevent fruits, vegetables, and herbs from going to waste.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the school will be able to make better use of the produce grown in its orchard and greenhouse. Any proceeds from the sale of packaged dried products will go directly back to the school, helping support its programs and ongoing agricultural activities. This project will create a more sustainable use for future harvests while strengthening an existing agricultural program in a border village where economic opportunities are limited.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized in relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website. Visits to the school can be arranged for sponsors traveling to Armenia.

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Komitas Conservatory Student Scholarships 2026-2027

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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

2027

End Date

2028

Gallery Images

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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Apelian Clinic at Prkutyun Center 2026

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Description

The Apelian Dental Clinic at the Prkutyun Disabled Children & Young People Center NGO has been providing free dental services to disabled children and impoverished families living in the Shengavit community of Yerevan. The clinic was established in 2005, by the generous efforts of Dr. George Apelian, a former member of Armenian Dentists’ Association of California. Since its establishment, the clinic has rendered dental services to more than 12,000 patients, including children and adults.

Dr. Apelian, who continues to direct the clinic’s functions, hopes to expand the reach of the clinic and its services to nearby communities. Residents living in Armenia’s poor communities commonly overlook dental care and hygiene due to high costs. The Apelian Dental Clinic is in need of additional funding in order to be able to serve more families who are unable to afford dental care and help them prevent a lifetime of serious dental problems in the future. Sponsorship of this project will help raise $36,000 annually with a monthly operating budget of $3,000 in order to help keep the clinic fully operational so that they can continue to provide dental care free of charge. Dr. Apelian has continued his generous pledge to match any funds raised.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

January 2026

End Date

December 2026

Gallery Images

Dr. Apelian, his family and the staff during a visit at The Apelian Clinic



Newly renovated exam room at the Apelian Dental Clinic.



A patient receives a dental X-ray using the new machine made possible through donor support.



Patients are getting their teeth checked at the Apelian Dental Clinic.



A patient and doctor smile for the camera during a routine checkup.

The Need

The Apelian Dental Clinic is in need of additional funding in order to be able to continue its great work and expand its reach to provide more disabled children and families free dental care for the impoverished communities of Yerevan.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the Apelian Dental Clinic will keep its doors open, pay its employees wages and obtain more dental equipment and supplies needed. In addition, the clinic will welcome patients from other impoverished communities from Yerevan and provide them dental care free of charge.

Long Term Impact

The additional funding will allow the clinic to remain open for one year during which time it will serve more patients and help more individuals prevent serious dental problems in the future with no financial burden.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Apelian Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, the Prkutyun Disabled Children and Young People Center NGO website and in all appropriate press related to this important project. In addition, a sponsor plaque will be placed in the clinic. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Apelian Dental Clinic when you are in Armenia.
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Andre’s Humanitarian Support for Debi Arach

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Andre 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, Andre 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 Andre:

I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Armenia on a service trip through The Paros Foundation this summer. I am excited to connect more deeply with my heritage while helping communities in need! Being Armenian has always had a big impact on my life because I love the cuisine, the dancing, the people, and almost everything about Armenian culture.

What makes this trip to Armenia so special to me is that it will be my first time leaving America, while also connecting with my homeland. The past few summers I have been going to an Armenian summer camp, which further strengthened my love of the culture, making me want to go to Armenia so much more! In addition to learning more about my culture and meeting other students my age, I look forward to making meaningful contributions through various service projects.

Since I am so eager and passionate to help those in need, I have chosen to raise money for humanitarian work. This program is one way for me to make a lasting impact, so I won’t hesitate to help provide this aid to families and children. I have had the privilege of growing up with basic necessities, and understanding that has led me to see the significance of assisting others whose situation may not be the same as mine. This fundraiser supports children at the Debi (Tebi) Arach Children’s Center by supplying groceries, clothing, and other necessities. Your generous donations will enable me to hand deliver important necessities to families in Armenia.

Thanks for your consideration to contribute and support the cause of this fundraiser and my volunteer service in Armenia. Any donation, big or small, will go a long way in helping me reach my fundraising goals.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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July 9, 2026

This summer, Andre traveled to Armenia with SERVICE Armenia and had the opportunity to spend several days at the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. During his visits, he spent time getting to know the children, participating in activities with them, and helping distribute new shoes. His time at Debi Arach allowed him to connect with the children he is supporting through his fundraising efforts and see the impact of the Center’s work firsthand.

Nico’s Drive for Youth Athletics

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a project they are passionate about. Nico has chosen to support the Sporting Goods for Village Schools project, which provides much-needed sports equipment to schools in rural communities throughout Armenia.
Many village schools have limited resources and lack access to basic sporting goods that encourage physical activity, teamwork, and healthy development. Through this fundraising effort, Nico will help provide equipment that allows students to participate in sports, stay active, and enjoy opportunities that many children often take for granted.

Your support will help bring new equipment and new opportunities to students in Armenia’s village schools, making a meaningful impact on their health, confidence, and overall well-being.

A message from Nico:

This summer, I have the opportunity to travel to Armenia and participate in the 2026 SERVICE Armenia trip with The Paros Foundation, where I will tour the land of my ancestors while also providing service to families and people in need.

This opportunity is especially meaningful to me because I’ve always been proud to be a 5th-generation Armenian. In my life, it has been extremely important to participate in as many activities as possible that help strengthen this identity. I enjoy attending Armenian festivals, dances, summer camps, and church. By doing this, I have been able to educate myself on different parts of my culture, such as religion, food, history, and music. One thing I’ve found in common in all these activities is the emphasis on remembering and understanding my Armenian roots, while also showing the perseverance of our ancestors. Because of this, I feel strongly drawn to being part of something that allows me to connect more deeply with my heritage and experience Armenia and its history firsthand.

During this time, I chose to directly support efforts to provide new sports equipment to schools in need. As a kid, I’ve always valued playing sports. I grew up in the Los Angeles area and was fortunate enough to have access to clean and functional equipment. This charity broadened my perspective and helped me realize that not all kids around the world are as fortunate as I am. Through The Paros Foundation, I will have the amazing experience to personally deliver this equipment to children and schools, helping make the impact of this charity immediate and meaningful.

My goal is to raise $2,000, and any contribution, no matter the size, will have a significant influence on the youth of Armenia. I am deeply grateful for any support, whether that is a donation or simply sharing my page with others.

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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July 9, 2026

This summer, Nico traveled to Armenia with SERVICE Armenia and had the opportunity to spend time in several of Armenia’s villages and communities. Throughout the trip, he connected with children in children’s center and schools and saw firsthand the importance of creating opportunities for students to stay active and engaged. Once the funds are raised, The Paros Foundation will identify a village school where the new sporting equipment can have the greatest impact.

Sevana’s Efforts for Debi Arach

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Sevana has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Through this effort, Sevana 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 Sevana:

This summer, I have the privilege of participating in a three week service initiative in Armenia through The Paros Foundation. There I will work alongside students from across the globe on community focused projects. One opportunity I am especially excited about is supporting Debi Arach, an organization dedicated to providing children with essential resources including a nutritious meal. As someone who has been fortunate to have access to these resources, I am grateful for the chance to help children who may not have the same opportunities. My goal is to raise $3,000 for the Debi Arach initiative. With the support of both the Armenian community and my own efforts, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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July 9, 2026

This summer, Sevana traveled to Armenia with SERVICE Armenia and had the opportunity to visit the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. During her visit, she spent time with the children and experienced firsthand the lunch program she is supporting through this project. Talia was able to see how the meals are prepared, enjoy lunch alongside the children, and see the impact these nutritious, homemade meals have on their daily lives.

Vardenis Community Basketball Court

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Description

Vardenis is a village located in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia, in one of the more remote parts of the country. The town and its surrounding villages are home to hundreds of children and adolescents who currently lack adequate space for organized sports and physical activity.

The Vardenis Community Basketball Court Initiative aims to construct an outdoor basketball court at the local sports school, providing boys and girls from Vardenis and neighboring villages with access to organized sports, intramural competitions, and programs that promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The court will serve as a gathering point for the broader community, bringing together families, schools, and coaches around a shared commitment to youth development and wellness.

Our goal is to provide hundreds of children with a safe space to stay active, build lasting friendships, and participate in organized sports. The project budget is $38,000, which will cover the construction, repaving, fencing, and lighting of the outdoor basketball court.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vardenis and Surrounding Villages

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Gallery Images

The Need

Children and youth in Vardenis and its surrounding villages lack access to adequate recreational facilities and organized sports. Opportunities to participate in structured sports programs are scarce, leaving many without access to regular physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement. A dedicated outdoor basketball court will provide a space for boys and girls to stay active, build skills, and participate in organized sports.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the outdoor basketball court will be constructed and renovated to create a safe and functional space for sports and recreation. The local economy will also benefit, as materials and labor will be sourced locally whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, hundreds of children from Vardenis and its surrounding villages will have access to a quality outdoor basketball court where they can participate in organized sports, intramural competitions, and group activities. The court will promote fitness, healthy lifestyles, and lasting friendships, serving the youth of the region for many years to come.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be recognized on a plaque installed at the outdoor basketball court, listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project.

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Supplies for Success

Description

This July Sabrina will be going to Armenia for 3 weeks with The Paros Foundation. She will be part of various service projects, including helping renovate village school classrooms and distributing humanitarian and educational supplies in rural communities.

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, Sabrina will be raising funds for a Paros project that she is passionate about. Sabrina 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 program Sabrina will raise funds that will directly support the children’s essential needs and overall well-being. She will personally deliver backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, boots, shoes and groceries and share her journey with everyone.

A message from Sabrina:

As a first-year college student, I have seen firsthand the impact that access to school supplies, food security, and basic necessities can have on a student’s success. Debi Arach’s humanitarian aid program focuses on providing resources that will help ease the pressures of being from a low-income family. Supporting education and opportunity for young people is a cause that is especially meaningful to me because every child deserves the chance to be successful in school without their home situation limiting their opportunities and I understand how important it is for students to have the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

My goal is to raise $3,500 for Debi Arach and I am asking for your support. With your donations, families in Armenia will receive school supplies for their children, clothes to prepare them for winter and much needed groceries. By helping alleviate concerns about food security and educational expenses, these donations can create opportunities for Armenian students to focus on learning and achieving their goals.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Your generosity will directly support families in Gyumri and help provide children with the tools and stability they need to thrive. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with friends and family is another valuable way to support the cause.

Thank you!

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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July 9, 2026

Sabrina spent some of her service days packing and distributing groceries and other essentials for families in Gyumri.