Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2016-2017 Funding

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 75 children every month. Children who attend the Center are loosely defined as “at risk.” These children typically come from very poor households, often times with a single head of household, who cannot pay for such assistance. The goal of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center is to provide the necessary academic, psychological and social support to ensure that the children attending mature to well adjusted, successful, young adults.

In order to further impact more “at-risk” children, the Center has identified a need for this model to be replicated and offered to other communities in Armenia. Through the generous support of the Dadourian Foundation, a second center for “at-risk” children was opened in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan to provide support to 75 additional children annually. The new center provides students the same core classes (English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance) as the Ghoghanj Children’s Center – Kentron. The goal of this project is to broaden the services offered to socially vulnerable children and families in other communities and provide them with the proper support and guidance needed to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults.

Currently, The Paros Foundation is looking for donors who will help keep this important Center running in the 2016-2017 school year. Amount will include rent, utilities, teacher salaries, maintenance and additional improvements, and supplies.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

September 2016

End Date

August 2017

Gallery Images

Children attend the center after school and receive tutoring in addition to several classes taught at Ghoghanj.



ATP trainers lead environmental education curriculum for the children.



Children at the Nor Nork Ghoghanj Center work on art projects as one of their classes.



Having fun during art class.

The Need

Children living in the community of Nor Nork in Yerevan are in need of additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support. A second Center for these kids has been opened and will need additional financial assistance in order to cover operational costs for the following school year (2016-2017).

Short Term Impact

In the short term, sponsorship of this project will help continue to employ teachers, and provide 75 children in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan with their needed tutoring and guidance.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 75-100 at-risk students by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to fund the operational costs for the 2016-2017 school year for Ghoghanj-Nor Nork will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.

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September 5, 2016

Ghoghanj is back in session for the new school year. Excursions to different educational and cultural attractions are a regular part of the enrichment programs at Ghoghanj.

December 16, 2016

Ghoghanj Nork Nork had a big Christmas celebration and recital at the center. All the children participated and had an amazing time.

 January 18, 2017

Visited Diana Grigoryan, Executive Director of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center today. She reports that almost 100 students are attending classes at the center!

Share-a-Pair

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Description

Share-A-Pair, a project to get shoes to Armenia’s children, needs your help!
Launched in the Los Angeles area by Kristen and Bridget Abajian, and Sophia Dilsizian, this effort’s goal is to provide 1,000 quality pairs of shoes to Armenia’s needy children.

“When we lived in Armenia, and in later visits, we saw the difficult conditions orphan and extremely poor children live in. We decided to dedicate our time and effort to helping Armenia’s children by trying to fill the important need for shoes. While having one extra pair of shoes for us here in the U.S. doesn’t mean much, a pair of new shoes for an orphan or a very poor child in Armenia is very valued. Please consider helping us help these children.” Said Kristen Abajian in her fundraising appeal.

The goal of raising $10,000, which will provide more than 1,000 quality shoes for children, will hopefully be reached with the help of friends and supporters around the country. We hope to reach the goal and deliver the first batch of shoes to both children in the orphanages and other children in need in the summer of 2011.

Share-a-pair is able to purchase one quality pair of shoes for $10. Donations are welcomed in any amount. 100% of the proceeds will be spent buying new shoes and putting them on the feet of children in need. Donations of new practical shoes in all sizes are also appreciated and welcomed. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and be sure to visit us on facebook. Thank you!

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

2011

End Date

2012

Gallery Images

Example of the horrible conditions of shoes children have in some of Armenia’s impoverished areas.












Kristen Abajian, Sofia Dilsizian & Bridget Abajian founded Share-A-Pair in December of 2010 in order to help bring new shoes to children in need throughout Armenia.

The Need

Armenia is a developing country that is struggling economically. More than 1,200 Orphans live in 15 orphanages throughout Armenia. While these facilities provide for the children’s basic needs, they cannot keep up with the ongoing needs for shoes for all the children. In addition, several orphanages house children with disabilities, who walk with difficulty and wear through shoes very quickly. Families in need find it extremely difficult to provide their children with basic necessities such as shoes for school and warm winter shoes.

Short Term Impact

Share-a-pair will positively impact 1,000 children by providing them with a pair of shoes or warm winter boots.

Long Term Impact

Because some shoes will be purchased in Armenia, the local economy will also benefit through the infusion of capital.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to share-a-pair will be recognized on their webpage and in appropriate printed materials, and your name 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 a shoe distribution location site when you are in Armenia.
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December 25, 2010

The Share-a-Pair project is officially launched. Co-Founders, Bridget and Kristen Abajian and their friend, Sofia Dilsizian begin raising needed funds from their families and friends.

 June 15, 2011

Share-a-Pairs founders and volunteers begin distributing more than 500 pairs of shoes to Armenia’s orphanages in Vanadzor, Gavar and Nork. Upon their return to the US, the founders entered into a three year partnership with TOMs Shoes to supply shoes to Armenia.

 March 30, 2012

25,000 pairs of new TOMs Shoes arrived into Armenia today and are ready for distribution!

 June 4, 2012

Volunteers arrive into Armenia and join the Paros Staff to begin distributions of TOMs Shoes throughout needy communities in Armenia.

 November 21, 2012

25,000 pairs of shoes were successfully distributed to 11 orphanages, 8 boarding schools, 12 organizations and more than 14 town and more than 100 villages throughout Armenia.

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 2

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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.

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Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

February 2011

End Date

February 2011

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.
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February 1, 2011

Representatives of the Swedish Armenian Association “Shirak” joined Paros Foundation staff for the implementation of the excursion at Victory Park they sponsored.

Our Soldiers, Our Heros

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Description

An efficient army is the guarantee of preservation of independence of the national state. In 1992–1993 the army was created through unification of the army conscripts with the Voluntary squads. In 1992, January 28th, the government adopted the historical decision on “Ministry of Defense of RA”. That very document signaled the beginning of creation of national army. The army was gradually supplied with contemporary military equipment and became a strong pillar in the matter of preservation of independence. The Armenian Army was formed in the process of restoration of state independence and served as its biggest achievement. This year our victorious army celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The recent murders of soldiers, cases of violence and illegal activities that took place in the army had a serious impact on the army’s reputation. Nowadays the army’s topic is covered in two cases: during official visits and during very ‘loud’ events in the army. There are almost no human stories where the image of an Armenian soldier would have been visible, the image of a common Armenian brave guy that protects his motherland on the frontlines day and night. It is through these kinds of publications that the society will reevaluate its own strengths and will believe in its own offspring, its own army and its own future.

«Hetq» had already attempted to try to present the real facet of the army through photos and articles. That initiative has received a lot of positive feedback. However, due to high costs and lack of resources it was not possible to provide its continuity.

To promote the creation of the image of the Hero of our Days – the Armenian soldier, the hero of the army should be presented right from the very frontline positions. The soldiers there are different, they are calmer and more mature. On the frontline the positions of the adversary cannot escape you for a minute. It is not written or spoken about these kinds of guys, and they are not of those who blabber. A series of articles, expressive photos and a film right from the frontline will be prepared in the framework of this project. This will contribute to alteration of preconceived attitude towards the Armenian army.

UDDATE: Hetq.am posted its first photo essay today. The link can be found here: Paros Sponsored Hetq.am Project

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

February 2016

End Date

June 2016

Gallery Images

Photo credit: Hetq.am by Hagop Boghosyan



Photo credit: Hetq.am by Hagop Boghosyan

The Need

The project will contribute to solution of a serious issue: the Armenian soldier will be perceived as a hero of today, the role of the army will be reevaluated, and it will also oblige the whole officers’ staff to be more watchful, to prevent illegal activities and violence in the army. In a result of the project 2 series of articles, 4 series of photos and one film will be prepared. This initiative will develop a unique tradition of coverage of the army in mass media.

Short Term Impact

This initiative will develop a unique tradition of coverage of the army in mass media. In a bigger picture, the beneficiaries of the project are the soldiers of the Republic of Armenia, officers’ staff, the whole Armenian society. The main beneficiaries are the readers of «Hetq», as well as Social networks/Facebook, Twitter users where the articles of «Hetq» are spread. The number of the readers of «Hetq» reaches 100,000 on a monthly basis.

Long Term Impact

It is hoped that through this project in the long term, the lives of the Armenian Soldier will improve and be valued at a greater level in society.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized as a part of each article, photo spread and on each film in this series. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros 100 website.
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April 12, 2016

Photo essays throughout the month of April and May and a video completed this project. Visit www.hetq.am and view their archives for more photos.

Adopt A Classroom 13 – Hatsik

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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?

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation of a classroom including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, chalk or white board and desks and chairs. 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.

Hatsik is a village in the Armavir Province of Armenia. This village of 2,558 people currently houses one school with 285 students in attendance. Renovations at the Hatsik Village School began with the Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia 2013 group.

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Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

June 2015

End Date

August 2015

Gallery Images

The entrance of the Hatsik village school.



Classrooms are in need of new floors and windows.



Hatsik school classroom doors in need of replacement.



The building has damaged ceilings from water leakage that need to be fixed.



Renovations will include new desks and classroom furniture.

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 the employment of at least two people to renovate the classroom for one month and the benefit to the local economy through the order for needed supplies and classroom furniture.

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 Hatsik Village School when you are in Armenia.
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June 22, 2015

A local construction crew has begun. They have started with the demolition of the final two classrooms, the staircase and the remaining hallways at the Hatsik Village School.

 June 25, 2015

The local crew has started installing new doors and windows and will continue to work on the electrical as well as plastering the walls and ceiling.

 July 2, 2015

The SERVICE Armenia 2015 group has arrived and will be working on these two classrooms, stairs and remaining hallways for several of their service work days. Along with this, the group will be helping to renovate the gym (See Hatsik School Gym project)

 July 8, 2015

The SERVICE Armenia 2015 group helped sand and paint the walls. The remaining final touch ups will be completed by the local construction crew.

 August 18, 2015

Work on the final two classrooms, the staircase and the remaining hallways is done and the classrooms are ready for students in September.

Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio

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Description

The Koghb Art School is located in the northeastern village of Koghb, Armenia and is home to approximately 6,000 residents. The village is situated about 3 kilometers from the Azeri and Armenian border. The Art School has been providing art education to the children of the Koghb region for more than 10 years. The school is open year round, seven days a week and holds many classes for the children of Koghb and its surrounding villages. Currently, there are about 50 school-aged students and 10 university-aged students attending classes and events. The joint effort put in by the staff, volunteers and pupils, provides comprehensive cultural education for all residents interested. The Art School provides many courses including drawing, painting, composition, and art history. Additionally, the school provides applied arts workshops in pottery, carpet-making, metal arts, and woodcarving. The Koghb Art School graduates keep a close bond to the school and continue to participate exhibitions, keep in touch with teachers and help current pupils whenever possible. Events and classes at the school are an important chance to nurture talented young artists living in this border region and ensure that they have a place to practice safely and comfortably. Through support from the local government, the school operates and holds classes in a comfortable, modern building.

The Koghb Art School would like to continue its wonderful work and extend their program to try to combat the village’s unemployment problem. Individuals in Koghb and the surrounding border villages have been leaving their homes in search of employment opportunities. The Koghb Art School seeks to provide not only education, but also training in traditional Armenian crafts, a skill that can be used to create employment and business opportunities for the entire village. The school already has a small business, Yereqnuk Handicrafts, which employs many local women and helps them earn a small income. The Art School’s idea is to help increase training and employment opportunities is by creating a permanent ceramics studio, with all the necessary conditions for training both children and professionals. As of now, children who take pottery workshops at the school are not able learn correct methods of pottery. They create small projects from clay, but because the school doesn’t have a kiln, projects break quickly and cannot be painted or glazed. If the children and visiting students could make a more professional pottery product, both interest in and attendance to the pottery workshops would increase significantly. Also, with the addition of a ceramics studio, the opportunities for employment in the community will increase.

The studio will be created in our existing applied arts studio. The school will provide the teacher’s salary and tables and chairs for the studio. Sponsorship of this project will help raise funds to purchase and install a kiln and pottery to complete the ceramics department. After equipment is installed and the studio is finished, themed workshops will be provided for children and students free of charge. The pottery studio will provide a new outlet for creativity, imagination, decorative qualities, and understanding of 3-D objects for its students. Furthermore, community training courses will also be offered.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Koghb

Start Date

2014

End Date

September 2015

Gallery Images

Children learning how to use their new pottery wheel.



Once they have shaped their clay piece it will be placed in the new kiln to be fired.



Students admiring their beautiful work.

The Need

A current issue in Koghb and the surrounding border villages is the lack of employment opportunities. Often times when individuals cannot find employment opportunities within their community or the surrounding areas, they relocate to Yerevan or Russia. The main objective is to find a profession that can be performed in this region, and will help keep and bring individuals back home.

Short Term Impact

The Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio will be established with a new kiln and pottery wheel to be used by all students and recent graduates (approximately 60 people). Students will have the opportunity to learn the art of pottery. Pottery workshops will be a permanent class for future students (grades 5-12) to choose from. Students, staff and interested community individuals can choose to be trained in a specific profession that they can use to support themselves over the first 2-3 years (15-20 people). Both the kiln and the pottery wheel will be made locally, thus providing local employment.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the studio will be a place to develop skills for youth and talented individuals for the community and will also produce professional-grade products. Students can use skills learned here to apply to a higher-education institute and young adults can design and sell products made in the studio. Products can be sold under the existing brand, Yereqnuk Handicrafts, or under an individuals’ name. Creating this employment opportunity also has the potential to help keep and bring back individuals.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors supporting the Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio project will be presented as donors on our websites: www.koghb.am and www.koghbartschool.am . Sponsors will also be recognized in their printed materials and a sponsor plaque will be placed in the entrance of the school. 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 Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio when you are in Armenia.
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September 13, 2015

The new kiln and pottery wheel were delivered to the Koghb Art School.

 

NKA School Remodel – Phase 1

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) 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 is 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, but the classrooms are in still in poor condition.

As part of the Paros Foundation’s ongoing efforts to rebuild the infrastructure of this large village, Michael and Patricia Starzer of Lakewood, Colorado have agreed to underwrite the complete renovation of an entire floor of the elementary school. Their sponsorship will enable us to rebuild five classrooms on the first floor. The remodel will include the hallways, the boys and girls bathrooms, updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Once phase 1 is completed we will fundraise for phase 2 renovations, which will include other classrooms, the library, a science lab, and the cafeteria.

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 the 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.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

August 2015

End Date

October 2015

Gallery Images

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur School.



Window damage from Azeri sniper bullets.



The classrooms at the NKA school are in need of renovations.



The floors are uneven and unstable and allow cold air to seep into the classrooms.

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 materials five classrooms on the first floor will be remodeled including, the hallways, the boys and girls bathrooms, updates to the heating system, 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 1 is completed, phase 2 renovations will begin, which will include other classrooms, the library, a science lab, and the cafeteria. 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.
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August 6, 2015

A local crew was hired and work at the NKA school has begun. In the coming months the crew will renovate five classrooms, two restrooms and the hallway including new doors, some windows, upgrades to the heating system, paint, electrical and new furniture.

 August 9, 2015

Work began in the two restrooms. One restroom is for males and the other for females.

 September 10, 2015

The renovation work has been completed at the NKA school. Five classrooms, two restrooms and the hallway are all renovated with new furniture. This completes the first phase of work at this school.

 September 21, 2015

Today a window at the school was damaged due to Azeri sniper fire. The window is being replaced.

 October 8, 2015

Paros staff, NKA mayor and school staff and administration gathered together with the students and their families to hold a ribbon cutting and official opening celebration.

Gyumri Winter Operation

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Description

Winters in Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, are extreme. Unemployment and poverty is rampant. 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 the overseas shipping containers in which earthquake related humanitarian goods were shipped to Armenia. 24 years following the earthquake, more than 3,000 poverty stricken families remain in various forms of temporary housing.

The harsh winters and extreme poverty lead to these people picking through trash to find something that they can burn to keep warm and cook food for their families. Children do not have the proper clothing and boots to stay healthy and attend school.

This effort will ensure that 60 families living in deplorable conditions receive heating and cooking fuel and warm clothing for their children.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2013

End Date

January 2013

Gallery Images

Paros staff along with Shirak Center NGO volunteers distributing firewood to families living in domiks in Gyumri.



Winters in Gyumri are extremely cold and in need of firewood to stay warm and prepare food.



Families receive several bags of wood according to their size.

The Need

Freezing temperatures and extreme poverty have created a humanitarian crisis in Gyumri’s “Domik” neighborhoods. 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, toxic fumes and improper clothing contributes to children become sick and not attending school.

Short Term Impact

60 families and their children will receive emergency winter support in the form of cooking and heating fuel and winter coats and boots respectively. All humanitarian materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy.

Long Term Impact

It 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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January 24, 2013

As a result of this effort, 350 received warm winter boots, 160 children received new winter coats and 60 families received firewood for heating and cooking to last them approximately one month.

Fuel Through Firewood: Gyumri Winter 2013-14

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Description

Gyumri is Armenia’s second largest city. 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. 25 years following the earthquake, almost 4,000 poverty stricken families remain continue to live in unsafe and dilapidated buildings and the rusted remains of overseas shipping containers. In addition to inadequate housing, unemployment and rampant poverty, Gyumri’s people are faced with extreme winters.
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 90 families in Gyumri will receive fuel for heating and cooking through firewood for month’s period. Our partner for this project, Shirak Center NGO, will help distribute the firewood to the families.

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Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

November 2013

End Date

January 2014

Gallery Images

Families received several bags of wood according to their size.



The firewood is a temporary solution to helping families stay warm during Gyumri’s cold winters.



The firewood is also used to cook food.

The Need

Freezing temperatures and extreme poverty have created a humanitarian crisis in Gyumri’s “Domik” neighborhoods. About 1800 families live in “domiks,” while about 2000 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

90 families 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. In addition, local workers will be hired to chop the wood and help distribute it.

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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November 16, 2013

Distributions of firewood began with the help of the Shirak Center NGO staff and volunteers.

 January 26, 2014

Three months of firewood distributions came to an end. 90 families received firewood to use as fuel to stay warm and prepare food.

Agribusiness on the Border 8: Armen A. Family

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Description

Currently home to 286 households and 955 people, the village of Baghanis was established in the fifth century and is situated in the Tavush region of Armenia. The village is adjacent to the Republic of Azerbaijan, sharing a 2 km-long border. Today, the residents make a living by farming and tending to their livestock. Now, economic development and opportunities for work are essential to continue improving the conditions in this border village. Sponsorship of this project will help provide needy villagers with the opportunity to care for their families and to help improve the village’s economy.

Armen A. and his family have been identified as one of the families who are in need of additional support in order to help their agribusiness grow. Their family consists of five members including three children. They live in a dangerous area as their home is exposed to Azeri sniper fire. Armen works as a contract soldier stationed on the border. They currently do not barn, but have requested materials to built one along with pigs and chickens for their agribusiness. As a part of this effort Armen A. and his family will be provided training and/or business tips for the ensured success of their agribusiness. Frequent visits will be made to the family to track their progress and determine the success of their new venture.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Baghanis

Start Date

April 2016

End Date

Apri 2017

The Need

Due to the remote and dangerous areas in which these villages are situated, residents are unable to travel for work, or establish many other economical opportunities so that they can financially provide for their families. 50% of their fertile land is unusable because of frequent sniper attacks. Helping these families better establish their agribusinesses will allow them to be self-sufficient, care for their families and improve their villages economy.

Short Term Impact

In the short term the sponsored family will receive the animals, materials and/or tools they need to construct and run the proper space needed for their new agribusiness. In addition, directions and training on how to construct or run their new venture will also be given.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, families will have an established a form of income and will likely have the ability to expand their work. The village economy will also improve, as more jobs will be created for the residents. This will help deter emigration from the village.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website. Visits to the families can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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Updates: Images & Information

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October 18, 2016

Armen A. has been successfully working on building a barn for his family. He has some more work left to finalize the roof.

 January 24, 2017

The barn construction is now complete and Armen A. and his family are now searching for the pigs and chickens they have requested.