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Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Project Tag: Completed

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Empowerment for Women

Empowerment for Women

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Description

Currently in Armenia, border villages, such as those in the Tavush region of Armenia, are plagued with economic hardships and unemployment. These villagers 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 eight border villages in the Tavush region. Women from the villages of Berdavan, Koghb, Dovegh, Djudjevan, Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan and Baghanis will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive three month training in the areas of hair-dressing and cosmetology. Sponsorship of this project will allow 10 women total (at least one from each village) to participate in the three-month training program. Trainings will be held Monday through Friday for two hours a day. Students will be trained at a local salon that is approximately equal distance from all 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 from their home villages and provide services that many other 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.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Berdavan, Koghb, Dovegh, Djudjevan, Barekamavan, Koti, Voskevan and Baghanis

Start Date

One month after funds are raised

End Date

Three months from start date

Gallery Images


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Hairdressing area of the salon.


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Cosmetology section of the salon.


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Some of the equipment and materials that will be used during the training.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 10 women total from eight villages will participate in a three-month training seminar and obtain skills in hairdressing and cosmetology. 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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Updates: Images & Information

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January 9, 2017

Subsequent visits to the training facility and followup with the training participants has indicated that this program was a success. All of the participants are engaged in one way or another using their new skills. Some have opened salons in their villages, while others are working from their homes. All have indicated the desire to further their education and increase their skill set via future training opportunities.

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Agribusiness on the Border 1: Razmik P. Family

Agribusiness on the Border 1: Razmik P. Family

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important 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 each day. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents has suffered due to these difficult and dangerous times. It is of strategic importance to support these villagers in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan. With the help of Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, The Paros Foundation has already renovated their medical center and kindergarten successfully. These projects have had a huge impact on the community. 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.

Razmik P. 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 Razmik, who is a contract soldier, his wife and their three children who are all under the age of 14. Their barn (measuring 250 sq. ft.) is in need of roof repairs. Razmik will complete the repairs himself once we have provided the materials. They have also requested a cow and five sheep. As a part of this effort Razmik 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

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Village

Start Date

May 2015

End Date

April 2016

Gallery Images


Razmik-lives-in-this-house-with-his-wife-and-three-children.
Razmik lives in this house with his wife and three children.


The-roof-of-the-familys-barn-is-in-need-of-repairs.
Roof of the family’s barn in need of repairs.

The Need

Due to the remote and dangerous area in which this village is situated, residents are unable to travel for work, or establish many other economical opportunities so that they can financially provide for their families. 70% 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 the village 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 each option respectively. 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 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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May 18, 2015

Razmik’s family received the materials they needed and have begun renovations on their barn. They also received the animals they requested for their agribusiness.

 February 15, 2016

The original five sheep Razmik received have each had one lamb.

Collaborative-Park-Project-Taron-IV

Collaborative Park Project Taron IV

Collaborative Park Project Taron IV

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Description

The touchstone of the project is that it is a collaborative effort between the community of Taron IV, volunteers, NGO’s, public agencies and entrepreneurial businesses, our national and international friends and supporters. The 6077 sq. meter parcel of vacant land is located on a corner lot bordered by streets, and across the street are 2 secondary schools and a school for disadvantaged children. A bus stop for public transportation is located across the street which could be enhanced with a shelter covering and coordinate into the park design. A concrete wall separating the cemetery from the park is a design opportunity with many variations to consider: A wall of trees or a “green wall” would be a natural barrier. Some of the wall sections could be painted with designs from artists or children in the community. It would also make a pleasant backdrop for the amphitheater where small music concerts or peaceful rallies could be held. The land slopes naturally towards the south and there is a beautiful vista of the mountains in the background where we plan to provide benches for people to enjoy this view. We will be planting trees with the help of the community. These groves of trees will provide shade and shelter during the hot summer months. Shelters would provide a place for nardi and chess games. Walking paths would wind around the park and provide a space to stroll or for rigorous exercise. Good lighting and garbage receptacles would be placed around the park which would help keep the park clean, secure and safe. An open air café would be a comfortable place for having a cup of coffee or glass of juice and would bring in money to sustain maintenance work of the park. The project goals are:

  • To provide a safe, environmentally sensitive park, accessible to people of all ages, throughout the seasons: to encourage and support creative and environmental educational opportunities, recreational activities, to promote healthy lifestyles.
  • To provide the citizens of Taron IV with the skills and expertise needed to provide the park with benches, garbage containers and outdoor seating structures. Skills transfer opportunity.
  • To promote volunteerism, team work and willingness for the community to look for ways to solve their own problems which encourages civic minded thinking.
  • To provide a human rights park to show how local communities and citizen groups can have a voice in how the public space in their community is used, which is a fundamental human right In a Democratic Society.
    The collaborative park project will show ways that the community can become involved with the design and building of their community park which promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility, pride and caretaking for the park. It would also provide the community with a skill transfer component which would train the citizens for future work or potential business opportunities.

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Region

Lori

City / Village

Vanadzor Taron IV Neighborhood

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four months after start date

Gallery Images


Blueprint-of-what-the-Taron-IV-community-envisions-their-park-to-look-like-at-completion.
Blueprint of what the Taron IV community envisions their park to look like at completion.


The-community-of-Taron-IV-has-no-public-space-no-park-space-and-no-play-space-for-the-7000-families-that-call-this-neighborhood-home.
The community of Taron IV has no public space, no park space and no play space for the 7,000 families that call this neighborhood home.


The-park-will-be-constructed-in-three-phases-with-a-development-plan-ready-for-implementation-pending-funding.
The park will be constructed in three phases with a development plan ready for implementation pending funding.

The Need

A community assessment meeting revealed that Taron IV, an outlying district in the city of Vanadzor is lacking an outdoor place for people to meet together as a community, parents to play or walk with their children, youth to participate in healthy activities and elders to play nardi (backgammon) or chess, or a place to engage in discussions. At this meeting it was also identified that it is all too common in Armenia for individuals to buy and own “municipal land” and therefore the community not only loses public space, but has no voice on how the land is developed in their neighborhood. So it was decided at a community workshop that an inter-generational park was needed and should be designed from the ideas and suggestions of the community. Access to a healthy lifestyle and having a collaborative voice on how community space is designed is a civic and social right – a universal human right. Taron IV Park Project is an effort to engage people in the process of how their common open space can be designed and developed. We feel this collaborative park project will actively educate and engage citizens in a process that will help them better understand and appreciate the value of a healthy and sustainable environment as well as empower and involve people in civic life and volunteerism. What the community needs: An amphitheater or a “town hall square” where plays and puppet shows can be staged, music concerts held, and also a place for sharing civic thoughts or ideas. A square or amphitheater would offer people a place to gather, discuss, and reflect. A water feature, maybe a fountain, and sculptures which could be built by artists and children in the community. Pathways, bridge and walkways for access to activities throughout the park Park benches, garbage receptacles, and light fixtures Art Wall/green wall to engage artists and citizens of the community Shelters/sitting areas for the elderly to sit and play nardi or chess Play structures where children can interact in a cooperative and healthy way Exercise track/equipment for youth and others in the community to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Short Term Impact

The population of Taron IV is 7,756. The population is a mix of young families with children, working adults, and the elderly. It is a very poor community and does not have close access to parks which are located in the center of the city of Vanadzor. (104,800 2010 Vanadzor Census) Educational programs have already started at the schools in the community. Helsinki Citizens Assembly-Vanadzor, a Peace Corps volunteer, Fulbright Scholar, students and faculty from Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction and American University in Armenia, other architects and designers in the community are presenting workshops on environmental issues and human rights issues. The community would become immediately involved in their community and civic life with the building of the fence, benches, garbage containers and shelters. The community would experience artists working on the park project and the artistic process could inspire other creative people in the community. The park would be an intergenerational park where people of all ages would come together and enjoy companionship, fun and relaxation. Through the educational workshops we would reach approximately (90) children, who will talk about it with friends and family and reach an estimated (300). The Design workshops conducted by professionals and students (15) and with pictures posted on FaceBook and other social media websites we have reached modestly, over 1500 people. Through the community participation in the building of the fence, benches and garbage containers, the number of people reached (100) Park Information/marketing efforts posted on Helsinki Citizens Assembly –Vanadzor web site count was 1281 during the (month of October 2011.)

Long Term Impact

The spirit of how this project began would remain in the consciousness of many people for years to come and passed down to their children and all generations. The park would mature with trees, which would remind the citizens of Armenia and the natural beauty in their community and country. The artwork would inspire budding artists. The plays and theater and music activities would inspire creative people to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors to the Taron IV Park project will be listed in printed materials and future proposals regarding the Park, physical locations where appropriate at the Park and in all press material related to the Park project. In addition, sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in relavant press releases and other public materials. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit when you are in Armenia.
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Updates: Images & Information

The-playground-equipment-for-the-Collaborative-Park-Project-on-its-way-to-be-shipped-to-Armenia.

Executive-Director-Peter-Abajian-getting-the-playground-parts-ready-for-shipment.

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April 21, 2015

Peter Abajian and Narine Panosian, Paros Foundation Los Angeles-based staff purchase, pack and ship play structures bound for the Vanadzor park.

 June 30, 2015

SERVICE Armenia volunteers spend the day assembling the play structures for the park as local children quickly gathered in anticipation of their new play area.

 July 20, 2015

Greg Dadourian and his family visited the park, which is dedicated to the memory of his father.

Medical-Center-in-Yervandashat

Medical Center in Yervandashat

Medical Center in Yervandashat

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Description

The village of Yervandashat is situated on the border with Turkey and overlooks the junction of the Arax and Akhurian Rivers. This village was one of the ancient capitals of greater Armenia in its prime. In its current state, this isolated village severely lacks resources. The Yervandashat Medical Clinic, which also provides services to two other border villages, is in poor condition and in need of new equipment and repairs, which will be completed in two phases. Phase one will include new windows and doors, repair of a water seepage problem, and upgraded medical equipment in order to serve the medical and healthcare needs of the residents. The clinic needs an Ophthalmoscope, a Glucose Meter with strips and lancets, thermometer and a computer. Phase two will include repairs to the interior walls and ceilings, including paint. Phase two will be completed once it is certain that the water seepage problem has been repaired and the structure given time to dry out. The Mayor of Yervandashat is committed to bringing water to the clinic.

 

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Armavir

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Six months from start date

Gallery Images


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Renovations will include repairs to the interior walls and ceilings, including paint.


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Repairs are needed in order to properly serve the medical and healthcare needs of residents.


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Several areas of the Yervandashat Medical Clinic are in poor condition.

The Need

Armenia’s rural regions are in need of proper medical facilities in order to meet the community’s basic health care requirements, including vaccinations for children. Capital repairs and some medical equipment are fundamental in order to allow this center to operate and serve its own residents and residents of nearby villages and communities.

Short Term Impact

In the short-term the Yervandashat Medical Center will obtain an Ophthalmoscope, a Glucose Meter with strips and lancets, new windows and doors, followed by minor renovations done to the building. The renovations and equipment will immediately better facilitate the health needs of the residents. Materials will be purchased locally whenever possible, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Two to three local workers will be hired during the renovation process thus providing these residents short-term employment.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impacts include improved morale and well-being of community members, a consistent source of reliable health care services, and, ultimately, improved community health.

Sponsors Benefits

All donors will be recognized on a plaque inside the medical center, on all relevant press related to this important project and your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Yervandashat Medical Clinic for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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November 18, 2015

Renovations are completed at the Medical Center in the village of Yervandashat!

Instruments-for-Talin-Music-School

Instruments for Talin Music School

Instruments for Talin Music School

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Description

The Talin Music School is located in the Aragatsotn Region of Armenia. Talin is considered one of the oldest residential areas of the region and has a population of about 5,400 people. The school is housed in space provided by the town. The Talin Music School provides music classes to more than 110 children annually and employs 15 teachers. Among the lessons provided are 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. The support from the local government and the fees paid by students are not enough to allow the school to replace needed musical instruments.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Talin

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two months to purchase and deliver instruments

Gallery Images


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Old and damaged instruments at the Talin Music School.


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Many of the instruments are no longer functional.


The-minimal-financial-support-the-School-receives-is-not-enough-to-allow-them-to-purchase-new-instruments.
The minimal financial support the school receives is not enough to allow them to purchase new instruments.


The-School-is-in-need-of-several-new-instruments-for-the-use-of-their-students-during-their-classes.
The school is in need of several new instruments for the use of their students during their classes.


The-success-of-a-childs-musical-education-preservation-is-dependant-on-the-quality-of-these-instruments.
The success of a child’s musical education and preservation is dependent on the quality of these instruments.

The Need

Children from Armenia’s smaller towns suffer from the lack of suitable facilities. 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 education, culture and the arts for the children in Talin, Armenia. In order to fulfill this goal the school is in need of new and functioning instruments.

Short Term Impact

The children at the Talin Music School will be able to perform at a higher level due to the brand new instruments. The local economy will benefit from the local purchase of several different musical instruments, their delivery and tuning.

Long Term Impact

The 110 students currently at the school and future students will benefit from music instruction on proper musical instruments.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Instruments for Talin Music School will be recognized in their printed materials and sponsor plaques will be placed on instruments if appropriate. 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.
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Updates: Images & Information

Several-local-volunteers-came-together-to-help-deliver-and-assemble-the-new-instruments.

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February 5, 2014

Several new instruments were purchased and delivered to the Talin Music School this week.

Gift-of-Music

Gift of Music

Gift of Music

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Description

Vanadzor is the third largest city in Armenia and was almost completely destroyed by the 1988 Spitak Earthquake. The Vanadzor Art School (a.k.a. Vanadzor Music School #3) was completely rebuilt with the support of the All Armenia Fund and the Arshak II Opera Committee in 2003. The School currently provides music instruction to more than 250 students on both classical as well as folk instruments and dance classes. This school is the best in the region and feeds many students to the Music College and ultimately to the Yerevan Conservatory. Many students from the Vanadzor Art School have competed in national contests and have placed well. Some of these students have gone on to compete abroad representing Armenia. Current and potential students who could excel in this field cannot afford to pay the monthly tuition. Scholarships are needed for these children.

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Region

Lori

City / Village

Vanadzor

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One year from start date

Gallery Images


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Many-current-and-potential-students-who-could-excel-in-the-musical-field-cannot-afford-to-pay-the-monthly-tuition.
Many current and potential students who could excel in the musical field cannot afford to pay the monthly tuition.


The-Vanadzor-Art-School-currently-provides-music-instruction-to-more-than-250-students-on-both-classical-as-well-as-folk-instruments.

The Need

Prior to the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake, Vanadzor had several large factories employing its local population. Most of these factories are now closed or only partially working. The resulting high level of unemployment or underemployment makes it difficult for most in this city to provide the extra funds needed for music education for their children.

Short Term Impact

Ten children will receive the scholarships they need attend classes at the Vanadzor Art School

Long Term Impact

The long-term impact of this project on Armenia’s culture is not known as the potential of these future students’ impact will not be felt immediately. However, the potential is great both for Armenia’s culture and for potential employment opportunities for students that excel in music.

Sponsors Benefits

All donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation and Vanadzor Art School websites. Visits to the Vanadzor Art School will be arranged for sponsors traveling to Armenia.
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Center for At-Risk Kids

Center for At-Risk Kids 2014/15

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan was established 10 years ago and 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. Additionally, these children are not likely to receive proper supervision after school while completing their homework and other tasks. Due to the hard work, dedication and vision of Diana Grigoryan, a PH.D candidate in Psychology, and her staff, the Center has been able to help socially vulnerable children and give them the support and guidance they need to succeed.

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. The Center provides several core classes within their curriculum and has had add on opportunities as funding has permitted. Core classes include English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance. Add on programs have included College Entrance Exam Tutoring, Side by Side Mentoring and Ecology Club activities. Furthermore, 13 of the Center’s previous students graduated and are now attending college, proving that Ghoghanj’s model works.

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. A second center for “at-risk” children will be established and modeled after the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in another socially vulnerable community in Yerevan. The new center will provide 75-100 students the same core classes (English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance) as the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. 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.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

September 2014

End Date

August 2015

Gallery Images


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September 5, 2014 renovation updates at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Nor Nork


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September 5, 2014 renovation updates at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Nor Nork


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September 5, 2014 renovation updates at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Nor Nork


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The computer lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork


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The Need

Children in a second socially vulnerable community in Yerevan are in need of additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support, but are too far to be able to attend the Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan. A second Center is needed in order to provide at-risk students with the opportunity to attend afterschool and summer school programs close to their homes. Furthermore, these children will be able gain additional skills necessary for a successful future.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be to establish a second Center for At-Risk Kids in another socially vulnerable community in Yerevan and will serve 75-100 new students. In addition, the new center will offer core classes including English, Russian, computer, design, painting, theater and dance. Instructors will be immediately employed to help instruct and oversee these courses.

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 sponsor the establishment of a new Center for At-Risk Kids will be recognized with a plaque at the center, 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 for At-Risk Kids when you are in Armenia.
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October 3, 2014

Today we did the ribbon cutting at the new Ghoghanj Children’s Center location in Nor Nork. The space is well located and with modest renovations to the bathroom we are able to begin providing after school services to an additional 75 children!

Agribusiness-on-the-Border-7-Janna-B.-Family

Agribusiness on the Border 7: Janna B. Family

Agribusiness on the Border 7: Janna B. Family

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important 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 each day. The economy of the village and the livelihood of many of its residents has suffered due to these difficult and dangerous times. It is of strategic importance to support these villagers in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan. With the help of Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, The Paros Foundation has already renovated their medical center and kindergarten successfully. These projects have had a huge impact on the community. 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.
Janna B. and her 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 seven members including Janna, her husband, their three children (all under the age of 16) and the children’s grandmother and grandfather. They live in a 1076 sq. ft. house and they have a barn (measuring 215 sq. ft.), which is need of roof repairs. Her husband will complete the repairs himself once we have provided the materials. They have also requested a cow and five pigs. As a part of this effort Janna and her 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

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

May 2015

End Date

April 2016

Gallery Images


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The roof of their barn is in need of repairs.


Jannas-husband-will-complete-the-repairs-on-the-barn-roof-himself-once-we-have-provided-the-materials.
Janna’s husband will complete the repairs on the barn roof himself once we have provided the materials.

The Need

Due to the remote and dangerous area in which this village is situated, residents are unable to travel for work, or establish many other economical opportunities so that they can financially provide for their families. 70% 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 the village 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 each option respectively. 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 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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May 18, 2015

Janna’s family received the materials they needed for their barn renovation. They also received the animals they requested for their agribusiness.

PURCHASE-A-HOME-2-e1468333074581

Purchase a Home 2

Purchase a Home 2 – Pogosyan 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 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.

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.

This project will identify suitable needy families who can be moved into a new apartment and can demonstrate that they can afford their monthly expenses. Agreements will be signed passing ownership of the apartment to the chosen family, with the stipulation that until their youngest child reaches 18 years of age, the family cannot sell, rent or move. 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.

The Pogosyan family was living in a domik in Gyumri.  A few days before Christmas 2012, their domik caught fire and completely burnt.  What few family possessions they owned were lost.  The Pogosyan family and their six children were given temporary shelter in a relative’s domik.

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Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

September, 2013

End Date

December, 2013

Gallery Images


The-Poghosyan-family-before-receiving-their-new-home.
The Poghosyan family before receiving their new home.


Three-of-the-Poghosyan-children-while-the-family-was-staying-at-a-relatives-domik-after-theirs-burned-to-the-ground.
Three of the Poghosyan children while the family was staying at a relatives domik after theirs burned to the ground.


The-Poghosyan-Family-after-receiving-their-new-home.
The Poghosyan Family after receiving their new home.


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The Poghosyans – Christmas 2014


The-Poghosyan-children-saying-hello.
The remnants of a mortar from the bombing along the border. Photo credit: Hetq

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

A family will be identified and an appropriate apartment will be purchased for them as soon as possible. The make shift housing unit which they currently occupy will be destroyed.

Long Term Impact

The city of Gyumri will recover parcels of land currently occupied by these make-shift housing units. In addition, the family’s mental state will improve as a direct result their new and normal home.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
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Z.-Khachatryan-Art-School-Kiln

Z. Khachatryan Art School Kiln (Sisian)

Z. Khachatryan Art School Kiln

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Description

The Sissian Youth Arts School in Armenia was founded in 1962 to provide afterschool art classes for especially talented youth in the region.

In 1968 the school received a State School Status and has been supported by the Sissian city government. Currently 104 youth come to the school after their regular school day to pursue their dream in various forms of art. Ten percent of the students from this School continue on to the prestigious Terlemezyan Art School in Yerevan and Yerevan State University Art department. Many of the graduates have become artists, and several of them return to Sissian to perpetuate the School’s excellence in art education for regional youth.

Upon its founding, the first department in the school was called “Composition Art”. Students in this department skillfully and beautifully penciled their own ideas onto paper. This department eventually expanded to include all forms of drawing and painting. In 1968 the school enhanced its curriculum by adding Art History and Sculpting classes. In 1989 it increased its vision further by adding a department very close to the hearts of the regional people: the Hand Crafts department where students learn carpet weaving, needlepoint, crochet, knitting and so on. Some of the intricacies of the work they produce can rival any professional.

In 2012, two alumni from this School who completed their Art degree in Yerevan’s Terlemezian Art School returned to Sissian and began teaching a course in Ceramics Theory where the students learn the history of ceramics art (in which Armenians have had a very prominent standing and still do) the theory of ceramics, as well as technical details in producing the beautiful ceramics. The students enthusiasm is heightened and stirred by these classes, but alas, they have no means by which to put this knowledge to practical use, because they do not have a ceramics kiln, nor does one exist in the city for rent. The School’s vision is to expand this department to hands on teaching and giving the students the opportunity to put their creativity into making real ceramics that you can touch and watch and use.

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Sissian

Start Date

September 2013

End Date

November 2013

Gallery Images


Z.-Khachatryan-Art-School-Kiln-1
Z. Khachatryan Art School Students Need a Kiln to Complete Their Creations.


Z.-Khachatryan-Art-School-Kiln
Z. Khachatryan Art School Takes Delivery of Their New Kiln.


Z.-Khachatryan-Art-School-Kiln-3
Z. Khachatryan Art School.


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Students at the Art School Participate in Many Fine Art Classes.


Z.-Khachatryan-Art-School-Kiln-4
The Kiln Was Manufactured in Armenia.


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Students at the Art School.


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The Staff and Teachers of the Z. Khachatryan Art School.


Z.-Khachatryan-Art-School-Kiln-12
The New Kiln Makes it Safely to its New Home.

The Need

A kiln does not exist either at the School or in the city of Sissian for students enrolled in the ceramics program to use.

Short Term Impact

Immediately students will be able to continue their education in the ceramic arts by having a quality kiln to fire their artwork.

Long Term Impact

As students become more advanced and interested in the ceramic arts, this project could result in significant benefit to the school through increased enrollment, additional teachers employment, and additional revenue both to the students and to the school from ceramic sales. The education in and production of high quality ceramics and the development of this art form will ultimately preserve and help develop Armenia’s rich artistic heritage.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the ceramics classroom at the School. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros 100 website. Visits to the School will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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