Nor Ughi Second Grade Classroom Renovation

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Description

Nor Ughi Village is located in Armenia’s Ararat Region and is home to the Vedi Alcohol Company.  Almost 2,000 people call Nor Ughi and neighboring Ginevet Village their home. Many in these villages are employed at Vedi Alcohol factory or are engaged in agricultural activities. 

170 students attend the village school, including eight displaced students from Artsakh. The students are from both the neighboring villages of Ginevet and Nor Ughi. Over the last two years, the school’s gym was renovated, and a high-quality outdoor soccer field was constructed and most recently the school’s science laboratory, teacher’s lounge and first grade classroom was renovated through the continued leadership of Mr. and Mrs. John & June Mangassarian from Rhode Island and they want to continue positively impacting Nor Ughi.

Next on the list of priorities is the renovation of a large classroom that serves the school’s second grade class.   The scope of work will include the complete renovation of the room’s flooring, walls, electrical and lighting.  

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Ughi

Start Date

June 2026

End Date

2 Months From Start

Gallery Images

The first grade classroom at the school in Nor Ughi needs to be completely renovated.

The Need

Currently, the Nor Ughi School’s classrooms are in poor condition.  The school leadership hopes its second grade classroom will be renovated to allow the second graders to learn in a safe, clean and inviting surroundings.  It is important to note that currently the Nor Ughi School has not been identified by the Armenian Government to be included in its immediate plan for school renovations. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, second grade students at the Nor Ughi School will receive a newly renovated classroom to more effectively study and begin their education.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the benefit of student’s learning in a clean, safe and comfortable environment directly impacts their level of achievement. This renovation will positively impact hundreds of children over its useful life. 

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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August 7, 2026

Renovations on the Nor Ughi second grade classroom are underway. Work started by prepping the floor to be tiled. Stay tuned for more updates!

Orphaned Children Day Excursion 29

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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, amusement parks, concerts, or attend cultural events.

Armenia’s orphan children should have the opportunity to experience popular cultural events, exhibits, and excursions. 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 sponsorship amounts between $250 -$750 approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of chaperons will be able participate in a memorable activity. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

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

 

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

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 importantly the emotional and social benefits for 20 orphan children.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term emotional, educational 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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Lori’s Walkathon for Debi Arach

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Lori has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri for  humanitarian aid. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Through a walkathon, Lori will raise funds that will directly support the children’s essential needs and overall well-being. Your support will make a meaningful difference in their lives and help create a brighter future.

A message from Lori:

This summer, I have the incredible opportunity to travel to Armenia with The Paros Foundation as part of a three-week service project alongside students from across the world.

One of the most meaningful parts of my trip will be supporting an organization called Debi Arach, which provides essential resources to families in need in Armenia. When I arrive, I will be personally delivering the funds I’ve raised directly to the organization where they will be used to purchase backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, boots, groceries, and other necessities for families who need them most.

I am organizing a fun walkathon to raise funds for Debi Arach, and I would love your support. I am asking each of you for a minimum donation of $25 and to walk alongside me on June 7th. My goal is to raise $3,000, and with your support, I know we can get there. Of course any amount is greatly appreciated and every dollar makes a difference. If you’re not able to attend the walk, please still consider making a donation.

Event Details
• Date: Sunday June 7
• Start Time: 8:00am
• Location: Brookside Park-3 mile loop around the Rose Bowl

Whether you’re walking by my side or supporting me from afar, every contribution will make a real difference.

Thank you for believing in me and for supporting a cause that matters. It means the world.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

May 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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June 7, 2026

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support Lori’s Walkathon benefiting the Debi Arach Children’s Center. Thanks to your generosity and willingness to show up for this important cause, the event was a tremendous success. Stay tuned to see more of the impact Lori will be making this summer during her service trip!

July 10, 2026

While in Armenia for the SERVICE Armenia 2026 program, Lori helped distribute shoes to the children of Debi Arach in Gyumri.

Roots in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a village located on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The population is around 1,000 people and the main source of economic activity revolves around the agriculture sector. Economic opportunities in border villages like NKA are extremely limited due to lack of investment and safety issues. Without these opportunities, families are forced to either find work elsewhere, or move out of the region entirely.

The Tavush region sees much of it’s economic activity in the summer months when fruits and vegetables are grown. The products are then either directly sold to consumers or undergo further processing before being sold. Tavush in particular is known for its production of fruits, such as Apples, Pomegranates, Persimmon, and much more.

The Paros Foundation seeks to establish a small orchard in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA). The orchard will be located on the grounds of the local school; Paros has completed extensive renovations on the campus, and as a result has developed strong, productive relationships with school administrators and community leaders.

More than 800 high quality fruit trees will be planted along with a drip irrigation water system. Staff will both oversee the orchard on a regular basis and provide a living classroom experience for students at the school. Within three years, it is expected that the orchard will provide commercially viable quantities of fruit. This project will have the added benefit of encouraging the creation of other local businesses to further process the fruit and creating additional value for the marketplace. Proceeds will be reinvested into the community.

Update: As fruit production continues to grow in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, the current drying equipment is no longer sufficient to manage the increased harvest. A larger fruit dryer, with a total project budget of $6,000, is needed to support students in preserving more fruit and reducing overall waste.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

August 2020

End Date

Gallery Images

Students at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur will be instructed on how to care for their new orchard.

The Need

Economic opportunities in border villages like NKA are extremely limited due to lack of investment and safety issues.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, several employees will benefit from the work in preparing the school grounds for planting 800+ fruit bearing trees. A new full time staff position at the school will be created to support both the orchard and classroom instruction.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, once this pilot project proves successful in helping improve the economics of this village, this project will be replicated in other needy communities.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on a plaque at the orchard, on The Paros Foundation website, and in all appropriate public statements. Visits to the orchard can be arranged for families visiting Armenia.
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November 26, 2020

With the drip irrigation system installed, staff, students and teachers joined in to plant more than 800 fruit trees.

March 18, 2021

Classroom and field based instruction began for the students at the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School. They will learn how to manage the orchard through hands-on activities. 

November 16, 2021

Students helped plant 18 new trees in place of those that needed to be replaced. 

July 29, 2021

The Paros team visited the school orchard today. We were delighted to find that the trees were giving fruit and in full bloom getting ready for fall. 

March 28, 2023

A sign thanking our sponsors is added for providing this school with an orchard.

June 13, 2023

For a second season in a row, the orchard is providing fruit for the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur Primary School. The cherries are ready to be picked and we are excited to have a full crop in 2024.

June 12, 2026

Our Roots in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur project is growing, literally! Students recently gathered cherries from the orchard, turning their harvest into dried cherries that are now enjoyed as part of their school nutrition lunches. This project is more than an orchard; it’s a living classroom where children learn, grow, and benefit from the fruits of their own work. Your support helps keep this program growing and provides children with hands-on learning and nutritious opportunities. Help us continue planting roots for the future.

June 22, 2026

As fruit production continues to grow in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, the current drying equipment is no longer sufficient to manage the increased harvest. A larger fruit dryer, with a total project budget of $6,000, is needed to support students in preserving more fruit and reducing overall waste.

Arek’s Giving Campaign for Debi Arach

Description

As part of the SERVICE Armenia 2026 trip, participants are raising funds for a Paros project they are passionate about. Arek has chosen to support the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri for  humanitarian aid. The Center serves children from vulnerable families, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Through this effort, Arek will raise funds that will directly support the children’s essential needs and overall well-being. Your support will make a meaningful difference in their lives and help create a brighter future.

A message from Arek:

This summer, I’m planning to go on a service trip to Armenia to connect with my roots and support meaningful change for families and children that are in need.

From any time that I can remember, being Armenian has been an important part of my identity. Ever since I was little, I’ve eaten Armenian food, heard it spoken around me, and been told that I look and even act Armenian. Last summer, I got to see more of my Armenian family from around the world that came together in Istanbul to meet up with us. Feeling that shared family connection really meant a lot to me and strengthened my sense of identity as an Armenian. We were so close to Armenia, but didn’t visit and I realized how much I want to go there and connect.

I recently heard about the Paros Foundation and the service trip they lead, which includes a mix of service opportunities and cultural visits, along with experiencing the social life in Armenia with kids my age. I am excited to finally be able to experience the vibrant culture that I have only known from afar.

Along with organizing service trips, the Paros Foundation develops dozens of projects to support impoverished communities in Armenia. An important aspect of the trip is to raise money for the program that feels most important to me. I was drawn to the Humanitarian Aid for the Debi Arach program, which provides kids in need with backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, boots, shoes and groceries. I’m hoping to raise funds for Debi Arach in order to provide what these kids need most. As someone who has grown up in the Bay Area and attended private schools, I have always been privileged enough to not worry about having my essential needs met. My goal is not only to do my part to relieve this struggle, but also to spread awareness about the important work that the Paros and Debi Arach programs are providing. I’m asking you as our friends and family to help in this effort to support these communities.

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2026

End Date

August 2026

Gallery Images

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July 10, 2026

While in Armenia for the SERVICE Armenia 2026 program, Arek helped distribute shoes to the children of Debi Arach in Gyumri.

Community Gym in Gavar

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Description

Gevorg is an amazing young man who is a champion weightlifter who has competed throughout the world.  He is proud of the gym he has built in Gavar and Verin Karmiraghbyur both for the quality of the trainings that takes place, as well as the fact that he provides free access to for training and rehabilitation for people with disabilities and war veterans. Gevorg uniquely understands that difficulties faced by people with disabilities and those injured during the war as Gevorg, himself, has cerebral palsy.  

Gevorg and his NGO partners and friends have successfully fully renovated the Gavar gym through supplying both labor and some materials to complete the renovation work themselves.  With utility costs, it is difficult for Gevork to continue to operate with his established model of charging a modest fee for the gym’s use and for classes to help off set the expenses related to providing free access to people with disabilities and injured veterans.  Gevork would greatly benefit from a 10 KW solar panel system on the gyms roof.  This would off-set the Gavar Community Gym’s high winter heating costs and allow their existing fee structure to continue.  

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Gavar

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One Month

Gallery Images

The Gavar Community Gym’s renovation is complete and fully equipped.

The Need

The Gavar Community Gym needs assistance with operating the gym under the model of free access for people with injuries from the war and those with disabilities.  To do this, the gym needs a solar panel array installed to help offset heating and electricity costs.  

Short Term Impact

In the short term, Gevork will be able to continue operating the gym with free of charge access to people with disabilities and those who were injured in the war.  

Long Term Impact

In the long term, people with disabilities and war veterans injured will be able to have a space to exercise, train and conduct rehabilitation activities free of charge. 

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2026-2027 Funding​

Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 85 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 2014 in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan to provide support to 85 additional children annually. The new center has provided students the same core classes daily (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.

Amount will include rent, utilities, teacher salaries, maintenance and additional improvements, and supplies.

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Nor Nork / Նոր Նորք

Start Date

September 2026

End Date

August 2027

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 needs financial support in order to cover operational costs for the following school year 2026-2027.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, sponsorship of this project will help continue to employ teachers, and provide 85 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 85-100 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 2026-2027 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 center when you are in Armenia.

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Home Improvements for Arevik S.

Description

Arevik S. and her husband Armen reside in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur with their five young children (ages 1.5 to 13) and elderly parents. Their home is in need of a complete remodel, including a proper heating system and an interior bathroom, to provide safe and healthy living conditions.

Currently, the family relies solely on minimal pension income and sporadic seasonal work, leaving them unable to afford these essential renovations. This remodel will directly improve their quality of life and bring lasting stability to this family.

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of approximately 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community remained under constant risk of sniper fire for much of the last 30 years. NKA was the single most damaged Armenian village during the Azeri conflict in the 1990’s. 70% of their fertile land is located along the Azeri border. Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a beneficiary village of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border Initiative. With major financial support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family over the last 13 years, much of the village’s infrastructure has been completely rebuilt and improved including, but not limited to, its large secondary school, expanded kindergarten, medical center, emergency services building and water distribution system. In addition, several families have benefited from agribusiness and animal husbandry projects. Having funded the rebuilding of NKA’s infrastructure, the Atamian family is now focusing its attention on the reconstruction of severely damaged houses to provide decent and safe homes for deserving families in the village.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

September 2025

End Date

December 2025

Gallery Images

The Need

Improving conditions for people to live in communities along the border with Azerbaijan is important.  Many of these residents work as border guards, protecting our borders.  Helping villagers with home improvements is vital to help create a vibrant border community. This family’s home is in need complete remodel, including a proper heating system and an interior bathroom to provide them with a safe and dignified living space.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, The family will gain a safe and warm living environment, access to proper sanitation through an indoor bathroom, and improved health for their young children and elderly parents. This project will also create employment for local construction workers and skilled laborers, providing a boost to the village economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, homes in these communities will be improved beyond their previous condition. In addition, making significant improvements to villager’s homes will improve villager’s attitudes and moral, which is equally as important as their living conditions.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to these communities can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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May 29, 2026

Flooring is completed and home improvements are progressing well in Arevik S.’s home.

Knights of Vartan School 106-Improvement 3rd Floor

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Description

Նորք (Nork) is a neighborhood in the Armenian capital Yerevan. It is located in the Nork-Marash District. The school currently has 1,010 students enrolled from grades 1-12. The school is made up of two buildings and was built in 1981.

Since 1993, The Knights of Vartan has supported the #106 school in Yerevan, which since 1995 officially was known as the Knights of Vartan #106 Public School. It is one of the many schools the Knights of Vartan has supported via its partnership with the World Bank Armenian Social Investment Fund and the ATDF.

Through their continued support the entry way, one two-story building of classrooms, and the gym & auditorium have been fully renovated. Currently, the third floor of the school’s three story building is in need of renovations to 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallways and the third floor portion of the staircase. One classroom has already been renovated.  

Region

Yerevan Երևան

City / Village

Nork Նորք

Start Date

May 2025

End Date

Three Months After Start

The Need

The Knights of Vartan School 106 serves more than 1,000 children. The third floor of the three story  building is in need of renovations, including 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallway & staircase.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a local crew will be hired to complete renovation work on the third floor of the building. 

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, keeping the school’s infrastructure and investing in the education of the scores of children that will attend this school in the years to come will dramatically benefit the community including the teachers, children and other staff. A sense of community, unity with the Diaspora and pride in one’s surroundings will be instilled and reinforced.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed at Knights of Vartan School 106.
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May 16, 2025

Renovation work has begun on the 10 classrooms. 

July 19, 2026

SERVICE Armenia 2026 participants spent four days helping renovate the third floor of Knights of Vartan School 106 in Yerevan. Their work included demolition, cement repairs, painting, and installing new flooring in the classrooms and office spaces.

Musical Armenia 2025-2027

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Description

Musical Armenia was founded in 2017, to support youth music education in Armenia. They believe that every child in Armenia should have access to music education, regardless of financial means. Musical Armenia has partnered with The Paros Foundation to help provide tuition scholarships and instruments for underprivileged children. Musical Armenia is solely supported by individual donors.

This project aims to provide full, ongoing music scholarships to children from socially vulnerable families in Vanadzor who attend the Orran Center and children in need from Nork Marash who attend the Andreasyan School of Music. The budget includes funds allocated for securing instruments, transportation costs and other related expenses whenever needed.

Your contribution of $20 per month ($240 per year) will sponsor one child for the duration of one year. Sponsorship in any amount is welcomed.

Region

Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Vanadzor, Nork Marash

Start Date

January 2025

End Date

December 2027

Gallery Images

Guitar lessons funded through the Musical Armenia project.



Dhol group during City Day celebrations in Vanadzor.

The Need

Children who attend the Orran Center in Vanadzor and the Andreasyan School of Music in Nork Marash have been identified who would like to study music, but are unable to pay for tuition due to their family’s economic condition.

Short Term Impact

Children will study music in a warm and nurturing environment. This includes learning an instrument, studying music theory, and having the opportunity to sing in the school choir (optional). In addition, the project increases teacher salaries, since teachers are paid per student and the project increases the number of students.

Long Term Impact

Musical education teaches discipline, helps develop good work ethic, increases self-esteem and empowers children. This project will sponsor children for the duration of their studies (maximum 8 years), making a lasting investment in the child’s development. The goal is to inspire and allow the children to explore their talents and reach their full potential. Furthermore, this project has the potential to promote Armenia’s rich culture.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Musical Armenia websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.

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June 11, 2025

Through support for Musical Armenia, students have been continuing their instrumental lessons.