Purchase a Home 11 – Yeghiazaryan Family

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Description

Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, tens of thousands of people were left homeless in the City of Gyumri. Many of these families took refuge in the overseas shipping containers (domiks) that were shipped into Armenia loaded with humanitarian relief supplies, or in condemned buildings. An entire generation of children has grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat. The Armenian government has provided most of the families that lost their homes in the Earthquake with new housing units.

As people moved out of those makeshift housing units, others moved in. The 2,500 families that remain are Gyumri’s desolate families, who are not in line to receive a government provided apartment. Many of these families are comprised of single mothers, multiple children and/or the disabled. This is a sustainable model in that families that have been moved into permanent housing in the past have had a high degree of success maintaining their families and their new homes.

The Yeghiazaryan family has been identified and screened as a family to benefit from a new apartment.  Ashot, his wife Ruzan, and their children Arthur and Anna live in terrible conditions.  During the rains, their domik fills with water from the surrounding area.  Ashot works in Gyumri’s central market, hauling purchases for customers.  Anna, suffers from mental illness and her mother cares for her full time. The Yeghiazaryan family is not on any list to receive an apartment as their family did not loose a home in the earthquake.

Once the move is complete, the make shift housing unit will be dismantled to prevent its future occupancy, and the land returned to the city.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two months from start date

Gallery Images

Holes in the roof and walls seep rain and cold into the Yeghiazaryan domik.



Ruzan Yeghiazaryan spends her day caring for her daughter, Anna.



The Yeghiazaryan domik fills with water during the rainy season because of
the deterioration of the walls and ceiling of their domik.



Anna Yeghiazaryan suffers from mental illness.

The Need

2,500 families live in the city of Gyumri in temporary, make shift housing. These units are neither safe nor sanitary. These families and their children need a normal apartment in which to live.

Short Term Impact

As soon as this project is funded, a two bedroom apartment will be purchased for the Yeghiazaryan family. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be dismantled and materials recycled following their move.

Long Term Impact

In addition to this family and their improved mental state changing through the fact that they will be living in a normal housing situation, the city of Gyumri itself will improve with the removal of these make shift housing units. This move will also help Anna with a safer and more secure environment in which to live.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation’s website.
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February 15, 2019

The Yeghiazaryan Family moves into their new apartment!

Fuel Through Firewood: Gyumri

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Description

Gyumri is Armenia’s second largest city with the poorest population, including single mothers and the elderly. Following the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake, in which more than 25,000 people lost their lives and more than 100,000 people were left homeless, Gyumri’s residents did whatever they could to find temporary shelter. This included moving into “domiks,” the overseas shipping containers in which earthquake related humanitarian goods were shipped to Armenia. 30 years following the earthquake, about 2,200 poverty stricken families remain in various forms of temporary housing. In addition to inadequate housing, unemployment and rampant poverty, Gyumri’s people are also faced with extreme winters, with January and February being the coldest months.
The harsh winters and extreme poverty lead to people picking through trash to find something that they can burn to keep warm and cook food for their families. Due to the intense cold weather and toxic fumes, children often get sick and are unable to attend school.

This effort will ensure that 300 families in Gyumri will receive fuel for heating and cooking through firewood for month’s period. Our partner for this project, the Shirak Center NGO, will help distribute the firewood to the families as funds are raised.

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Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

November 2018

Gallery Images

Families in Gyumri scavenge for twigs and trash to try and stay warm.



Shirak Center staff prepares firewood for distribution to families in need.



Impoverished families depend on firewood distributions from the Shirak Center to help them stay warm and cook.

The Need

Freezing temperatures and extreme poverty have created a humanitarian crisis in Gyumri’s “Domik” neighborhoods. About 1,800 families live in “domiks,” while about 400 live in condemned buildings leaving them no choice but to burn anything they can for heat. Toxic fumes bellow from smoke stacks as residents burn trash, plastic bottles and old shoes in an effort to stay warm and cook a simple meal for their families. The extreme cold coupled with the toxic fumes contributes to children become sick and not attending school.

Short Term Impact

As many families as funding permits will receive fuel in the form of firewood to help them get through the winter. The fuel from the firewood can be used for heating and cooking for a month. All humanitarian materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy.

Long Term Impact

By providing a less toxic and more reliable form of heating, it is hopeful there will be less illness among the communities. This will help children keep up with their studies and not have to miss school due to colds and sicknesses. Additionally, Paros is hopeful that press materials related to this project will lead to greater public awareness of this problem and thus a broad based approach to solving this crisis.

Sponsors Benefits

Project sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all press materials related to this project.
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December 3, 2018

Thanks to the generous support from the Hairapetian Family (CA), we were able to support the distribution of firewood to about 65 families for the month of December (2018).

 February 15, 2019

The Shirak Center staff continues to make regular distributions of firewood and manufactured logs to domik families. Paros Staff visited several families following the distributions to check on the family’s wood status.

 

Kick Like a Girl!

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Description

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) is the only NGO working across Armenia to use sports for social change outside the classroom. Girls who play sports exhibit higher confidence levels, better mental health, improved teamwork and communication skills, increased graduation rates, and leadership skills. GOALS directly impacts more than 2,500 girls and boys in 65 communities.

Meet Tatevik Movsisyan. The first player from a GOALS league to join the Armenian Women’s Under-19 National Team. Tatevik’s passion for soccer began when she was eight years old watching boys play soccer in their village field and dreamt of taking part in it. However, it seemed like an impossible dream for her because of the stereotypes in her village. Then, at the age 11, she was nominated best soccer player in her village during a soccer tournament. Shortly thereafter, she joined the GOALS Achajur team. It was strange at first for the village to accept the idea of a girls’ team. As the league continued, her father even observed her practices and started to recognize her skills, slowly changing his mentality. Since GOALS arrived, there has been a transformation in her village. More girls want to join the team and boys accept and encourage girls to play soccer. Tatevik feels more confident and dedicated. She wants to continue her studies in sports and soccer, with a dream of becoming a referee. Without GOALS, she does not think she would have these opportunities or aspirations.

 

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Charencavan, Hrazdan, Fantan, Karenis, Abovyan & Alapars

Start Date

October 2018

End Date

January 2019

All donations for this fundraiser will help GOALS create the opportunity for young girls to reach their goals, both in soccer and in life.Your donations will fund existing leagues, camps, teams and players, as well help to expand into new rural areas across Armenia. Your contribution will also help train more coaches in the use of “sport for social impact” curriculum in Armenia.

Through your generous donations GOALS will:

● Cover all costs related to the leagues: travel, referees, nurses, and venue spaces, and all the equipment needed to hold training sessions (jerseys, socks, footballs, cones and pinnies).
● Permit girls to travel to Yerevan to be a part of competitive matches and cross-cultural events, introducing local youth to diaspora Armenians and exposing participants to different perspectives and ideas, and broadening their horizons.
● Support tournaments between the regions to motivate girls to increase their soccer skill levels and increase their confidence in participating in tournaments outside of their region.
● Empower a new generation of leaders to take New Armenia forward by creating a network of strong girls in the region and allowing them to build new friendships, teamwork, and skills to compete.
● Provide professional training and guidance in media (sports journalism), coaching and refereeing, allowing young people to practice their skills and get experience in the scope of GOALS programs across Armenia.

Sponsor a League- $3,000
GOALS leagues are designed to give young women aged 12-17 from under-resourced areas the chance to play soccer and build confidence and teamwork skills, as well as change public perception of women’s participation in sports. The annual cost of a league is approximately $3,000, which will fund:
● Equipment for the teams (jerseys, socks, footballs, cones, and pinnies for an entire league)
● Training with coach minimum once a week (minimum 1 hour)
● Traveling costs
● Referees
● Nurses
● Venue space
Currently, GOALS has soccer leagues in 7 regions of Armenia: Yeghegnadzor, Alaverdi, Goris, Dilijan, Artik, Armavir and Gegharkunik.

Sponsor a Camp – $1,500
GOALS soccer leadership summer camps are implemented in impoverished rural areas in order to excite the community,motivate the girls to continue playing soccer, and challenge existing steretypes within the communities.
GOALS Summer camps consist of :
● Sport-for-social-impact games addressing gender equity, tolerance, diversity, human rights and healthy lifestyle
● Technical drills
● Leadership seminar (Guest speakers)
● Nutritious lunch
Camps bring together communities whose residents often don’t interact and spark the interest that leads to more GOALS programming in the region. Since 2016 GOALS has conducted 10 camps impacting more than 500 girls and boys.

Sponsor a Team – $500
Teams are designed to help girls build new friendships, teamwork, and skills to compete. Teams have the opportunity to travel to Yerevan and participate in cross-cultural events.
Each team needs :
● Coaches
● Equipment
● Traveling costs
We currently have 42 teams and will be creating at least ten in the coming year. Sponsoring a team supports these needs for two full seasons/one year.

Sponsor a Player – $50
Sponsoring a player is an easy way to make a big impact through a small donation. This donation will pay for one girl’s uniform, socks, and travel to competitive games.

You can visit the GOALS website to find out more about how your charitable contributions are helping GOALS to spread their impact: www.goalsarmenia.org

GOALS needs supporters of every kind — donations, fundraiser sponsors, and volunteers. If you are interested or have questions about where and how GOALS works we encourage you to contact GOALS directly at Lorik@goalsarmenia.org.

Gallery Images

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer Logo

The Need

Throughout Armenia, there are limited opportunities for girls to play soccer. Despite having a strong desire to do so, girls cannot find the resources necessary or sporting groups that make experiencing the game a possibility. In addition, organized sport participation has several benefits to youth development such as leadership skills, teamwork skills, confidence building and improved overall physical health. The GOALS organization helps give young women the chance to play soccer through their GOALS Leagues, Media, Coach and Referee trainings, Camps and After-school Clubs.

Short Term Impact

In 2017 GOALS impacted 2,000 youth through their leagues, camps, and After-School Clubs. We witnessed an increase in these girls confidence, recorded an increase of parents who approve of their daughters playing soccer, and a spike in the belief that girls can be leaders. With your investment GOALS wants to launch a new league in the Kotayk region, which will become their eighth league.

Long Term Impact

In the long-term, public opinion regarding girls’ participation in soccer is changing, paving for the way for greater sports and leadership opportunities. We see a movement toward more inclusive soccer leagues that start at a young age and continue, also contributing to a competitive National Team for Armenia.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and GOALS websites, at the camps and in all press related to this project. The GOALS organization will also begin sending updates through their newsletter in which they will also thank and recognize sponsors. In addition, GOALS will send personalized team photos and progress reports to sponsors of leagues and/or teams.
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Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 16

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Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert, and serves more than 250 children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. The orphanage is a state run facility that receives governmental support to provide these vulnerable children with their basic care and education.

Excursions for these children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues provide these them with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society. These children do not attend school, but rather attend classes at the orphanage. It is important for both these children and society for these children to experience community life.

For each donation of $250, approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of care provides will be able to go on an excursion to Yerevan at Victory Park, or another appropriate venue for a morning or afternoon of activities including transportation, admission and snacks. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

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Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

Immediately

Gallery Images

SERVICE Armenia helped the Kharpert children move throughout the park.



Having great fun on the rides with SERVICE Armenia.



New friends all had a great time at Victory Park.



A final stop for lunch completes the day’s activities.

The Need

Approximately 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. While these facilities provide basic care for these children, their limited funding does not permit them regular visits and participate in various social and cultural activities. A child with a disability has very few opportunities to visit the city and experience life outside of the grounds of the Kharpert orphanage.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be the employment of a bus driver, money being spent in Armenia’s local economy and most important the education and social benefits for 20 children with developmental disabilities.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term benefits for both the children and for society. Society’s attitudes towards people with disabilities will slowly begin to change as witness these children regularly and realize that society can indeed accommodate them as part of their community.

Sponsors Benefits

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

June 26, 2019

SERVICE Armenia 2019 participants, along with Paros staff and several guests, accompanied 20 kids from the Kharpert Home for Special Children to a fun day at Victory Park.

 

Restroom for Tsoghamarg Village Events Hall

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Description

The Women for Development NGO (WFD NGO) was founded in Gyumri in 1997. Since its establishment the organization has been implementing educational, health care and community development projects in the villages of the Shirak region. Their mission has been to mobilize these communities through increasing community involvement and education.

One of the villages that the WFD NGO is involved with is Tsoghamarg Village located in the Shirak Region of Armenia, 20km from Gyumri. There are 558 residents in the community. Working alongside WFD, village residents came together and built an events hall. Meetings, workshops and events are organized and held in this space. This hall was built to support the community, provide a space to help residents raise and solve existing problems, and to promote the community members’ participation and mobilization. Next to the hall, 110 children from the village play on their new playground set installed with the help of our SERVICE Armenia 2017 group and with support from WFD NGO and Paros donors. In addition, a community library and a ”Tsoghamarg Youth Centre” will also be established in the building.

However, absence of a public restroom is a problem for proper functioning of the events hall and playground. While organizing different events the population faces a problem of discomfort, which in its turn brings about sanitary-hygienic and ecological problems. Next to the events hall there is space where a small Western style restroom can be built. Organizers of events, as well as village residents working in the building and playground will take full responsibility for the use and upkeep of the restrooms. The goal of this project is to provide basic sanitary-hygienic conditions for people during events, as well as people either working or visiting the Tsoghamarg Events Hall. Sponsorship of this project will help construct two Western style restrooms at the Tsoghamarg Events Hall; one for women and one for men.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Tsoghamarg

Start Date

July 2020

End Date

November 2020

Gallery Images

Village residents gathered at the Tsoghamarg Events Hall for an event.

The Need

The Tsoghamarg Events Hall has become a popular place for the villagers to organize and hold different family and public events. The hall is a need of a public restroom to make it complete and comfortable to host events. The absence of restrooms creates sanitary/hygienic and ecological issues for Tsoghamarg residents.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a public restroom will be available at the Tsoghamarg Village Events Hall and will serve 558 residents and additional guests.

Long Term Impact

In the long term the village of Tsoghamarg will have a complete Events Hall to use for many years to come. In addition, a very important and basic sanitary/hygienic need will be addressed for current and future guests of the Tsoghamarg Village Events Hall.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to support this project will be recognized in the Women for Development NGO’s social media sites, and a plaque with names of all sponsors will be hung inside the event hall. Additionally, donors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to Tsoghamarg Village when you are in Armenia.
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February 22, 2019

Our team has discussed the launch of construction with the mayor of Tsoghamarg, and they have determined that we should be able to start construction in about six weeks, once the snow melts!

November 11, 2020

After several delays the restroom at the Tsoghamarg Village Events Hall has now been completed. 

Lend a Paw

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Description

Dogs of Gyumri (D.O.G.) is Gyumri’s first Animal Welfare and Adoption Center. D.O.G. was started in October 2017 by Sarah Derderian, a Repat who moved to Gyumri two years ago from the United States (US), to take on a position as Assistant Director at the Debi Arach Children’s Center. While filling food terminals for stray dogs around her house, she witnessed a public school security guard kicking and beating a two month old puppy. In an attempt to stop them, she yelled at the guard and took the puppy home. The puppy was later named Luna and adopted by a family from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through her diligent advocacy on social media.
Sarah has since established a humanitarian model through which she and her team rescue stray puppies, have them examined by veterinarians, and find loving homes for them both in Armenia and abroad. Since the inception if D.O.G., they have successfully had 20 adoptions in Armenia, US and Canada!
The D.O.G. team’s mission is to decrease the population of stray dogs in Gyumri, as well as advocate for the rights of our four-legged friends. In a city that still has a government funded animal kill order, this type of organization is pertinent to saving stray dogs and working towards creating a more humane process by which to deal with this growing issue. In order to help care for the puppies as they wait to be adopted, D.O.G. is launching the Lend a Paw program. For $200 you can sponsor a newly rescued puppy for two months. During these two months the puppies will be placed in a comfortable foster home to temporarily stay at while they wait for their forever home. In addition, their basic needs such as food, treats, and toys will also be provided through the funding. If the puppy you are sponsoring gets adopted the remaining funds will immediately be transferred to the next puppy in need.
In the future, the D.O.G. team plans to present a thorough proposal to the Armenian government to put a trap, neuter, vaccinate, and release plan in place, but until then puppy adoptions are a small way that we can make an impact on this huge issue.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2019

End Date

May 2020

Gallery Images

Sarah Derderian, founder of D.O.G. with one of their rescues.



Luna was D.O.G.’s first rescue! She was only one and a half months old.



Luna at the airport headed to meet her new family!



Luna with her new family in Philadelphia (USA).



Sam Brown was found severely malnourished & ill when he was found. He fought through parvovirus, parasites, a broken bone, and so much more.



Now Sam Brown, is happy & healthy and living in New York !



Funk was also rescued through D.O.G. and recently adopted.

The Need

The amount of stray dogs have been gradually increasing throughout most of Armenia’s regions, especially in the second largest city, Gyumri. To help combat this issue, D.O.G. and its Lend a Paw program needs sponsors to be able to rescue and foster puppies.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 25 dogs will have a comfortable place to temporarily stay while they wait to be adopted. Basic necessities such as food, treats, and toys are also provided for the puppies.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the stigma towards dog adoption in Armenia will be reduced and 25 puppies will go to loving and accepting homes and will no longer have to live on the streets as strays.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor D.O.G. for the Lend a Paw program will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. As a dog’s sponsor, you can choose to receive monthly updates on the dogs progress and be informed when the dog is adopted.
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May 15, 2020

Lend a Paw has done a terrific job not only raising the issue of street dogs in Gyumri, advocating for a solution to this issue, and arranging for 85 dog adoptions around the world. We are proud of what they have accomplished and wish them much success in the future.

 

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor Region

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Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California and The Paros Foundation have successfully partnered in order to help the mobile dental clinic bring dental care to poverty stricken communities throughout Armenia.

Dr. Viken Garabedian who has worked closely with Drs. Gary Kevorkian and Jack Bayramyan  and the ADSC mobile clinic, is ready to tackle the challenge of bringing expanded dental health to the communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region by adding a second mobile dental clinic.  In partnership with ADSC, the Syunik Development NGO and The Paros Foundation, a second bus will be converted into a mobile dental clinic and serve the isolated and poverty stricken communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region.

Many of the villagers in Vayots Dzor live only a few hundred meters from the Azeri Border.  Many of the men in these villages serve in the army, protecting Armenia’s border.  The harsh and isolated conditions in these areas has forced many of the residents to flee their homes and resettle in the larger neighboring cities.

$30,000 is needed to retrofit the bus with two dental chairs and the proper equipment.  The monthly operating budget for the mobile clinic once it has been put into operation is $3,000 per month.

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Yeghegnadzor and surrounding villages

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

December 2021

Gallery Images

Our second Mobile Dental Clinic ready to get on the road.



The second mobile dental clinic on the road in the village of Khachig seeing patients, many of whom are soldiers.



Dr. Viken Garabedian visiting with the staff in the first mobile dental clinic.



Children in rural and poor communities greatly benefit from the mobile clinic and its free services.

The Need

Dental supplies and clinics are difficult to find or too expensive for residents living in Armenia’s isolated and poverty stricken villages in the Vayots Dzor Region. This can cause a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease for these people. Residents living in these areas are in need of dental care in order to be able to prevent serious dental issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

Residents in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia will be visited regularly by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists, one assistant and a driver work on the clinic all from Armenia, and have the opportunity to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of in the Vayots Dzor region will have a decreased chance of tooth decay and serious oral issues in their future.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Mobile Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.
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October 28, 2019

In advance of the official launch of the Mobile Clinic for Vayots Dzor, our team of Dentists and staff spent the day equipping the clinic and preparing it for the big day!

 November 1, 2019

A big celebration was held to mark the official launch of the Mobile Clinic for the Vayots Dzor Region.

 April 1, 2020

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Mobile Clinic is currently not operating. As soon as it is safe to resume operation, our staff will, once again, tackle their important mission.

February 17, 2021

After a being temporarily shut down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the mobile clinic has resumed dental services in the Vayots Dzor region.

Empowerment for Women: Catering & Food Design

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Description

Border villages in Armenia, such as those in the Tavush region, are plagued with economic hardships and unemployment. These villages have very few options for employment (agriculture, teaching and few municipal positions) and do not have the means to seek training for new professions. For this reason, many of the residents (mainly men) flee to Russia to find employment and stable income. This leaves many women alone in their communities, without a profession and dependent on their husbands/fathers/brothers to send them money from abroad.

With support from The Paros Foundation, two professional training programs in the hairdressing services, manicure tech, makeup and cosmetology have already been successfully implemented. In order to expand the range of opporunities and offer additional viable employment solutions for these women new training courses will be offered in Catering & Food Design and Balloon Decoration. Both of these skills are in high demand since there are limited services for wedding celebrations, anniversaries, high school graduation parties, kindergarten and other events held in several border villages. Currently, village residents turn to businesses in nearby cities for these needs which can be expensive or simply unaffordable for rural community residents.

A benefit of this project is to ensure the villagers can benefit from the services offered to them locally and at an affordable price. Sponsorship is needed in order to fund classes for women from 10 border villages including: Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan, Voskepar, Baghanis, Djuyevan, Dovegh, Koghb, Berdavan and Zorakan. 18 women will have the opportunity to participate in one of the two classes for the duration of two months, twice a week for tw0-hour class periods.

10 women will be enrolled in the Catering & Food Design classes. In addition to designing students will be taught how to make salads and hors d’oeuvres. The food will be made with fruits, vegetables, sausages, cheese, pastry, sweets, bread, etc. The fresh meals prepared during classes and special table setting and decoration days will be distributed to the local, non-governmental and childcare organizations for free. This will help avoid wasting the food and promoting their services.

Additionally, eight women will be enrolled in the balloon decoration classes. Participants in this course will likely be chosen border village kindergarten staff. It is often necessary to decorate the kindergarten halls, courtyard or rooms during celebrations. In such cases the parents usually raise a certain amount of money to sponsor the work of designers or decorators. The goal of this program is to teach the kindergarten personnel how to decorate for those special events, so that the decorating could be performed by a local expert.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan, Voskepar, Baghanis, Djuyeva, Dovegh, Koghb, Berdavan, Zorakan

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

August 2019

Gallery Images

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



The interior of a home in Aygepar hit by a mortar. Photo credit: Civilnet



The interior of a home hit by sniper fire in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq



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



The remnants of a mortar from the bombing along the border. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

Residents of border-region villages have very few options for employment (agriculture, teaching and few municipal positions) and do not have the means to seek training for new professions. For this reason, many of the residents (mainly men) travel abroad to find employment and a stable income. This leaves many women alone in their communities, without a profession and dependent on their husbands/fathers/brothers to send money from abroad.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 18 women total from ten villages will participate in a two-month training program and obtain skills in Catering & Food Design and Balloon Decoration. They will also receive the proper tools needed to utilize their new skills in order to earn income. Furthermore, local, non-governmental and childcare organizations will be the recipients of food form relevant practice classes.

Long Term Impact

Over time, this project has the potential to help these women establish their own businesses, find financial stability for their families and better the economy of their communities. In addition, their success will help empower them through a new sense of independence and encourage them to one day help other women learn their set of skills.

Sponsors Benefits

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

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August 1, 2019

As part of their training, the students learned to make balloon art and paper and foam flowers for decorations in addition to preparing displaying tasty and attractive food.

September 3, 2019

Most of the trainees are now utilizing their new skills for special event decor and food preparation to earn money for their families.

 

Water for Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a village with approximately 1,100 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community lives on the border with Azerbaijan under the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict.  110 households in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, an estimated 500 people, only get water to their homes for 20 minutes every three days. This is because the supply of water to the water pipeline distribution network is not sufficient. To remedy this difficult situation for these families, a lower reservoir will be repaired and filled from an artisan well and pumped to the water distribution network.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Three months after start date

Gallery Images

Water will be pumped up this hill to the distribution network.

The Need

Having running water in a person’s home is a basic necessity. An estimated 500 people in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur cannot regularly bath, cook or clean because they barely have running water currently in their homes. This causes a constant struggle to do daily household choirs, cook etc. and breeds disease.

Short Term Impact

Running water will be delivered to 110 households allowing them the benefits of bathing, cooking and cleaning without the struggle of bringing water into their homes with buckets. Several short-term workers will be employed to dig and install the pump and related pipelines.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, helping improve Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur’s infrastructure improves the entire community, making living in this village easier. Villagers will become healthier will better access to fresh, clean drinking water.

Sponsors Benefits

Project sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website and in relevant press materials related to this project.

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Updates: Images & Information

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June 14, 2018

The Berd Municipality and the Administrative District has agreed to co-fund the pump and installation of the pump for this project. Thank you!

July 8, 2018

We visited Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur today and inspected the installation of the pipelines and construction of the pump house. Everything is ready for the arrival and install of the pump.

 September 13, 2018

The pump finally arrived and has been installed successfully! Many more villages in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are now able to enjoy the benefits of a regular supply of water.

GOALS Summer 2018

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Description

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) is the only NGO working in several regions of Armenia to use sports for education outside the classroom. Girls who play sports exhibit higher confidence levels, better mental health, improved teamwork and communication skills, increased graduation rates, and leadership skills. GOALS directly impacts more than 2,300 girls and boys in 65 communities.

● Girls Soccer is taking off in Armenia!

● GOALS is growing by 50% annually with over 400 girls now in our leagues

● Everyday more girls ask us to play…WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Help us continue reaching and empowering more girls in Armenia to move the country forward. Our youth are our future!

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Region

Gegharkunik & Armavir

City / Village

Villages in Gegharkunik & Armavir Province

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

September 2018

Read our stories and find us on Facebook:

Suzy, 13 years old, Dilijan

“I have no other hobbies aside from football. My father didn’t agree with my football playing, but I talked to him and explained that I should try different things to understand what I want. Well, he was against it again, but as he loves me very much, he agreed. Due to football I became more focused not only in football, but also in other issues. I can solve any problem easier and swifter because I have already learned how to think in different ways and also in my everyday life.”

Liana, 13 years old, Margahovit

“People told me that football isn’t for girls, that it is difficult, but I thought that I must try and if I am not good it doesn’t matter, I will start to do something else that I am better at. During the game there are moments when I must be courageous and go for the ball, understanding that on the way someone can push you. The courage of girls in playing football is a revolution and I am part of that revolution.”

Karine, 13 years old, Dilijan

“Karine and her friend Suzy have been attending football classes for a one year and breaking all the stereotypes. According to Karine, if she dreams to become a footballer her gender never and under no circumstances can prevent her from reaching her dreams and becoming a famous footballer, to playing with football stars and to traveling a lot.”

Anahit, 17 years old, Dsegh

“I always pursued football as a hobby but when I joined the Alaverdi league I started to take soccer seriously and love it more. Through soccer my teammates and I are able to break through the stereotypes of the masses and we are happy we aren’t underestimated. Even though my team did not win the league I cannot imagine my future without soccer. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Due to GOALS I have become freer, more confident, and I feel that I am equal to boys.”

Sponsor a League- $3,000 (annually)
GOALS leagues are designed to give young women aged 12-17 from under-resourced areas the chance to play soccer and build confidence and teamwork skills, as well as change public perception of women’s participation in sports. Each team is headed by an Armenian coach, who signs a contract committing to one year of training their team a minimum once-per-week during the season for one hour per session. Teams travel and play one competitive game per week. Sponsoring a league covers all travel costs, referees, nurses, and venue space, and all the equipment needed to hold training sessions: jerseys, socks, footballs, cones, and pinnies for an entire league. Currently, we have leagues in Yeghegnadzor, Alaverdi, Goris, Dilijan and Artik.

Sponsor a Camp – $1,500
GOALS leadership summer camps are implemented in areas where GOALS hopes to operate on a longer-term basis, in order to excite the community and motivate the girls to continue playing soccer. Our summer camps are 3 full days and each day consists of sport-for-social-impact games that address gender equity, tolerance, diversity, human rights, and whatever issues the community is facing. Technical drills, a leadership seminar including inspiring local guest speakers and a nutritious lunch follow the sessions. Camps bring together communities whose residents often don’t interact and spark the interest that leads to more GOALS programming in the region. This year GOALS will have camps in Kotayk, Gegharkunik, Lori and Syunik regions.

Sponsor a Team – $500​
Teams are designed to help girls build new friendships, teamwork, and skills to compete. Teams have the opportunity to travel to Yerevan and participate in cross-cultural events. Each team needs coaches and equipment and to cover costs of travel. We currently have 36 teams and will be creating at least ten in the coming year. Sponsoring a team supports these needs for two full seasons/one year.

Sponsor a Player – $50
Sponsoring a player is an easy way to make a big impact through a small donation. This donation will pay for one girl’s uniform, socks, and travel to competitive games.

GOALS has already received a grant from World Vision for part of this program. The overall budget of this project is $11,500 of which GOALS still needs $7,500.

All donations for this fundraiser help GOALS bring a soccer league to the girls in Gegharkunik, which will become our seventh league. Before GOALS came into the picture, several coaches in Gegharkunik wanted to create soccer teams but were denied funding from local sources. Bringing our resources to Gegharkunik through your generous donations will:
● Allow more than 80 girls and coaches from the Gegharkunik region to participate in a sustainable girls’ soccer league.
● Cover all costs related to travel, referees, nurses, and venue space, and all the equipment needed to hold training sessions: jerseys, socks, footballs, cones and pinnies.
● Permit girls to travel to Yerevan to be a part of competitive matches and cross-cultural events, introducing local youth to diaspora Armenians and exposing participants to different perspectives and ideas, and broadening their horizons.
● Support a three-day summer camp to bring together 48 youth from six different communities.
● Support tournaments between the regions to motivate girls to increase their soccer skill levels and increase their confidence in participating in tournaments outside of their region.
● Support activities related to the World Cup during the summer camps within the dates of World Cup to raise awareness about the countries and teach teamwork skills to the participants.
● Empower a new generation of leaders to take New Armenia forward by creating a network of strong girls in the region and allowing them to build new friendships, teamwork, and skills to compete.

GOALS needs supporters of every kind. They want donations, fundraiser sponsors, and volunteers. If you are interested or have questions about where and how GOALS works you can contact them directly at Lorik@goalsarmenia.org.

Gallery Images

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer Logo






GOALS soccer teams



GOALS girls love soccer!

The Need

Throughout Armenia, there are limited opportunities for girls to play soccer. Despite having a strong desire to do so, girls cannot find the resources necessary or sporting groups that make experiencing the game a possibility. In addition, organized sport participation has several benefits to youth development such as leadership skills, teamwork skills, confidence building and improved overall physical health. The GOALS organization helps give young women the chance to play soccer through their GOALS Leagues, Summer Camps and After-school Clubs.

Short Term Impact

In 2017 GOALS impacted 2,000 youth through their leagues, camps, and After-School Clubs. We witnessed an increase in these girls confidence, recorded an increase of parents who approve of their daughters playing soccer, and a spike in the belief that girls can be leaders. With your investment GOALS wants to launch a new league in the Gegharkunik region, which will become their seventh league.

Long Term Impact

In the long-term, public opinion regarding girls’ participation in soccer is changing, paving for the way for greater sports and leadership opportunities. We see a movement toward more inclusive soccer leagues that start at a young age and continue, also contributing to a competitive National Team for Armenia.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and GOALS websites, at the camps and in all press related to this project. The GOALS organization will also begin sending updates through their newsletter in which they will also thank and recognize sponsors. In addition, GOALS will send personalized team photos and progress reports to sponsors of leagues and/or teams.
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Updates: Images & Information

October 31, 2018

From the GOALS TEAM: “Thank you for all the support so far! GOALS couldn’t grow without the support from people like you. Because of this support, GOALS successfully opened our Gegharkunik league, with 56 girls across the region. We can’t wait to see their growth and the results from our fall leagues.”