Adopt A Classroom 23 – Ljashen

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers. How is a student supposed to learn if there are not proper desks, chairs or windows in the classroom?
One of the schools recently identified in need of a complete renovation is located in the large village of Ljashen in the Gegharkunik region at Lake Sevan. Ljashen Village has a population of 5,000 and one local school. About 300 students attend this run down school.
In addition to several classrooms, the Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of the hallways, two staircases, and restrooms at this school including doors, flooring, lighting, paint, and electrical, as needed. The heating system was replaced 10 years ago by Developmental Services for Armenia, a California based humanitarian organization, and is still fully functioning. Whenever possible, the school, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Ljashen

Start Date

June 2017

End Date

September 2017

The Need

Many classrooms throughout Armenia’s schools remain in deplorable conditions. Children should not have to try and learn in these conditions. Because of substandard doors and windows, many classrooms become unusable in the winter months because of the cold. In addition, even schools with proper heating are affected negatively with insufficient warmth in the classrooms that have broken doors and windows. While the Armenian Government and others regularly engage in a campaign to remodel schools, they simply cannot meet the huge need.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact will be that students will enjoy use of newly renovated hallways, staircases and restrooms. Also six local residents will be employed to complete the renovations. There will be benefits to the local economy through the purchase of supplies.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impact will benefit at least 10 years of students that will be able to take classes using the updated and modern classroom. This will have a huge psychological impact on both the students and teacher. In addition, the school will benefit from energy savings in the winter months.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the renovation of this classroom will be recognized on a plaque at the school, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Ljashen Village School when you are in Armenia.
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Empowerment for Women 2

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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.
This project aims to provide a viable employment solution to women from nine border villages in the Tavush region. Women from the villages of Berdavan, Koghb, Dovegh, Djudjevan, Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan, Zorakan, Voskepar and Baghanis will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive three month training in the areas of hair-dressing, cosmetology, manicure technician and makeup artist. Sponsorship of this project will allow 20 women total (at least one from each village) to participate in the three-month training program. Trainings will be held three times a week for 2.5 hours a day. Students will be trained at a local salon that is approximately equal distance from all of the villages. Tools and supplies will be provided along with some basic business management and marketing classes, and transportations stipends. After completion of the training, participants will receive the necessary equipment they need to work from their home or a salon. They will be encouraged to work in their village and provide services that many villagers may go elsewhere for. These women will greatly benefit from the opportunity to participate in these occupational training courses, which would result in jobs, 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.
This project is modeled after the successes of a pilot project carried out in the village of Koghb. 10 students from 8 border villages took training courses in cosmotolgy and hair-dressing. The project was a great success. The aim of the project was to prepare professionals who would be able to start working and earning their daily living. Upon completion of this program, participants were able to return to their respective villages and have been utilizing their new skills for income.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Ten Border Villages

Start Date

March 2018

End Date

June 2018

Gallery Images

Training will take place in small group settings.



Students will receive hands on experience.

The Need

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 husbands/fathers/brothers send money from abroad.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 20 women total from 10 villages will participate in a three-month training seminar and obtain skills in hairdressing, cosmetology, manicure technician and makeup artist. They will also receive the proper tools needed to utilize their new skills in order to earn income.

Long Term Impact

Over time, this project has the potential to help these women establish their own salons and 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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March 16, 2018

Paros staff and lead trainer, Merry Nasibyan, spent the day shopping for supplies needed to begin training courses for hair-dressing, cosmetology, manicure technician and makeup artist.

 March 28, 2018

Twenty women from 10 villages have begun training courses in all four areas (hair-dressing, cosmetology, manicure technician and makeup artist) and are off to a great start!

 June 11, 2018

The training courses are coming to an end and have gone really well! Students are eager to be able to implement their new skills to help make an income. We are so proud of all the participants!

Paravakar Village School Gym Renovation

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Description

Paravakar is a border village in Armenia’s Tavush Province. About 1,300 people call Paravakar their home. Because of the threat of Azeri sniper fire, a bridge leading to the city of Berd is uncrossable. Villagers are forced to wind through the Shamshadin mountains to reach Berd, which almost triples their journey. Almost 230 students attend the village’s primary school.  The school was renovated by the Armenian government about ten years ago, however serious leaks in the roof has created a situation whereby the gym is dangerous to enter.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Paravakar

Start Date

August 2018

End Date

October 2018

Gallery Images

The gym in Parvakar has a leaky roof that has caused the ceiling to collapse making it very dangerous for students to use the facility.



Water leaks in the Paravakar school gym have damaged the ceiling, walls and flooring.



The Paravakar school gym needs renovation to enable students to utilize this facility.

The Need

The school’s roof has several leaks that have caused the gym’s ceiling to partially collapse. This makes is dangerous for students to enter the gym for their physical education classes. The school administration has done the best they can to shore up the ceiling, but rain and snow continue to damage the interior of the gym.

Short Term Impact

The school’s roof will be immediately repaired and the interior of the gym renovated to provide students with a clean and safe environment in which to exercise and play sports. A work crew will be employed and all materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus benefiting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long run, students will be both happier and healthier as a result of having full and safe access to the school’s gym.

Sponsors Benefits

Project sponsors will be listed on a plaque installed at the school, on The Paros Foundation website and in all relevant press materials related to this project.
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September 5, 2018

With the repairs to the roof completed, scaffolding was located and delivered and our crew began the reconstruction of the ceiling in the gym.

 September 14, 2018

To protect the ceiling and windows from basket and volley balls, protective netting is being installed over both the ceiling and windows.

 October 2, 2018

Our crew is completing the gym renovation project with the installation of the new lighting.

 October 26, 2018

A quick visit to the completed gym caught the students working out and practicing martial arts training.

Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 17

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Description

More than 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. These facilities provide for the children’s basic needs, but their limited budgets do not allow these children to participate in visits to popular historical sites, an amusement park or concert, or attend a cultural event.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions in Armenia, or simply have a fun afternoon or activity that they normally would not be able to experience. Many different activities and excursions can be organized for these children. The extent of the activity or trip is directly related to the sponsorship amount. For sponsorships amounts between $250 -$750 approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of chaperons will be able participate in a memorable activity. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

The Paros Foundation staff and volunteers will organize and oversee the excursion/activity. Opportunities to sponsor excursions for orphanages serving both disabled and non-disabled children exist. Whenever possible, our staff will work with the destination for the excursion to secure group pricing and/or discounts.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

July 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

Excursion started with an educational visit to the Sardarabad Monument.



Ready for some fun at the Ashtarak Gorge recreational center.



SERVICE Armenia 2018 participants spending quality time with their new friends from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.



The children & our participants playing games and enjoying their afternoon.



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

The Need

Armenia’s orphanages generally are able to provide for their children’s basic care, but limited funding does not allow these children to visit museums, historical sites and popular cultural events. Allowing a child a few hours of recreation and/or entertainment as a regular child greatly enhances his/her outlook on life and reduces the emotional complexes of being an orphan.

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotion, education and psychological benefits for the children, as they will be able to participate in activities that are above and beyond basic existence in an orphanage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized on the Ghoghanj Children’s Center’s website, 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 center when you are in Armenia. [vp_give_donor_wall
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Our 2018 SERVICE Armenia participants spent a terrific day with 70 at-risk children from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. The day started out with a tour of the Sardarabad Monument, followed by several hours of fun at the Ashtarak Gorge recreational area playing games and having lunch.

Purchase a Home 9 – Karapetyan 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 project will identify suitable needy families who can be moved into a new apartment and can demonstrate that they can afford their monthly utilities, etc. 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.

Once the move is complete, the make shift housing unit will be destroyed to prevent its future occupancy.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

March 2018

End Date

May 2018

Gallery Images

Gegham Minasyan, Paros Foundation Project Manager, discusses our purchase a home project with the Karapetyan family.



Conditions within the Karapetyan family’s domik.



The Karapetyan’s bathroom.

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

Immediately a family will be identified and an appropriate apartment purchased for them. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be destroyed.

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.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros website.

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February 5, 2018

Paros Foundation staff working with our friends at the Shirak Center visited potential families who could become beneficiaries of this project. We selected the Karapetyan family with their three children. Now the search for their new apartment begins!

May 10, 2018

The Karapetyan family was moved into their new apartment today! Congratulations to them for their new start!

 

Girls’ Leadership and Development (GLAD) Camp

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Description

Over the previous two years, the Margahovit Youth Center has held two successful summer camps for young girls, originally through a Let Girls Learn (LGL) grant from the United States Peace Corps. The purpose of the camp is to address the often overlooked, but important needs of these young girls and help them learn positive ways to cope with stereotypes, anxiety and culturally imposed limitations that have had a negative effect on their daily lives. Due to the success of the initial two Girls’ Leadership and Development (GLAD) Camp, the Margahovit Youth Center is fundraising to implement the camp again, taking lessons and tips from the previous camps, for a different group of participants from Margahovit. The Girls’ Leadership and Development (GLAD) Camp will address several needs by teaching the participants a range of healthy mental, emotional, and physical coping skills to combat stress and by bringing the group closer together in a safe space so that they can form a strong support network going forward.

This year’s camp will be for 15 girls and will be led by community members, Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs), and outside experts focusing on a range of aspects related to emotional and mental health and leadership skills, including but not limited to: creating a safe space for discussing these issues; healthy expression of emotion; journaling; yoga; strengths finding; personality tests; and leadership styles. The participants from last year’s GLAD Camp meet monthly for a follow-up club, in part to organize monthly seminars for other youth in the village to pass on what they learned during the camp; participants from this version of GLAD will participate in these activities as well. The community of Margahovit will contribute significantly in planning, implementation, and follow-up work. Their goal is to help participants become more mentally and emotionally healthier, equipped with the tools they need to handle the difficulties life throws at them, and thus do good in school and become stronger leaders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbX673ZgYVc

Region

Lori

City / Village

Margahovit

Start Date

July 2018

End Date

August 2019

Gallery Images

The girls will learn yoga as a great tool to maintain their mental & emotional health.



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

In many towns and villages throughout Armenia, many young girls are unable to protect themselves against the diversity of stereotypes, anxieties, and culturally-imposed limitations. These range from body-image issues stemming from a cultural obsession with being thin, traditions pressuring girls to be quiet and obedient and stigmas associated with seeking help for mental and emotional issues. Of the 19 girls, aged 13-16, surveyed in a Margahovit community needs assessment, approximately two-thirds reported experiencing stress in their lives, with a range of negative behaviors and feelings associated with this stress, including: feeling hopeless and sad; experiencing anxiety and nervousness; feeling weak, imbalanced, and easy to set off; and not wanting to talk to or see anyone. While a number of girls report coping mechanisms generally regarded as healthy, such as talking to friends or taking a walk, the range of mechanisms is fairly narrow (not including a range of other effective methods including journaling, meditation, and preparation of healthy food) and includes methods generally regarded as negative (including avoiding problems, using the internet, and consuming sweets).

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 15 girls, ages 11-16, from the village of Margahovit will participate in a six-day camp at which they collectively establish a safe space to discuss mental and emotional health and stress and learn healthy ways to deal with the variety of stresses in their lives. Following the camp, these 15 girls will join the previous participants’ monthly club at which they discuss how they have been maintaining their mental and emotional health through the skills learned at the camp and support each other in their continuing communal safe space.

Long Term Impact

With the successful implementation of this project, in the long term the participants in our community will be mentally and emotionally healthier, equipped with the tools to handle the difficulties life throws at them, and thus ready to be stronger leaders in the community and spread this knowledge and skills to their peers. Given the variety of ways in which stress can affect girls’ participation and success in school, we also know that with the skills and abilities gained through this project the participants will experience greater academic enthusiasm and success.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the GLAD Camp will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. Donors will also be listed on the GLAD Camp Facebook page announcements and in the wrap-up slideshow/video . Campers will also write thank-you notes to all supporters of the camp.

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Promote Scientific Research in Armenia

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Description

Since 2011, a group of American and European-Armenian professors and academics have organized and taught advanced one-week long training courses, in Armenia, to graduate students in biology. the courses were developed by Raffi Aroian (University of Massachusetts Medical School) and Haig Alexander Eskandarian (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). Their specialty is one coherent course focused on the thematic of host-pathogen interactions, for which Armenia faces critical health problems like chronic tuberculosis brought on by antibiotic persistence or genetic disorders like Familial Mediterranean Fever, for which the role of infectious bacteria play a critical role in disease outcomes. Their goal is to teach Armenian students and researchers the approaches to how science research is conducted for the discovery of fundamental concepts in biology.

In order to begin the courses this group of scientists and researchers raised $7,300 to purchase needed equipment including incubators for culturing and cultivating bacteria, three dissecting microscopes and an upright optical fluorescence microscope for live cell imaging. Their goal has been to train students and researchers to undertake their own experiments using the equipment that they purchased and have donated to Professor Nelli Hovhannisyan’s lab, at Yerevan State University. Nelli’s lab hosts these courses and maintains the instruments. She also offers a select group of talented trained students the opportunity to continue the studies that they sought to begin during our course.

Their ultimate goal is to establish enough physical infrastructures and technical and philosophical knowledge for young researchers taking the courses to be able to build their own research themes and interests out of the experiments that they were taught. The end result would be for the students to publish their own work and eventually apply for research funding in order to continue to pursue their research interests that spawned out of these courses. Currently, they are in need of additional funding in order to continue this program. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the funds needed to purchase additional equipment and the ability to invite groups of professors and young researchers from abroad interested in teaching prolonged lecture and practical training courses to Armenian students and researchers. The equipment they presently need includes one inverted optical phase contrast microscope ($5,000) and a more sophisticated inverted phase contrast fluorescence microscope ($10,000). $10,000 is budgeted for establishing practical advanced training courses with international professors and researchers. This program will provide intensive lecture and practical training courses to graduate students specializing in a field of research related to biomedicine.

The group of professors and researchers include:

Raffi Aroian (University of Massachusetts Medical School)
Diane Barber (University of California, San Francisco)
Haig Alexander Eskandarian (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
Alexander Hajnal (University of Zurich)
Bana Jabri (University of Chicago)
Sarkis Mazmanian (California Institute of Technology)
Erich Schwartz (Cornell University)

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Year from start date

Gallery Images

Since 2011, a group of American- and European-Armenian professors & academics have organized and taught advanced biological training lecture courses in Armenia.



Students & researchers are taught approaches to how science research is conducted for the discovery of fundamental concepts in biology.



Two new and different microscopes are needed to aid these important courses.

The Need

Infectious disease originating from pathogenic bacteria or parasites remains a major risk to the health and wellbeing of Armenians and a burden on society. It is estimated that one in four Armenians is infected with parasitic nematodes. In addition, bacterial infections, like tuberculosis, remain difficult to treat because we still do not have adequate means of clearing the infection. Therefore, it is imperative to train competent scientists and researchers to discover why infectious diseases persist and resist treatment.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, science equipment will be purchased and intensive lecture and practical training courses will be offered to graduate students specializing in a field of research related to biomedicine.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this program can provide sustainable and innovative course offerings by inviting more researchers and professors to participate in the co-conception of and teaching of both the lecture courses and practical courses. In addition, it can help expand course syllabi by offering researchers and professors from abroad a budget to create their own practical courses. Such a program can help spur cutting edge research in Armenia (i.e. building microfluidic devices for studying bacterial antibiotic resistance).

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsorship of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. Laboratory equipment can be named in honor of major benefactors. Donors will also be acknowledged throughout the course for their contributions. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Yerevan State University when you are in Armenia.

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Paravakar Kindergarten Renovation

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Description

Paravakar is a border village in Armenia’s Tavush Province. About 1,300 people call Paravakar their home. Because of the threat of Azeri sniper fire, a bridge leading to the city of Berd is uncrossable. Villagers are forced to wind through the Shamshadin mountains to reach Berd, which almost triples their journey.
The kindergarten in Berd currently serves more than 32 children in two groups. Shin construction company from Yerevan renovated two rooms of the kindergarten to house one of these groups. The rest of the building needs renovation including doors and windows, furniture and heating. The entire village of Paravakar has a serious water problem.  This issue will be addressed with the addition of a very large water reservoir for exclusive use by the kindergarten.  The exterior of the kindergarten remains partially exposed to Azerbaijan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loBjBCK9UUo

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Paravakar

Start Date

September 2018

End Date

November 2020

Gallery Images

Rusted playground equipment at the Paravakar village kindergarten.



Kindergarten at Paravakar



One of the classrooms in Paravakar in need of renovation.



The current bathroom in need of a full remodel at Paravakar.



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

The Need

The current kindergarten in Paravakar needs renovation to both improve conditions for the children, and accommodate the creation of an additional group of 25 children. Following the renovation and furnishing of the kindergarten, the exterior of the building will be repaired to protect it from water seepage. A security wall will be built to guard children from any potential sniper fire. Finally, a new driveway, playground area and both hard and landscape will create an inviting space for the children and staff to spend time.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the interior of the kindergarten will be renovated prior to the start of the new school year to accommodate the additional children. Materials will be purchased locally and local labor will be used to also benefit the local economy. In the spring of 2019, work will begin on the security wall and to the exterior of the building. In the spring of 2020, landscaping and the remaining exterior work will be completed.

Long Term Impact

Annually, approximately 75 children will benefit from a safe, warm and happy environment to begin their early education. The village in general will benefit from having a significant part of their village’s infrastructure improved.

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 the Paravakar kindergarten.

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August 5, 2018

Our visit to Paravakar showed work progressing well. We are on schedule to have the interior work to accommodate the new group completed by September 1 for opening day!

September 4, 2018

Kitchen cabinets are being installed along with the new range and vent. The restrooms are also almost complete.

 November 1, 2018

Paros Staff visited the Kindergarten today to inspect the progress of the work and plan for the next steps.

June 27, 2019

Following a rainy spring and equipment delays, the security wall construction is underway!

August 22, 2019

The new water reservoir and pipes are now installed and functioning to supply water to the entire kindergarten.

March 15, 2020

Due to the Cororna Virus, the Kindergarten is now closed until further decision by the government of Armenia.

May 19, 2020

Work on the kindergarten resumes. 

September 15, 2020

Paravakar Kindergarten classroom renovations are complete! A celebration was held with the kindergarteners where they saw their new kindergarten and received new toys from the Paros team.

October 1, 2020

Work on the exterior grounds of the kindergarten is completed. We are hopeful that in the coming weeks, Covid 19 will be under control and the kindergarten will reopen.

November 9, 2020

The Paravakar Kindergarten has been reopened! Kindergarteners are enjoying their newly renovated kindergarten.

Med-Aid ARMENIA 2018/2019

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Description

Health care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken areas is very hard to find and difficult to afford. Residents in these communities have a high rate of health issues that could otherwise be prevented or cured if they had access to simple medical care. In order to help remedy this unfortunate situation, The Paros Foundation has launched Med-Aid ARMENIA.

Sponsorship of this project will help raise the necessary funds needed to obtain basic medical equipment, supplies and medicine. In-kind donations of any of these items are also welcomed. Furthermore, we specifically need physicians, nurses, pharmacists and more to help our volunteers conduct physical exams and provide basic medical care.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

January 2018

End Date

December 2019

The Need

Health care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken areas is very hard to find and almost impossible to afford. This can cause a lifetime of medical issues, which can be otherwise prevented. Residents living in these areas are in need of basic medical aid in order to prevent serious health issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, equipment and medical supplies will be provided to clinics in impoverished areas to be used for patient care.

Long Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will have a decreased occurrence of health issues in the future. As this program expands, repeat visits will create more access to health care and in turn increase the overall health and well being of this population.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Med-Aid ARMENIA 2018/2019 will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.
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Groceries for Gyumri 2018

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Description

Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, 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. Although more than a quarter century has passed since the earthquake, this depressive reality still remains. Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.

During his visit to Armenia last summer Dustin Hochmuth, one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 participants, and several of his peers, witnessed these horrible conditions and decided to assemble packets for 10 families in dire need of everyday necessities and non-perishable food items. This effort was led by one of the SERVICE Armenia 2017 coordinators, Stephanie Nersesyan. Following the success of that effort, Dustin has decided to return to Armenia this summer on the SERVICE Armenia 2018 trip and spearhead his own project to provide similar packets to more families in desperate need.

Dustin is leading the effort to raise enough funds to help 75 families this summer! Each packet will cost $30 and will include basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items such as rice, flour, sugar, salt, oil, and pasta. The packets will also include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and canned meats. Once in Armenia, Dustin will lead the group throughout the implementations of the project starting with shopping for the items, assembling the packets and distributing the packets themselves to families in need. Donations in any amount will help this important cause.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

June 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

A family living in a domik preparing a modest meal for their family.

The Need

Currently, more than 1,800 families still live in domiks scattered throughout Gyumri in extreme poverty. Many of them are unable to provide for their familys’ needs including warm clothes, nutritious food, heat and electricity for their homes and other basic necessities.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 75 families will receive packets filled with basic staples including personal hygiene products, non-perishable food items and fresh food items.

Long Term Impact

In long term, the Armenian diaspora will be exposed to the harsh living conditions in Gyumri through this important project.

Sponsors Benefits

All project sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation’s website. The Paros Foundation can arrange a visit to Gyumri when you are in Armenia.
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Video Update

June 4, 2018

The goal has been met ! Funding to help 75 families has been raised through Dustin’s hard work & efforts and our generous supporters. In the spirit of helping more families, we have all decided to increase the budget and aim to help a total of 100 families this summer !

 June 28, 2018

With the funding goal met, Dustin and his SERVICE Armenia 2018 peers began the process of purchasing and assembling 100 food packs.

 July 2, 2018

SERVICE Armenia 2018 and Paros staff spent the day in Gyumri along with the Shirak Center NGO distributing the food packs to families in need. Day one was very successful! The group will continue their hard work tomorrow as well.

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