Buy a horse

Read Updates

Description

January 2014 Update
The Centaur hippo therapy center, was able to raise the funds and purchase their horses. The center now has asked us to help with the refurbishing of two cabins for overnight therapy opportunities.

The Association of Hippotherapy and Equestrian Sports Centaur NGO provides rehabilitation for physically and mentally afflicted children and adults through hippotherapy, horseback riding and equestrian sports, as well as health and recreation services. Widely recognized throughout the world, hippotherapy method was first introduced into Armenia four years ago by the Centaur staff. Centaur practices hippotherapy in the village of Ushi of Aragatsotn Marz, some 30 km from Yerevan in the North West of Armenia, with specially trained horses. It also owns 8 rescued dogs, a cow and rabbit (aiming to have more domestic animals in the future), all involved in animal therapy. Centaur is not only a hippotherapy center or a horseback riding club. Many of our visitors state that it is a place with special atmosphere where people learn building relationship with animals, through the interaction with horse and dogs overcome many fears, get rid of negative influences of big cities.

Since 2007 we have been working with the children and adults with physical and mental disorders such as CP, autism, mental deficiency, Down syndrome, scoliosis and other spinal problems, nerve system disorders and so on. Within the 4 years of our existence over 100 children and adults have been experiencing a magic healing power of the Horse.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Ushi

Start Date

June 2014

End Date

December 2014

Gallery Images

Centaur practices equestrian therapy to help physically and mentally afflicted children and adults.



Cabins in need of refurbishing.

The Need

Centaur hippotherapy center needs to buy a horse that was trained and currently is used by the Centaur team in a work with handicapped children and adults. The horse, Jeffa, is one of the 8 horses Centaur uses for hippotherapy and horseback riding. Centaur owns 2 of the horses we use; the rest belongs to a private owner who provided us his horses in exchange for us to provide the horses with care and fodder. The owner faces financial problems and has put his horses fore sale. Jeffa is of a very good blood and is worth more than the $2000 he asks for her. Jeffa is a unique horse – very emotional, kind, vivid and famous in the region for having one horse eye (almost without white part) and one human eye (white and black round in the middle). Our goal is to purchase all four horses as funds become available in order to continue providing this important therapy to Armenia’s children.

Short Term Impact

Keeping the horse is very important for us because she is already trained – to train a new horse for hippotherapy take around 3 years; she has a broad pace and trot, excellent especially for the children with balance and coordination disorder – currently 10 children get hippotherapy only or mostly on Jeffa; she is used in horseback riding lessons and horse tours as well, thus bringing income that goes for her and other horses’ fodder.

Long Term Impact

We can take out 4 horses at the same time. Because we are not based in Yerevan people usually prefer to come for riding and tours in a group. Also we aim to organize a camp in the near future. If we lose Jeffa we will be able to take only 3 horses at the same time, which means that we will have less clients and less income for horses. A year fodder for the horse costs around 1200 dollars a year. We buy hay from local villagers and carrot for horses from neighboring village. So with selling that horse villagers also lose a good part of their income. The groom also loses some part of the salary since she takes care of one horse less.

Sponsors Benefits

The donor’s name will be mentioned with gratitude on the horse’s box, on our website and our group on Facebook. In addition, all donors will be listed on the Paros 100 for 100 website and in all appropriate press. Not less important is the fact that paying for her the donor saves her because none of the potential buyers lives in a village so whoever buys her Jeffa will be taken from her natural environment – the village with fresh mountainous air and direct access to the fields where she grazes several hours a day to the city with its polluted air, annoying noise and no access to the nature.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62200″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
January 2, 2014

Through their own network of resources, the Centaur hippo therapy center, was able to raise the funds and purchase a couple of horses. The center has asked us to help with the refurbishing of two cabins for overnight therapy opportunities.

 November 29, 2014

Our team visited the center and the cabin’s renovations are complete.

Packs on Backs Armenia: Gyumri

Read Updates

Description

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

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. The program will launch in Armenian’s second largest city, Gyumri, whose devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Our goal is to provide 300 children in Gyumri with backpacks and school supplies and help them stay in school. Sponsorship of this project will help obtain backpacks and school supplies for 300 children in Gyumri, 100 of which will be attending the new Debi Arach Children’s Center and 200 to children from poverty stricken neighborhoods throughout the city. A donation of $30 will help obtain a backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

February 2015

End Date

September 2015

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.



SERVICE Armenia 2015, Paros staff and volunteers with the children and their new backpacks.

The Need

It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.

Short Term Impact

300 children in Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities will receive proper backpacks and school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 300 children in Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities will be given the opportunity to excel in their studies and further their educational careers. In additions, children will be motivated to attend school more regularly, and have increased self-esteem.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Gyumri project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62198″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

June 26, 2015

SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants dedicated a work day to fill more than 300 backpacks with school supplies and get them ready for distribution.

 July 8, 2015

The Packs on Backs Armenia: Gyumri backpack and school supply distribution were held at the Debi Arach Children’s Center with the help of SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants, Paros staff and volunteers. Children attending the center received backpacks filled with supplies, as well as their siblings. The remaining filed backpacks will be distributed to other children in need throughout Gyumri in the upcoming weeks prior to the start of school.

 August 13, 2015

Debi Arach Children’s Center Director, Aida Khachatryan and Shirak Center NGO President, Vahan Tumasyan, have began distribution of the remaining backpacks to children in need throughout Gyumri. They will continue distributions throughout the next few weeks.

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 5

Read Updates

Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert serving 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 children 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.

Watch Video

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

August 2014

End Date

August 2014

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 these children 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.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62196″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
August 12, 2014

The Kharpert Home staff took 20 children from their center to the Yerevan Zoo on a day excursion.

Purchase a Home Project 3 – Grigoryan Family

Read Updates

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. One of these many families is the Grigoryan family. Aram Grigoryan grew up in a domik and now lives there with his wife, Armine, and their two young daughters ages four and seven. An entire generation of children have 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. Unfortunately, the Grigoryans were not among these families and do not qualify for the re-housing program. As people moved out of those makeshift housing units, others moved in. The 2,500 or so 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.

Based on a number of factors The Paros Foundation has determined that the Grigoryan family will be successful in maintaining their household in a new apartment. Both Aram and Armine work at the Gyumri Beer Factory, one of the only factories standing in the entire city. Although Armine has a degree in civil and criminal law she is unable to find work in her field. Together they make a modest living of around $300 a month. They are both hard-working and great parents who are making every sacrifice to give their children a decent life. A new home that is warm and safe will be a dream come true. Once the move is complete, the make shift housing unit they currently live in will be destroyed to prevent its future occupancy.

Watch Video

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

July, 2015

End Date

August, 2015

Gallery Images

The Grigoryan family’s old domik.



Armine Grigoryan inside of their old domik prior to receiving a new home.



All packed and ready to move into their new home.



Grigoryan family signing the agreements prior to moving in into their new home!



Paros staff & friends at the Shirak Center NGO helping the Grigoryan family move in.



The Grigoryan Family after receiving their new home.



One of the Grigoryan girls doing her homework her new, safe and warm environment.



A crew of local workers help demolish the Grigoryan’s old domik.

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

An appropriate apartment will be purchased for the Grigoryan Family and 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 Foundation website.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62194″]

Med Aid Armenia 2015

Read Updates

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.

Med Aid Armenia is made up of medical professionals (practicing or in school) from the United States who are volunteering their time and skills in order to provide residents in these communities with basic medical care. The group of volunteer medical professionals will be working with Armenian’s Health Ministry as well as several doctors from Armenia. The first of these missions will launch this summer starting July 6, 2015 –July 10, 2015. As a first step our target population will receive basic check-ups and screenings. Specifically this summer, Med Aid Armenia will provide basic eye care to children from the village of Hatsik in the Armavir region of Armenia. Basic care will include eye exams and screenings. Following screenings, patients will be provided with referrals for continuing care if needed.

Sponsorship of this project will help raise the necessary funds needed to obtain basic equipment and supplies. In-kind donations of any of these items are also welcomed.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik (Nairi)

Start Date

July 6, 2015

End Date

July 10, 2015

Gallery Images

Dr. Arpie Bosnoyan volunteering her time to perform eye exams.



Participants from SERVICE Armenia 2015 helping with the pre-screening process.






Eye chart used to perform the screenings include a side with Armenian letters and one with a symbol.

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

Approximately 200 children from the village of Hatsik will receive basic eye exams and screenings during the week of July 6, 2015 –July 10, 2015.

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 will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62192″]

Destroy This Domik 1

Read Updates

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 2,300 dilapidated domiks are still scattered throughout Gyumri, about 500 of which are vacant. Many families who received homes through government aid did not demolish their old domiks.

Through our Purchase a Home project we have been working hard to find families new homes and demolish their old domiks in order to free Gyumri from these unsafe, unsanitary and depressing reminders of their difficult history. Recently, we have also teamed up with one of our partner organizations from Armenia, Shirak Centre NGO, to find sponsorship for this new and equally important project. Through this project we will work with Shirak Centre NGO to locate and identify the vacant domiks in Gyumri, purchase the domiks from their owners, demolish them and distribute the remaining scraps of wood to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. All remaining materials will be sold for scrap and those funds will be applied towards removing yet another domik. $1,000 is needed in order to complete this process per domik.

Our goal is to take as many domiks off of the market as possible. Demolishing these domiks has several benefits including raising the communities morale, returning land to its former use and providing firewood for fuel to impoverished families. Furthermore, this project has a significant environmental benefits; by using the scraps of wood from the domiks, less and less trees from nearby forests will need to be cut in order to serve this vital need.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One month from start date

Gallery Images

Shirak Center NGO staff & volunteers help dismantle the domiks.



Almost fully dismantled.

The Need

Currently, about a 1,000 dilapidated and vacant domiks are still scattered throughout Gyumri. Now that they are vacant they need to be removed from the market in order to prevent other impoverished families form moving into these unsafe and unsanitary dwellings. Additionally, Gyumri’s public space has been cluttered with these unpleasant domiks. Removing them will help restore public space and help bring the city back to its former glory.

Short Term Impact

In the short term vacant domiks will immediately be identified, purchased from their owners, and demolished. Scraps of wood will be distributed to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. All remaining materials will be sold for scrap and those funds will be applied towards removing yet another domik. Additionally, jobs will be created for about 10-15 locals in order to help with the process and demolition of these domiks.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, fewer trees will be cut for firewood, public space will be cleared and returned to its previous use and the communities overall morale will improve.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62190″]

Talin Music School Piano

Read Updates

Description

The Talin School is located in the Aragatsotn Region and provides music classes to more than 110 children annually. The School employs 15 teachers and provides classes in piano, duduk, kanon, violin, vocal and music theory. The School receives support from the local government for administrative expenses and the students pay a modest monthly fee to attend classes. This support and fees are not enough, however, to enable the school to replace one of its baby grand pianos.

Azerbaijan has once again targeted the civilian population in villages along the Armenian border. Many homes in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar and Chinari received varying degrees of damage. Our goal is to quickly deploy our work crews in the area to not only repair the damage but make improvements to these families’ homes.

On July 12, during the midst of the global pandemic surrounding Covid-19, Azerbaijan renewed its attack on Armenia in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Over the next two days, Azerbaijan launched artillery of various calibers at the Armenian civilian populations of several communities within Berd Consolidated Communities of Armenia’s Tavush Region. Families in these villages have experienced material losses on their homes and property. Thankfully, villagers remain safe and there has been no civilian loss of life during this period. While the Armenian government has already visited many to assist, The Paros Foundation’s Emergency Reconstruction Fund will work to not only make repairs to these damaged homes but, will make substantial improvements for them.

The best way for our compatriots to know the diaspora stands with them during this tense time is for us to not slow our work in this area, but to accelerate it by supporting these improvements within their communities.

As of July 15, 2020, four Armenian soldiers were killed during the fighting and several have been wounded including one in critical condition. The Armenian army has shot down 10 Azeri combat drones, including a Elbit Hermes 900 UAV with an estimated $30 million price tag. Moreover, two strategic Azeri military posts are now under Armenian control.

While the military losses on the Azeri side are reported to be substantial including the death of an Azeri general, Baku was the site of large protests by thousands of Azeris last night calling for war with Armenia.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Talin

Start Date

July 2016

End Date

September 2012

Gallery Images

Village residents & supporters of the Talin Music School gathered together to help deliver the new piano.



Trying out their new piano.



A job well done!

The Need

Armenia’s smaller cities and its children suffer from lack of facilities for children. The promotion of a child’s education and preservation of our rich culture depend on quality educational institutions. The Talin Music School is working to promote both education and culture for the children in Talin, Armenia. It currently is in need of a baby grand piano for its regular concerts, tests and competitions.

Short Term Impact

The local economy will benefit from the local purchase of a piano, its delivery and tuning.

Long Term Impact

The 110 students currently at the School and future students will benefit from music instruction on proper piano.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor pianos for Talin Music School will be recognized in their printed materials and sponsor plaques will be placed on the pianos. Additionally, your name will be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Talin Music School when you are in Armenia.

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62184″]

Kindergarten in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Read Updates

Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a village with 1,380 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. The kindergarten currently can serve only 25 village children due to its physical condition and the fact that part of the building and playground is exposed to Azerbaijan. The kindergarten is housed in a building that also contains the newly renovated village medical center (a completed Paros 100 for 100 Project) and the village administrative office.

The kindergarten consists of two floors and totals approximately 4,600 square feet. The first floor is the kitchen, bathroom and playroom. The second floor is currently not in use because of its condition and the fact that four windows face Azerbaijan and are within sniper range. As recent as May of 2013 this building was hit with sniper fire. Four windows on the second floor would be blocked shut. The second floor would ultimately house the kindergarten’s storage room, principle’s office, a room to allow the children to nap during the day, and a classroom. The kindergarten needs a new roof over its portion of the building, new windows and doors and a heating system. Its current bathroom and staircase needs to be redone. The facility would also be completely painted and have new flooring and carpet installed. The floor support structure beneath the first floor also needs to be repaired to support the existing flooring, as there are some minor structural issues that must be corrected.

Any partial funds received for this project will be first used to replace the damaged roof. Then funds will be allocated to replace the windows and secure the building and playground from exposure to Azeri sniper fire and ultimately complete the needed interior renovations. The Paros Foundation team will work with the village administration to ensure that they support the project in as many ways as possible including donated materials, free labor and/or support services.
It is anticipated that the repairs to the kindergarten will take approximately three months depending on weather conditions.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

April 2014

End Date

July 2014

Gallery Images

The Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur kindergarten and playground is exposed to Azerbaijan.



The kindergarten building has several leaks in the wall, crooked floors, unsafe and unstable stairs and is in need of a complete renovation.



The room in which the children take naps has windows directly facing Azerbaijan and is vulnerable to sniper fire.



Children at the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur kindergarten having lunch.






Children received new beds and linens for nap time!

The Need

Kindergarten education is important for all children. The children in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur are limited in their opportunities because many more children would like to attend kindergarten then the current facility allows. In addition, villagers living in this isolated border village are under the constant threat of enemy fire and renewed armed conflict. A normal functioning kindergarten that is safe and can facilitate the resident’s needs is important for this community.

Short Term Impact

The renovation of the kindergarten will immediately better facilitate the educational needs of the residents in this village. Materials will be purchased locally when possible, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Several local workers will be hired during the renovation process and thus provide these residents short-term employment.

Long Term Impact

In order for a community to thrive, its residents must have access to an adequate, clean and safe kindergarten. This renovation will impact the lives of all of the residents of the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur and their children.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the newly renovated kindergarten. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the village and kindergarten will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62182″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

April 11, 2014

A local construction crew was hired and has begun work on the kindergarten in NKA. The supplies have all arrived safely.

 April 17, 2014

Per the request of the mayor of the village, the decision was made to reconfigure the rooms and windows in order to optimize safety and protect the children from Azeri sniper fire. The local construction crew blocked off several windows on the second floor with tufa stone, and created smaller windows elsewhere, to let in light.

 April 18, 2014

The local crew is working on the roof, which was damaged from leaks as well as Azeri snipers. The roof will be replaced with corrugated metal roofing. The crew also began work on the interior of the kindergarten including the floors, walls, basement and electrical work.

 April 27, 2014

Construction has begun on a security wall that will block the playground and the entrance of the kindergarten. This will become the first ever security wall built in Armenia.

 May 8, 2014

Work in the interior of the kindergarten is moving along nicely. New doors, and the remaining windows have been installed and work on the new staircase is also progressing. The restroom will also be fully renovated.

 June 14, 2014

The art teacher at the local school was hired to design and paint welcoming and child-friendly images for the kindergarten.

 July 25, 2014

After months of hard work, the renovations at the kindergarten have been completed and the village awaits the opening celebrations.

 August 1, 2014

Today Azeri snipers shot toward she kindergarten and damaged the roof and walls of the building, as well as a villager’s car. Thankfully none of the village residents were hurt. A small crew will work throughout the weekend in order to quickly make the necessary repairs.

 August 31, 2014

The ribbon cutting and school opening celebrations was very successful. Families attended with their children and were looking forward to sending their children to the new, warm and most importantly safe kindergarten.

Vahagnadzor Kindergarten Assistance

Read Updates

Description

The villages of Vahagnadzor and Vahagni are approximately three miles away from one another in the Lori Region (north of the city of Vanadzor.) Neither village had an operating kindergarten for its children, until the mayor of Vahagnadzor and a team of dedicated staff and villagers reopened the village kindergarten. These villages are located along the north – south railway line. Immediately to the south of Vahagnadzor is a rail switching station. Several people from the village of Vahagni work at the station and pass through Vahagnadzor daily solving any potential transportation issues. It is estimated that approximately 10 of the potential students will come from the village of Vahagni if the school can continue operations.

A kindergarten building owned by the village of Vahagnadzor exists and is in good condition. Partial funding is needed to continue operating the kindergarten for a minimum of two years. The Kindergarten operates year-round. The annual budget of $10,000 includes one full time and four part time salaries, food and materials for the children and utilities for the building. The village budget supports the kindergarten’s operation and local villagers and other donors have pledged annually to support the kindergarten. Additional fees in support of this important project are collected as tuition fees from approximately 50% of the students that will be attending the kindergarten and whose families can afford to pay a modest monthly fee of approximately $8. It is also possible that once operational, additional funding for this kindergarten will be allocated from the Vahagni village budget. The amount needed to fund this kindergarten’s shortfall budget is $4,000 total ($2,000 for year one and $2,000 for year two).

All donors will be recognized in all press materials related to this kindergarten project and on the Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the kindergarten will be arranged for donors visiting Armenia.

Region

Lori

City / Village

Vahagnadzor, Vahagni

Start Date

2014

End Date

2016

The Need

Preschool and kindergarten education for children ages 3 to 6 has many proven and well-documented benefits. Children in the villages of Vahagnadzor and Vahagni only recently have started attended kindergarten and would once again suffer should the school cease its program.

Short Term Impact

Five people will be employed either part or full time to operate the school. In addition, 22 children ages 3 to 6 will receive appropriate kindergarten instruction.

Long Term Impact

In addition to the employment and direct instruction of a minimum of 44 children year round over two years, the villages of Vahagnadzor and Vahagni will deepen their cooperation through this collaborative project.

Sponsors Benefits

All donors will be recognized in all press materials related to this kindergarten project and on the Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the kindergarten will be arranged for donors visiting Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62180″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
October 28, 2015

A visit to the Vahagnadzor kindergarten today showed the children and staff doing well!

NKA School Remodel – Phase 2

Read Updates

Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a border village with a population of 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory connects with Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict every day. Along with the economy these difficult and dangerous times have also had a negative impact on educational advancement and school attendance. The primary school in the village was in need of complete remodel in order to provide elementary and high school aged children the opportunity to learn in a clean, new and safe environment. This school, which has 180 children in attendance, is housed in three buildings of which currently two are in use.

The gym has been renovated through local sponsorship from the village. In 2015, the elementary school wing was completely remodeled with the generous contribution by Michael and Patricia Starzer (CO-USA) through our NKA School Remodel – Phase 1 project. The elementary school wing is made up of five classrooms on the first floor. In addition to the five classrooms, the hallways and the boys and girls bathrooms were remodeled as well as updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. The wing that houses the middle and high school classrooms, and the cafeteria are all still in poor condition and in need of renovations.

Sponsorship of this project will facilitate the remodel of the second phase of this project including six classrooms on the second floor, the adjacent hallway, the staircase and two bathrooms, which make up the middle and high school. The scope of work will include repairs to the roof, new flooring and paint throughout, new classroom furniture, new electrical fixtures and two completely renovated restrooms. Phase three renovations (see Phase three project listing) will include renovating the school’s kitchen, the dining hall and the school’s entryway.

The Paros Foundation, with the help of generous donors Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, has already successfully renovated the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur medical center and kindergarten, and provided five families with their own agribusiness for their economic development. These projects have had a huge impact on this community. It is of strategic importance to support these villages in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan.

Watch Video

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Bert Region, Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

June 2016

End Date

September 2016

Gallery Images

A typical classroom at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.



The classroom walls and doors are in poor condition.



One classroom has newer furniture for the students.



The wooden floors are in very poor condition despite the fact that the school works to repair them.

The Need

Students attending the primary school in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are in need of new, clean, and warm classrooms so they can attend and concentrate on their studies. A normal functioning school that is safe and functional is important for this community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term six classrooms on the second floor will be remodeled including, the hallway and staircase, the boys and girls bathrooms, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Supplies will be purchased locally and locally labor will be used whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

Once phase 2 is completed, phase 3 renovations will begin, which will include, the kitchen and the cafeteria, and the school’s entryway. For years to come, children in this village will be able to attend school in a safe and functional environment and progress towards successful futures.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor this project will be recognized with a plaque at the school and in their printed materials. Sponsors will also be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros Foundation website. Visits to the school can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62178″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

May 10, 2016

Work commenced on the middle and high school wing at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

 May 28, 2016

Classrooms were reconfigured to enable the creation of an additional classroom upstairs. The windows in the hallway were blocked closed to protect children from stray Azeri sniper fire.

 July 16, 2016

Work throughout the classrooms, bathrooms, stairs and hallway are proceeding nicely.

 August 4, 2016

The crew began painting colorful elements to the walls throughout the hallways adding a bit of cheer to the school.

 September 1, 2016

Opening day at the new middle and high school wing at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur school. The children very much enjoy this highly improved learning environment.