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.
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.
Updates: Images & Information
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.
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.
A sign thanking our sponsors is added for providing this school with an orchard.
Students helped plant 18 new trees in place of those that needed to be replaced.Â
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.Â
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.Â
With the drip irrigation system installed, staff, students and teachers joined in to plant more than 800 fruit trees.
Our Donors (92)
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Mrs. Sandra Riley
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Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas & Aline (Beylerian) Knaian , In Honor of Nariné Atamian & Tim Schade
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Ms. Anna Bohigian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Ms. Seta Kelly
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Ms. Shar Attaran
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Ms. Mariam Kutukjian
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Ms. Hasmik Geghamyan
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Mr. Sedrak Yenikomshuyan
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Ms. Kristen Abajian
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Mrs. Angela Tankian
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Mr. Hovig Johnny Maghakian
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Mr. Lenard Reid
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Ms. Chiara Fiori
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Ms. Nicole Esther
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. & Mrs. Eric & Sofia Nikssarian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. & Mrs. Nazaret & Grace Dirinian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Kevork Bardakjian
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Mr. & Mrs. Rudolf & Karin Klinkradt
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Ajemian Foundation
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Mr. & Dr. Harout & Lena Soghomonian
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Mrs. Rita Balian
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Mr. Grant Keligian
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Mr. Christopher Kibarian
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Ms. Elise Yacoubian
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Mrs. Danielle Tognozzi Hairabedian - Bag a Beau