Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2015-2016 Funding

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Description

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

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

Currently, The Paros Foundation is looking for donors who will help keep this important Center running in the 2015-2016 school year. Amount will include rent, utilities, teacher salaries, maintenance and additional improvements, and supplies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI1AwdYMja8

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

September 2015

End Date

August 2016

Gallery Images

Some of the children and staff at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Nor Nork.



Students working on a group project at Ghoghanj Nor Nork.



Kids learning how to sculpt during art class.



Student artwork is displayed for all to see and admire.

The Need

Children living in the community of Nor Nork in Yerevan are in need of additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support. A second Center for these kids has been opened and will need additional financial assistance in order to cover operational costs for the following school year (2015-2016).

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to fund the operational costs for the 2015-2016 school year for Ghoghanj-Nor Nork will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.
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April 10, 2015

As a result of inclement weather, the children at both locations of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center were treated to lunch complements of the Armenia Tree Project. Thanks Lucineh Kassarjian for your quick thinking!

Agribusiness on the Border 9: Lamara H. Family

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Description

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

Lamara H. 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 eight members including five children. They live in a dangerous area as their home is exposed to Azeri sniper fire. They currently have a barn and have requested three cows for their agribusiness. As a part of this effort Lamara H. 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

Baghanis

Start Date

April 2016

End Date

April 2017

Gallery Images

Lamara’s and her family’s home in the village of Baganis.



The family’s barn.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website. Visits to the families can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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April 25, 2016

Paros staff delivered animal feed and the cows Lamara and her family requested for their agribusiness.

 December 8, 2017

Our team visited Lamara and her family today to check on their progress. We were VERY happy to see that the family is doing terrific. They have grown their business to 25 head of cattle and a milking machine! They are selling as much cheese, butter and milk as they can produce. Lamara’s husband told us that “your support was like the key to letting us know we can make this work, so we took on an interest free loan and expanded our holdings.” The cheese was terrific!

Destroy This Domik 1

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Description

Following the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, 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. Although more than a quarter century has passed since the earthquake, this depressive reality still remains. Currently, more than 2,300 dilapidated domiks are still scattered throughout Gyumri, about 500 of which are vacant. Many families who received homes through government aid did not demolish their old domiks.

Through our Purchase a Home project we have been working hard to find families new homes and demolish their old domiks in order to free Gyumri from these unsafe, unsanitary and depressing reminders of their difficult history. Recently, we have also teamed up with one of our partner organizations from Armenia, Shirak Centre NGO, to find sponsorship for this new and equally important project. Through this project we will work with Shirak Centre NGO to locate and identify the vacant domiks in Gyumri, purchase the domiks from their owners, demolish them and distribute the remaining scraps of wood to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. All remaining materials will be sold for scrap and those funds will be applied towards removing yet another domik. $1,000 is needed in order to complete this process per domik.

Our goal is to take as many domiks off of the market as possible. Demolishing these domiks has several benefits including raising the communities morale, returning land to its former use and providing firewood for fuel to impoverished families. Furthermore, this project has a significant environmental benefits; by using the scraps of wood from the domiks, less and less trees from nearby forests will need to be cut in order to serve this vital need.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One month from start date

Gallery Images

Shirak Center NGO staff & volunteers help dismantle the domiks.



Almost fully dismantled.

The Need

Currently, about a 1,000 dilapidated and vacant domiks are still scattered throughout Gyumri. Now that they are vacant they need to be removed from the market in order to prevent other impoverished families form moving into these unsafe and unsanitary dwellings. Additionally, Gyumri’s public space has been cluttered with these unpleasant domiks. Removing them will help restore public space and help bring the city back to its former glory.

Short Term Impact

In the short term vacant domiks will immediately be identified, purchased from their owners, and demolished. Scraps of wood will be distributed to other families in need who are still living in domiks and condemned buildings. All remaining materials will be sold for scrap and those funds will be applied towards removing yet another domik. Additionally, jobs will be created for about 10-15 locals in order to help with the process and demolition of these domiks.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, fewer trees will be cut for firewood, public space will be cleared and returned to its previous use and the communities overall morale will improve.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website.
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Kindergarten in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a village with 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community lives on the border with Azerbaijan under the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. The kindergarten currently can serve only 25 village children due to its physical condition and the fact that part of the building and playground is exposed to Azerbaijan. The kindergarten is housed in a building that also contains the newly renovated village medical center (a completed Paros 100 for 100 Project) and the village administrative office.

The kindergarten consists of two floors and totals approximately 4,600 square feet. The first floor is the kitchen, bathroom and playroom. The second floor is currently not in use because of its condition and the fact that four windows face Azerbaijan and are within sniper range. As recent as May of 2013 this building was hit with sniper fire. Four windows on the second floor would be blocked shut. The second floor would ultimately house the kindergarten’s storage room, principle’s office, a room to allow the children to nap during the day, and a classroom. The kindergarten needs a new roof over its portion of the building, new windows and doors and a heating system. Its current bathroom and staircase needs to be redone. The facility would also be completely painted and have new flooring and carpet installed. The floor support structure beneath the first floor also needs to be repaired to support the existing flooring, as there are some minor structural issues that must be corrected.

Any partial funds received for this project will be first used to replace the damaged roof. Then funds will be allocated to replace the windows and secure the building and playground from exposure to Azeri sniper fire and ultimately complete the needed interior renovations. The Paros Foundation team will work with the village administration to ensure that they support the project in as many ways as possible including donated materials, free labor and/or support services.
It is anticipated that the repairs to the kindergarten will take approximately three months depending on weather conditions.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

April 2014

End Date

July 2014

Gallery Images

The Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur kindergarten and playground is exposed to Azerbaijan.



The kindergarten building has several leaks in the wall, crooked floors, unsafe and unstable stairs and is in need of a complete renovation.



The room in which the children take naps has windows directly facing Azerbaijan and is vulnerable to sniper fire.



Children at the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur kindergarten having lunch.






Children received new beds and linens for nap time!

The Need

Kindergarten education is important for all children. The children in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur are limited in their opportunities because many more children would like to attend kindergarten then the current facility allows. In addition, villagers living in this isolated border village are under the constant threat of enemy fire and renewed armed conflict. A normal functioning kindergarten that is safe and can facilitate the resident’s needs is important for this community.

Short Term Impact

The renovation of the kindergarten will immediately better facilitate the educational needs of the residents in this village. Materials will be purchased locally when possible, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Several local workers will be hired during the renovation process and thus provide these residents short-term employment.

Long Term Impact

In order for a community to thrive, its residents must have access to an adequate, clean and safe kindergarten. This renovation will impact the lives of all of the residents of the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur and their children.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the newly renovated kindergarten. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the village and kindergarten will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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April 11, 2014

A local construction crew was hired and has begun work on the kindergarten in NKA. The supplies have all arrived safely.

 April 17, 2014

Per the request of the mayor of the village, the decision was made to reconfigure the rooms and windows in order to optimize safety and protect the children from Azeri sniper fire. The local construction crew blocked off several windows on the second floor with tufa stone, and created smaller windows elsewhere, to let in light.

 April 18, 2014

The local crew is working on the roof, which was damaged from leaks as well as Azeri snipers. The roof will be replaced with corrugated metal roofing. The crew also began work on the interior of the kindergarten including the floors, walls, basement and electrical work.

 April 27, 2014

Construction has begun on a security wall that will block the playground and the entrance of the kindergarten. This will become the first ever security wall built in Armenia.

 May 8, 2014

Work in the interior of the kindergarten is moving along nicely. New doors, and the remaining windows have been installed and work on the new staircase is also progressing. The restroom will also be fully renovated.

 June 14, 2014

The art teacher at the local school was hired to design and paint welcoming and child-friendly images for the kindergarten.

 July 25, 2014

After months of hard work, the renovations at the kindergarten have been completed and the village awaits the opening celebrations.

 August 1, 2014

Today Azeri snipers shot toward she kindergarten and damaged the roof and walls of the building, as well as a villager’s car. Thankfully none of the village residents were hurt. A small crew will work throughout the weekend in order to quickly make the necessary repairs.

 August 31, 2014

The ribbon cutting and school opening celebrations was very successful. Families attended with their children and were looking forward to sending their children to the new, warm and most importantly safe kindergarten.

NKA School Remodel – Phase 2

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a border village with a population of 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory connects with Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict every day. Along with the economy these difficult and dangerous times have also had a negative impact on educational advancement and school attendance. The primary school in the village was in need of complete remodel in order to provide elementary and high school aged children the opportunity to learn in a clean, new and safe environment. This school, which has 180 children in attendance, is housed in three buildings of which currently two are in use.

The gym has been renovated through local sponsorship from the village. In 2015, the elementary school wing was completely remodeled with the generous contribution by Michael and Patricia Starzer (CO-USA) through our NKA School Remodel – Phase 1 project. The elementary school wing is made up of five classrooms on the first floor. In addition to the five classrooms, the hallways and the boys and girls bathrooms were remodeled as well as updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. The wing that houses the middle and high school classrooms, and the cafeteria are all still in poor condition and in need of renovations.

Sponsorship of this project will facilitate the remodel of the second phase of this project including six classrooms on the second floor, the adjacent hallway, the staircase and two bathrooms, which make up the middle and high school. The scope of work will include repairs to the roof, new flooring and paint throughout, new classroom furniture, new electrical fixtures and two completely renovated restrooms. Phase three renovations (see Phase three project listing) will include renovating the school’s kitchen, the dining hall and the school’s entryway.

The Paros Foundation, with the help of generous donors Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, has already successfully renovated the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur medical center and kindergarten, and provided five families with their own agribusiness for their economic development. These projects have had a huge impact on this community. It is of strategic importance to support these villages in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan.

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Region

Tavush

City / Village

Bert Region, Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

June 2016

End Date

September 2016

Gallery Images

A typical classroom at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.



The classroom walls and doors are in poor condition.



One classroom has newer furniture for the students.



The wooden floors are in very poor condition despite the fact that the school works to repair them.

The Need

Students attending the primary school in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are in need of new, clean, and warm classrooms so they can attend and concentrate on their studies. A normal functioning school that is safe and functional is important for this community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term six classrooms on the second floor will be remodeled including, the hallway and staircase, the boys and girls bathrooms, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Supplies will be purchased locally and locally labor will be used whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

Once phase 2 is completed, phase 3 renovations will begin, which will include, the kitchen and the cafeteria, and the school’s entryway. For years to come, children in this village will be able to attend school in a safe and functional environment and progress towards successful futures.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor this project will be recognized with a plaque at the school and in their printed materials. Sponsors will also be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros Foundation website. Visits to the school can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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May 10, 2016

Work commenced on the middle and high school wing at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

 May 28, 2016

Classrooms were reconfigured to enable the creation of an additional classroom upstairs. The windows in the hallway were blocked closed to protect children from stray Azeri sniper fire.

 July 16, 2016

Work throughout the classrooms, bathrooms, stairs and hallway are proceeding nicely.

 August 4, 2016

The crew began painting colorful elements to the walls throughout the hallways adding a bit of cheer to the school.

 September 1, 2016

Opening day at the new middle and high school wing at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur school. The children very much enjoy this highly improved learning environment.

Medical Center in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

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Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a village with 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community lives on the border with Azerbaijan under the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. The medical center in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur also serves two neighboring villages of Tavush and Aygepar (also along the border.) The facility is housed in a building that was renovated last in 1999, which also houses the village administration.

The Medical Center consists of four rooms totaling approximately 1,188 square feet. The Center needs a new roof over its portion of the building, new windows and doors and a heating system. Currently they are using a wood-burning stove to heat patient rooms. They have a need for storage cabinets for both medication and patient records, chairs for the waiting room and a computer and desk for the physician’s use. Lab equipment such as an EKG machine, patient temperature device, and a Biochemical Analyzer and an ultrasound machine are also needed.

Any partial funds received for this project will be first used to replace the damaged roof. Then funds will be allocated to equipment purchases and the remainder of the renovation of the space. The Paros Foundation team will work with the village administration to ensure that they support the project in as many ways as possible including donated materials, free labor and/or support services.

It is anticipated that the repairs to the medical center will take approximately 3 months depending on weather conditions.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Bert Region, Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

January 2013

End Date

June 2013

Gallery Images

The second floor medical center in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur.



The entry door is in poor condition and barely closes.



The roof at the medical center leaks terribly.



The medical center is currently heated with wood.

The Need

Quality medical care is difficult to provide in Armenia’s rural areas without proper facilities and equipment. Residents have no choice but to depend on these regional medical centers for their family’s health care needs. The roof, doors, windows and heating system are items that are fundamentally needed to allow this center to operate. The furniture and basic equipment needs that are requested will allow for health care professionals to better understand the ailments and treatment for their patients.

Short Term Impact

The renovation of the Medical Center will immediately better facilitate the health needs of the residents in these three villages. Materials will be purchased locally, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Three to four local workers will be hired during the renovation process and thus provide these residents short-term employment.

Long Term Impact

Citizens must have access to adequate, clean medical facilities especially for children. This renovation and equipment purchase will help meet the needs of approximately 3,300 rural patients annually.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the newly renovated areas. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros 100 website. Visits to the Clinic will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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April 15, 2013

It took the majority of the day and night to get the construction materials delivered to the Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur medical center. The materials left Yerevan late, and took almost six hours to arrive!

 May 2, 2013

Working under the constant threat of sniper fire, our local crew completed the installation of the new roof.

 May 20, 2013

Work is progressing nicely inside the Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur medical center.

 July 1, 2013

Today we held the official opening of the medical center! The project benefactors, Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian and their family joined Paros Foundation Chairman Roger Strauch, staff, and SERVICE Armenia 2013 volunteers for the ceremony. See the video below!

Debi Arach Children’s Center- Gyumri

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Description

The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities. The tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake claimed the lives of 25,000 people and left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyurmi has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children with the proper guidance, supervision and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have a successful future. Families struggling with these extreme conditions must often place their children in one of several orphanages to try to have their daily needs met.

The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” will help these socially vulnerable children by providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed in life. Through sponsorship of this important project The Paros Foundation, will establish a children’s center providing the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support to ensure that the children mature to well adjusted, successful, young adults.

The new center will provide 100 students with opportunities to receive counseling, homework help and tutoring along with English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, a well-balanced and nutritious meal will be provided daily. The Center, which will be open six days a week, will be able to serve two groups of 50 students for three days each per week.

In order to address another very important need for children in Gyumri, supervised bathing facilities will be available for the children’s use. Each child attending the center will be able to use the showers twice a week should they desire. Strict supervision will be assigned in order to ensure the privacy and safety of the children.

Furthermore, the municipality of Gyumri has agreed to partner with us on this important project and provide us with long term and rent-free space to house this new program. The current program budget reflects only the one-time startup and annual operational costs.

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Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

April 2015

End Date

March 2016

Gallery Images

Students at Debi Arach participate in academic, art and computer classes.



Students in Debi Arach’s computer classes learn about basic use of computers, the internet, Microsoft office suite and even
photoshop!



Student are fed a nutritious meal each day.



Weather permitting, students engage in outdoor classes and physical activity. The backyard at Debi Arach has been cleared and planted with grass and a garden.



Children at Debi Arach participate in regularly schedule excursions to cultural and educational sites.

The Need

Thousands of children in Gyumri are living in extreme poverty, with no hope for a decent future. These socially vulnerable children are in need of a safe and enriching environment where they can receive additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support giving them a chance to break their cycle of poverty. The children’s center will provide these children with the opportunity to attend afterschool and summer school programs providing them with the additional skills necessary for a successful future. Additionally, these children suffer from malnutrition and related illnesses due to a lack of well-balanced meals. The center will provide each child with a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they need. Furthermore, many families were forced to take refuge in overseas shipping containers (domiks), or in condemned buildings after the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake or due to their poor socioeconomic status. An entire generation of children have grown up in deplorable conditions, often times with no running water and little or no heat to take showers. The Center will address this very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised new bathing facilities.

Short Term Impact

The short-term 100 children will receive immediate support and gudacne to help them succeed. The new Center will offer nutritious meals, counseling opportunities, homework aid and tutoring and core classes including English, Computer, Art/Design, and Math. Additionally, new bathing facilities will be constructed and ready for use by the children. An entire staff of 11 individuals including an administrative staff and instructors will be immediately employed to help instruct and oversee these courses. Additional employment opportunities will be created for the residents of Gyurmri for both the start-up and operational phases of the program.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, with the success of the Center’s current offerings, additional classes and programs will be added and attendance will rise. This project has the potential of impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens. Through the ongoing employment opportunities created, several families will receive a fair wage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the establishment of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri 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 proudly arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.
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July 15, 2020

A video shows the protests in Baku calling on a resumption of war with Armenia.

July 16, 2020

The kindergarten in the village of Aygepar was hit by Azeri artillery this morning. We had finished the complete renovation of this kindergarten in 2018 and will assess the damage and rebuild again as soon as possible! We build, they destroy!

 July 21, 2020

Members of The Paros Foundation team joined Tavush Governor Hayk Chobanyan, Berd Consolidated Communities head Harutyun Manucharyan, representatives of the Prime Minister’s office, and local village representatives to visit the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar and Chinari communities to assess the damage and to strategize and coordinate the next steps forward.

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2016-2017 Funding

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Description

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

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

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

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

September 2016

End Date

August 2017

Gallery Images

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



ATP trainers lead environmental education curriculum for the children.



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



Having fun during art class.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

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September 5, 2016

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

December 16, 2016

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

 January 18, 2017

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

Our Soldiers, Our Heros

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Description

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

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

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

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

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

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

February 2016

End Date

June 2016

Gallery Images

Photo credit: Hetq.am by Hagop Boghosyan



Photo credit: Hetq.am by Hagop Boghosyan

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

April 12, 2016

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

Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio

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Description

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

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

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

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Koghb

Start Date

2014

End Date

September 2015

Gallery Images

Children learning how to use their new pottery wheel.



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



Students admiring their beautiful work.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors supporting the Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio project will be presented as donors on our websites: www.koghb.am and www.koghbartschool.am . Sponsors will also be recognized in their printed materials and a sponsor plaque will be placed in the entrance of the school. Additionally, your name will be listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Koghb Art School Ceramics Studio when you are in Armenia.
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September 13, 2015

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