Orphaned Children’s Day Excursion 10

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Description

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

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

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

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Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Gavar

Start Date

July 2017

End Date

July 2017

Gallery Images

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



Children excited for the trip to the top of Tsakhkadzor.



The excursion included a traditional Armenian barbecue.



The children enjoyed their day in Tsakhkadzor.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the relevant orphanage, 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 care facility when you are in Armenia.
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July 6, 2017

Children from the Gavar Orphanage spent an exciting day in the beautiful resort town of Tsakhkadzor. Children visited the Orbeli Brothers museum, visited the Monastery of Kecharis and took the lift up to the top for a delicious meal.

  

Kharpert Home For Special Children Excursion 11

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Description

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

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

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

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Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

June 2017

End Date

June 2017

Gallery Images

The Kharpert kids excited to see the animals at the Yerevan Zoo.



Children from the Kharpert home with their new friends from the SERVICE Armenia 2017 group.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

June 27, 2017

SERVICE Armenia 2017 participants along with Paros staff, accompanied 20 kids from the Kharpert Home for Special Children to a fun day at Yerevan Zoo.

 

Kharpert Home For Special Children Excursion 7

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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.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

2015

End Date

2015

Gallery Images

SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants spending time with the children from the Kharpert Home at Victory Park.



Making friends and memories.



Enjoying the rides at Victory Park.



The group enjoying some refreshments and dancing.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

June 25, 2015

Children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children were taken to an excursion to the amusement park at Victory Park. Participants and volunteers of the SERVICE Armenia 2015 group spend the day riding rides, enjoying snacks with the children and helping implement this important project.

  

Kharpert Home For Special Children Excursion 21

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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 basic care and education.

Excursions 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 that they 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.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

Immediately

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 emotional 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 people witness these children regularly and realize that society can indeed accommodate them as part of their community.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation towards the Kharpert Home for Special Children’s Excursion project will be recognized 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=6
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form_id=”61236″]

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July 5, 2023

SERVICE Armenia 2023 participants and Paros staff accompanied 13 residents from the Kharpert Home for Special Children to a fun excursion at Victory Park.

Scholarship For A Sustainable Future: Flora M.

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Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyurmi, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shogher Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive role models and emotional support. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Flora M., a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Flora lives with her siblings and mother. She lost her father several years ago to cancer. Their family survives on the mother’s modest income. Currently, Flora plans to begin her college career in 2016 at the Pedagogical State University in Gyumri. Her dream is to become a social worker and help children dealing with social issues. Flora has been attending Nor Luyce for a year, during which she has grown as a person and overcome many of her insecurities. She is now described as a cheerful, active, mature, and self-resilient individual. Flora is in need of financial assistance in order to continue her education at the Pedagogical State University and reach her goals. The requested scholarship funds will help Flora cover the costs of her tuition, books, stationary, some clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2016

End Date

2017

Gallery Images

The Need

Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.

Short Term Impact

Flora M., who currently lives in Gyumri, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, books, stationaries, some clothing and transportation for one year.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that Flora M., being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level, will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful life.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and The Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl’s progress during their university studies.
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Emergency Relief & Reconstruction Fund – Artsakh

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Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyurmi, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive role models and emotional support. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Lia G., a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Lia, her younger brother and parents live in a “domik.” Her mother is a housewife and her father does not have a permanent job. Currently, Lia plans on attending the medical college in Gyumri starting 2016. She is studying to become a nurse and hopes to one day help her patients fight incurable diseases. Lia enjoys cooking and yoga sessions at Nor Luyce and credits the organization for being a shinning light in her life. She is described as a very kind, caring, patient, friendly and goal-oriented individual. Lia is always respectful towards her teachers and always helps her friends and classmates. Lia is in need of financial assistance in order to continue her education at the medical college and reach her goals. The requested scholarship funds will help Flora cover the costs of her tuition, uniform, books, stationary, some clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2016

End Date

2017

Gallery Images

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

The Need

Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.

Short Term Impact

Lia G., who currently lives in Gyumri, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, some clothing and transportation for one year.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that Lia G., being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level, will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful life.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsor will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl’s progress during their university studies.
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Book In A Bag

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Description

Students attending schools in Armenia do not easily have access to Western/English language literature. In the last decade, English has steadily become the most popular foreign language in Armenia. Students throughout the country are learning how to read, write and speak English and could really benefit from another means by which to learn and practice the language further. In addition, reading can significantly increase students’ vocabularies as well as strengthen their creativity. English language classic novels are not readily available or affordable, especially in rural and impoverished villages, towns and cities.

Peter Chelebian (16), an Armenian-American from Los Angeles has recently come up with a brilliant idea to help children in Armenia gain access to terrific literature. He hopes to use his passion for books to help make a difference in the lives of his fellow brothers and sisters.

Peter will be helping lead the effort in raising funds to place small English literature libraries, each stocked with 50 important literary works, throughout impoverished villages, towns and cities. The bookshelves housing the books will be built in Armenia. $2,025 ($675 each) is needed in order to complete three full libraries in three different locations throughout Armenia. Donations of books (in excellent condition) are welcomed alongside monetary support for this important project.

Region

Armavir, Gegharkunik, Tavush

City / Village

Hatsik, Ljashen, Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

December 2015

End Date

March 2016

Gallery Images

Peter Chelebian will be spearheading this project.

The Need

Students could really benefit from access to Western/English literature throughout Armenia. As the English language becomes more popular in Armenia, the need for language aids, such as books, has become a necessity.

Short Term Impact

Three small libraries stocked with 50 books will be placed in three different schools in Armenia for children to read.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children will benefit from these libraries as their proficiency in reading and writing in the English language will increase. In addition, mastering the English language will open the doors to more opportunities in their future. 

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Book in a Bag project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. There will be a small sign with donor name(s) on each library. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to your library when you are in Armenia.[vp_give_donor_wall
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July 11, 2016

Peter Chelebian and the SERVICE Armenia 2016 group delivered libraries of books to Ljashen, HatsiK and Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur village schools.

Mobile Dental Clinic 2016/17

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Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California has partnered with The Paros Foundation in order to help revive its mobile dental clinic and help bring dental care for residents living in Armenia’s remote and/or poverty stricken villages. Dental hygiene is commonly overlooked in many of these communities due to several reasons. Dental supplies and dental care are either very hard to find or too expensive for residents in these villages to afford.

For more than 20 years, The Armenian Dental Society of California kept their mobile dental clinic on the road. Due to a variety of difficulties, the mobile clinic ceased operation in 2012. Due to both demand and new interest, sponsorship of this project will help raise the funds needed to put the mobile clinic back on the road. In addition, two dentists from Armenia will be hired to travel along with the mobile clinic and provide dental care for village residents. Dentists from the US will have the opportunity to join the two local dentists on a volunteer basis. Our goal is to have the mobile dental clinic running for a year. $2,500 will help keep the mobile clinic working for one month. Dental care provided by the mobile clinic will include basic child oral care and education, cleanings, fillings and other basic care.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

January 2016

End Date

December 2017

Gallery Images

Mobile Clinic at Debi Arach.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will be visited by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists from Armenia will be hired to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of remote and poverty stricken villages will have a decreased chance of tooth decay and serious oral issues in their future. 

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Mobile Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project . Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website.
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January 7, 2016

The equipment in the Mobile Clinic has been serviced and necessary repairs completed. The Clinic is ready to re-open!

 June 15, 2016

The Mobile Dental Clinic founders arrive in Armenia to help provide further staff training and work on patients as part of their mission.

 July 20, 2016

The Mobile Dental Clinic arrives at the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri to address the dental needs of the 150 children attending this center.

 February 19, 2017

After a very slowly winter, the Mobile Dental Clinci is back on the road. Currently, the clinic is stationed at School N39 in a neighborhood outside of Yerevan.

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – Math & Science Dream Lab 2

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Description

The mission of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center, which was founded in 2003, is to provide the proper support and guidance children need to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults. The second location, established in 2014 in Nor Nork also works with vulnerable “at-risk” children and their families to help them overcome social, psychological and legal issues.

The Center’s programs are specifically designed to facilitate group discussion and are sensitive to the psychological challenges of an at-risk child and their families. The Center works to develop successful communication, self-expression and tolerance skills among the students. A fundamental focus on the arts, homework assistance and tutoring to ensure academic success is a key ingredient of the programs’ success.

In the last two years, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Kentron successfully impacted and steered the lives of 13 children to higher education and new opportunities. To further their success with more children, the Center has identified a need for a programmatic shift emphasizing math and science. The establishment of a Math & Science Lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork will provide an additional 75 at-risk students access to Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics instructors, lab equipment such as microscopes and workbooks, educational textbooks and Internet usage. The goal of this program is to broaden the educational experience of the students through interactive learning, projects and experiments.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

June 2016

End Date

June 2017

Gallery Images

Robotics class through the Nor Nork Math & Science Lab in session.

The Need

With the addition of the Math & Science Lab, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork will have the opportunity to continue to steer their at-risk students toward a larger spectrum of future opportunities and expose them to classes many of them lack in school. Furthermore, the Lab will equip students with additional skills necessary for a successful future such as working together and employing technology.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will to supply the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork with a sufficient amount of educational materials and workbooks, lab equipment, and access to Internet. In addition, four subject instructors will be immediately employment to help instruct and oversee the students while in the lab.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 75 at-risk students gain the Math and Science education that will open the doors for them to achieve greater future opportunities and provide for their families

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the creation of a Math and Science Lab will be recognized on the Ghoghanj Children’s Center’s website and in their 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 the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Nor Nork when you are in Armenia.
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June 6, 2016

Our Engineering laboratories are officially up and running!

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Genocide And Armenia In The Eyes Of People With Disabilities

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Description

People with disabilities will get an opportunity to actively participate in the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide by creating paintings inspired by three topics and presenting them to the public. This will contribute to challenging public perceptions of people with disabilities, promoting accessibility and equality.

The project will be promoted through various means (ads in media, mailing lists, websites, etc.). Artists with disabilities will paint and submit their works based on the following three topics: 1) Genocide in my Eyes; 2) Creating an Accessible Armenia; 3) We are Equal. Their paintings will be featured at four exhibitions held in the areas affected by the 1988 Spitak Earthquake (Spitak, Vanadzor, Gyumri and Stepanavan) where there is a large population of people with disabilites. 20 of the best paintings will be selected by a professional jury. These paintings will be featured at the final event in Yerevan during which prizes will be given. The jury will also select nine paintings (three from each category) as the winners of the contest. Their authors will receive prizes. The best 20 paintings will be published in a booklet.

Region

Shirak, Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Gyumri, Spitak, Vanadzor, Stepanavan, Yerevan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

April 2019

Gallery Images

People with disabilities will get an opportunity to actively participate in the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

The Need

People with disabilities still face direct and indirect discrimination in Armenia due to lack of accessibility, poor implementation of the laws and stereotypes. These stereotypes portray people with disabilities as “passive”, “sick” and “incapable” individuals unable to live full lives and contribute to the development of the country. This project hopes to challenge these stereotypes, promoting equal access to public venues, facilities and transport.

Short Term Impact

It is expected that no less than 100 artists with disabilities will participate in the contest. Approximately 1,000 people will attend the four exhibitions in Armenia’s different regions and one final event, the prize-giving ceremony in Yerevan. Due to the media coverage, the target audience will also include no less than 10,000 people.
 

Long Term Impact

The long term impact of this project will be the promotion of the Armenian Genocide through both the actual artwork, related press and publication, and the change of perceptions regarding people with disabilities in Armenia. Stereotypes affecting people with disabilities will be challenged. Access to public venues, buildings, facilities and transport for persons with limited mobility will be promoted. 

Sponsors Benefits

All supporters will be published on The Paros Foundation, unison.am and disability.am websites. Their names will be also listed in the booklet published within the framework of the project. In addition, the organizers will thank the donors during the prize-giving ceremony, the final public event of the project.
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April 11, 2019

The exhibit with the winning artwork took place at the Genocide Monument and in Gyumri.