The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.
Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.
Although women’s roles in society have evolved immensely throughout the centuries, they still differ vastly among different cultures and countries. Christina Cherekdjian, a young Armenian living in America, is interested in studying women in their everyday realities in present day Armenia. Her vision is to document women of all ages, socioeconomic statuses, and rural and urban environments through photography with the help of other young diasporan women. Christina hopes that these photos will be able to help educate, and spark interest and dialogue about modern day roles of women in Armenia’s society.
Photos from her cultural experiment will be showcased at an art exhibit that will travel throughout Armenia and the United States allowing Christina to share her thoughts and discoveries for one year. The exhibit will be hung in museums, art galleries and school throughout Armenia to help launch a discussion about women’s roles in Armenia.
A study of women in Armenia is well overdue. It is through discussion and education that people learn about themselves and evolve and improve their existence. This project can help spark great interest in this topic and create discussions that can inform positive cultural changes for women in Armenia.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, Christina and her team will be given cameras and grant funding in order to complete a photo study of women in Armenia’s society. In addition, an art exhibit will be held in the United States and Armenia, allowing Christina to share her findings, discoveries, and thoughts. The exhibit in Armenia will travel throughout several towns and villages. Furthermore, the local economy will receive a boost due to the printing of the photos in Armenia.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, the photo exhibit will tour Armenia and the United States for a year’s period. This project will continue to inform and educate Armenian women, both in Armenia and the diaspora and help bring upon change and advancement.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors towards this project will be recognized on the The Paros Foundation’s website and in appropriate related press regarding this project.
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Updates: Images & Information
July 23, 2014
September 15, 2014
February 12, 2015
February 18, 2015
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July 23, 2014
On July 23, Christina Cherekdjian’s project came to life with the opening of the Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit in Yerevan, Armenia. Her interest in women’s issues prompted her to apply and win a grant through her school to initiate this important project. The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit is comprised of a series of photographs taken by Christina and several of her peers during The Paros Foundation’s SERVICE-Armenia 2014 trip this summer.
September 15, 2014
The exhibit,comprised of more than 40 large format photographs, begins its tour at the Narekatsi Art Center in Armenia where it will be for the next week.
 February 12, 2015
The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit is being showcased at Christina Cherekdjian’s school, Notre Dame High School in San Francisco, where she has been asked to speak about her peers about the journey in putting this project together. The photos will also be exhibited at St. Andrews Armenia Church also in the San Francisco Bay Area right after.
 February 18, 2015
The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit is being showcased at The Green Bean Coffee Shop on Amiryan Street in Yerevan, Armenia.
 July 20, 2015
The Aghcheeg Project Photo Exhibit made its way to the Vanadzor Fine Arts Museum for its final showcasing of its year-long tour throughout Armenia. Our ‪SERVICE Armenia 2015‬ group will be visiting soon to see the exhibit. The exhibit will be available upon request for further art exhibits in Armenia and the US.
The Adaam Project is focused around the idea of raising awareness about the importance of promoting good dental hygiene in Armenian children in an effort to prevent dental decay and more extensive dental problems which they would never be able to afford to take care of in the future.
Dental hygiene is commonly overlooked in poverty-stricken regions around the world, including Armenia, for the obvious fact that the population has more pressing concerns such as securing everyday necessities like food, shelter and clothing. In the light of all these hardships, brushing one’s teeth for two minutes, twice a day, seems trivial and indeed insignificant and not on one’s priority list.
The aim is to collect a total of 2,000 toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwash and dental floss to take to Armenia and accompany The Paros Foundation volunteers for several weeks from village to village distributing dental hygiene necessities to students in different elementary schools as the other volunteers distribute shoes as part of the share-a-pair project. An informational presentation on proper usage of dental hygiene tools will serve as an integral component of this project.
Donations of toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwash and dental floss are welcomed. The budget amount of $3,000 will be used to augment donated hygiene products for distribution, shipping expenses, development of the educational presentation and distribution expenses. It is important to note that as this project will be implemented in conjunction with the Paros Foundation’s share-a-pair project, distribution costs will be kept to a minimal.
Children must be educated at a young age regarding both the necessity of and manner in which to care for one’s teeth to avoid a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease. Many children in Armenia’s poverty stricken regions lack this basic education and due to financial issues lack the basic instruments.
Short Term Impact
More than 2,000 children will receive basic dental hygiene instruction in a form they can easily understand, along with the proper instruments to care for their teeth.
Long Term Impact
The lives of 2,000 children have the potential to be altered for the better as a result of this education and for the fact that they will be caring for their teeth on a regular basis.
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to sponsor the Healthy Teeth Project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.
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June 27, 2013
July 8, 2014
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June 27, 2013
Our SERVICE Armenia 2013 group, as well as volunteers and guests of The Paros Foundation distributed dental supplies to children in six villages on the eastern shores of Lake Sevan. The dental supplies were received through Raffi Dadaian’s efforts.
 July 8, 2014
Following the successful distributions from 2013, more dental supplies were gathered and distributed to additional children throughout Armenia with the help of the SERVICE Armenia 2014 group, volunteers and guests of The Paros Foundation.
Armenia is creating and marketing world class intellectual property and building IT products and services to meet the needs of the global economy. Recent Armenian start ups include: PicsArt, Viki, Joomag and Service Titan. We need to create opportunities to connect Armenia’s high tech community with Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurs and investors. Armenia start up companies must continue to enhance their business development expertise, sources of financing and professional networks to effectively compete on the world stage. This will help strengthen the overall ecosystem and help grow and sustain a successful IT sector of the Armenian economy.
HyeTech Showcase 2016, co-hosted by Nerses Ohanyan and Roger Strauch, will bring together hundreds of startups, entrepreneurs and investors from the US, Armenia and across the globe. The Showcase will be accompanied by the Entrepreneurship Immersion Program (“Program”) – an ambitious, one-of-a-kind 10-day event for Armenia’s and California’s entrepreneur communities. The Program will host 15-20 select entrepreneurs from Armenia.
The Immersion Program will commence in Southern California with participation in Innovate Armenia organized by the Institute of Armenian Studies at USC, and continue in the Bay Area with visits to Silicon Valley’s top companies, incubators and venture firms. The program will include daily In-depth workshops on competitive analysis, business strategy, fundraising and successful pitching, company tours, mentoring sessions with local entrepreneurs and introductions to investors.
The Immersion program will culminate at the HyeTech Showcase at the Bechtel Engineering Center, UC Berkeley. The Showcase will feature HyeTech’s most exciting startups and success stories. Members will demonstrate their products and network with a dynamic group of entrepreneurs, technologists, investors and thought leaders in high technology. There will be featured speakers from founders of companies including: Viki, Service Titan, Kanjoya, Joomag and CodeFights. A pitching competition will be held for the Immersion Program participants.
Funding is needed for workshop materials, meals during event, accommodations and domestic transportation, for 15-20 participants from Armenia. The selection committee consisting of HyeTech members will review applications and select the 15-20 participants.
$30,000 is needed to support the participation of 20 high tech professional’s at HyeTech Showcase 2016. This event will provide these participants the opportunity to feature their idea, business or product to Silicon Valley’s high tech community including potential investors.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, 20 high tech professionals from Armenia will have the opportunity to feature their product, idea or business to leaders from Silicon Valley.
Long Term Impact
In the long run, connections made at HyeTech Showcase 2016 could result in significant business development, investment and advancement for Armenia as a viable high tech player on the world stage. Lessons learned and the experiences by the visitors can then propagate within the local Armenian entrepreneurship ecosystem and this would positively impact Armenia’s economy and further development.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on both the HyeTech Showcase and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will also be invited to the event.
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April 9, 2017
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Video Update
April 9, 2017
The full day Hyetech Showcase was a huge success with more than 30 Armenian companies participating from around the world!
Throughout Armenia, there are limited opportunities for girls to play soccer. Despite having a strong desire to do so, girls cannot find the resources necessary or sporting groups that make experiencing the game a possibility. In addition, organized sport participation has several benefits to youth development such as leadership skills, teamwork skills, confidence building and improved overall physical health. A team comprised of Peace Corps Volunteers, Paros volunteers and soccer coaches will organize three regional girls soccer camps that will culminate in a soccer tournament. Sponsorship of this project will help fund the camps and help raise awareness about girls’ soccer in Armenia.
On July 10th a Training of Trainers (TOT) will be held in Yerevan before the start of a week-long empowerment camp in Gyumri. All coaches and volunteers involved with the camp will attend the TOT; this will include three traveling coaches, and three coaches from each camp location as well as three Peace Corps volunteers and three Paros volunteers. The TOT will include specific aspects of the camp, including the logistics and overall organization, guest speakers, seminars, and drills. The Staff will be given the coaching manual and the curriculum developed by Coaches Across Continents.
The summer camp will go from 9am to 3pm every day. The daily routine will consist of a combination of traditional skill building drills, scrimmages, team building exercises, seminars on leadership, as well as a set of drills designed by Coaches Across Continents. Lunches will be provided. The last day of the camp there will be a “5 on 5” tournament between the attending girls. Local parents and the press will be invited to attend the last day of the camp. There will be a trophy presentation to the winning team.
The following is a brief project timeline: July 10th – August 5th
GOALS Camp TOT – July 10th 10am- 4pm In Yerevan for major participants in GOALS camp
GOALS Camp Gyumri    July 17th- 22nd 9am-3pm GOALS Camp Vanadzor July 24th- 29th 9am-3pm GOALS camp Goris     July 31st- August 5th 9am-3pm
GOALS Camp Finale and Celebration – August 5th 3pm-6pm Inviting Peace Corps staff, Embassy, Paros, Football Federation, other sponsors, etc.
CAC Camp August 17th- 27th 3 days Yerevan –> 2 days COAF –> 1 day Dilijan –> 3 days Gyumri GOALS Camp Tournament- August 8th-11th Tentative, in Hangavan
Throughout Armenia, there are limited opportunities for girls to play soccer. Despite having a strong desire to do so, girls cannot find the resources necessary or sporting groups that make experiencing the game a possibility. In addition, organized sport participation has several benefits to youth development such as leadership skills, teamwork skills, confidence building and improved overall physical health. In Armenia there is a football federation, which only works in cities near or in the capital, namely Gyumri, Yerevan, Hrazdan and Vanadzor. Generally, resources are unavailable and playing the sport in most villages is seen as a thing that girls simply don’t do. By giving girls the chance to play soccer we can empower a new generation of young women leaders in Armenia.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, more than 100 girls will have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to play soccer. Equally important, perceptions of girls’ soccer will begin to change through both the regional camps and the tournament.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, public awareness and opinions surrounding girls soccer will begin to change, making participation both feasible and desirable.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors of this project will be recognized on the Paros Foundation and GOALS websites, at the camps and in all press related to this project.
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The Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF), founded in March 2013, is the structured and legal entity born of the Homeland Handicrafts project, which was started by HDIF Founder, Timothy Straight. Under our charter, HDIF works to initiate, facilitate, and nurture sustainable economic opportunities in rural and disenfranchised regions of Armenia.
Rural regions of Armenia are most severely facing the daunting problem of un- and underemployment. Due to the lack of sustainable income and limited access to skills development, a majority of men leave their wives and children in Armenia to seek work in Russia. Armenia has lost some 40% of its population to migration. The current economic structure of Armenian daily life in these regions is largely funded via the remittances sent by migrant workers. Those remaining in Armenia (mostly women) lack the opportunity and ability to meet basic needs for themselves and their families; with no way to control their sustenance, they completely depend on others for money. The Homeland Handicrafts project aims to address this issue by creating market opportunities for villager women to sell their handicrafts. Building on this foundation, HDIF’s work goes beyond providing a market for the sale of handicrafts; concentrating on empowering these women by endowing them with the education and necessary skills to be successful not only as independent business entities, but also in other spheres of life.
HDIF works towards creating and supporting sustainable independent business entities among our producers. We see training seminars as a vehicle to attaining the goal of sustainable producer independence. HDIF will work towards this goal by facilitating and leading seminars and workshops as the basic building blocks upon which to build up the needed knowledge. These workshops will cover a wide variety of topics associated with best business practices in a globally competitive climate. Again, the point is not only to pass on valuable information necessary to operate small businesses, but also to empower women (who are the most disenfranchised social group) in their daily life. We see this as HDIF’s primary role and one that has no time limitation or definite end. Addressing the need for such a program, as you can imagine, is not a cheap task to undertake; we are actively seeking funding to enable us to continue doing the work that is so necessary for the development of Armenia.
We intend to hold training workshops that will set the precedent and establish the standard for the development sector in Armenia. The first training workshop will introduce the women to the tax and registration structure in Armenia and the importance and process of registering as legal tax entities. This issue alone is complicated and information is not readily accessible to the public. Operating within the legal legislative and taxation framework is not the norm in Armenia; many business transactions continue to take place ‘under-the-table’. The ambiguity of tax laws and regulations and the lack of clear and accessible information, taken with the cultural aversion to conducting business ‘by-the-book’, means that the majority of economic activity is not regulated in any way. To spur economic development in Armenia, Western taxation and registration policies must be adopted. We aim to tackle this issue aggressively by establishing the standard of registered business operation within the Armenian legal framework. Future sessions will similarly endeavor to impart Western business practices in topics such as organizational structure, procedures for orders, production, delivery and payment, inventory and quality control, website and social media, designing for market needs, branding, budgeting, investing and micro-lending, grant writing and funding, scaleability, progress reporting, and more.
Seminars will be conducted as full-day intensive workshops once a month and will follow a general outline. To be equally accessible to all our producers, we will be holding training workshops in Yerevan. This means arranging for transportation of our producers from and to their individual regions and providing over-night accommodations to those for whom distance does not allow a one-day trip. We will also provide water and dinner at the seminar. Thankfully, we have a partner in Yerevan who will provide a conference facility free of charge in which we may conduct our workshops. Consultants in the field of the seminar topic will work intensively with HDIF to create supplemental reference materials for each workshop as well as a ‘lesson plan’ for the seminar itself. As both The Paros Foundation and AIWA propose the recording and dissemination of videos of our training sessions, we believe that HDIF can expand its reach of influence to a broader audience. Along these lines, we’d like to provide reference material not only tailored to the specific needs of our producer groups, but also to the broader needs of the Armenian people. The written materials will together make a handbook that, combined with videos of seminars, will serve the need for accessible and country-specific information and resources in Armenia. Because of the absolute lack in such resources, HDIF strongly believes in filling this gap to the best of our abilities and with the absolute best information. We see the seminars and reference materials that we will provide to become the standard and serve all interested parties across Armenia.
The seminar participants will largely depend on the topic of the workshop. HDIF will strongly encourage the following four people from each organization participate in all seminars: the President of each partner organization, the Head of Handicrafts, the project’s Accountant, and the corresponding Peace Corp Volunteer. In addition to these specified people, we will invite attendees who show initiative and commitment in their respective producer groups. HDIF will work with the administrators of each producer group to identify and target leaders and teachers within our projects who will eventually be able to continue passing on learned information to their cohorts. Producer individuals will be able to volunteer to attend any workshop and we will be as accommodating as possible to ensure all interested parties are able to participate. Subsequent workshops will target those who are specifically inclined and affected by the seminar theme. For example, web savvy individuals for the social media and marketing seminar, detail-oriented seamstresses for quality control workshops, and those who exhibit leadership qualities and communication skills for organizational structure seminars. By identifying individuals with strengths in particular topics and encouraging their participation, we will create a diversified and specialized work force within our producer groups with each individual being a vital part of the whole. We would ideally like to integrate interested parties from outside the HDIF producer groups who will benefit from the skills and knowledge provided by the seminars. As with our producers, we would publicly invite interested parties to apply for seminar attendance space. Because an increase in attendees would translate to higher costs, we would either need to incorporate that in our budget or look for other ways to subsidize the costs associated with outsider participation.
Seminar participants will be expected to implement learned skills in daily operations. Each seminar will present the goals of the trainings and elucidate the tasks required to achieve those goals. Following the first seminar on taxation, all producers under the HDIF umbrella who are not already registered as tax-paying entities will be required to do so. Other subjects to be covered include preparation of proper invoices, timely and consistent delivery, keeping accurate inventory counts, and more. With each month and each training seminar, our participants will be acquiring the skills necessary to operate as independent and sustainable units. Over time, as they obtain the tools needed to work in the regional and global competitive business climate, they will become increasingly more independent from HDIF and other organizations.
Each training session will build on the last to create a strong and cohesive unit of producer individuals and groups who are all on the same page with HDIF and the legal and business frameworks nationally and globally. As the groups are exposed to more training through HDIF’s process, business practices will improve to reflect the new skill sets. Information and knowledge dissemination and practical application of learned skills will be the primary measure of HDIF seminar’s effect on participants. Knowledge and implementation of concepts such as taxation, invoicing, quality control, organizational structure, etc. will enable and encourage producer groups to move away from the culturally accepted practice of ‘under-the-table’ or ‘black market’ economic activity and towards operations within the legal framework of the Republic of Armenia. By creating this kind of business climate in Armenia, our producers will set the standard for thriving and independent organizations. Additional benefits of the creation of a network among HDIF producers and among the Armenian community that works together learning from one another and teaching each other as a whole is a hugely important byproduct of organizing like-minded individuals. Networks are vital for success as cohesive groups can have a more immediate and more influential impact. Encouraging disenfranchised groups and opening the eyes and minds of citizens to possibilities that do exist and can be utilized will generate a ‘yes-we-can’ attitude that will work toward civic engagement and paint a favourable picture for investment. All of these outcomes are equally important and beneficial and will generate as a direct result of the economic, social, and community investment in training seminars.
The success of the seminars initiative by HDIF will immediately be visible and measurable through the day-to-day activities of our organization. For example, currently a majority of our producers do not know how to create a proper invoice, register inventory, perform under deadlines, and ensure consistency of production. HDIF undertakes all of these issues as well as many other ones. Seminars will set the standard at which all will be held to; and with each new learned skill, producers will take on new responsibilities.
HDIF’s broad-scope goal is the initiation, facilitation, and nurturing of sustainable economic development initiatives in Armenia. A tangible benchmark we are striving for is the creation of 1,000 employment opportunities within five years. Seminars serve as the fundamental foundation, upon which many avenues through which this goal can be attained are built. While traditional handicrafts creation and sale is a main vein, opportunities in tourism and events such as festivals also provide a rich opportunity for sustainable economic ventures.
The promotion and support of a ‘small-scale’ tourism sector (of which festivals are one part of) will expand the scope of influence to many more people, particularly those in the oft-forgotten and ignored areas of Armenia. The potential is great to provide an economic and moral boost to these areas and so is the need. The direct impact of handicrafts jobs will be magnified to include other job opportunities such as tour guides, bed and breakfast providers, cafes and restaurants, other craftspeople such as beekeepers, farmers, and those teaching visitors how to dance, make traditional regional Armenian food, activity providers such as hiking, bike riding, horseback riding, and more.
The creation and presentation of educational seminars will be of great use for all different sectors, which can be utilized in building Armenia as a sustainable economy. HDIF’s approach echoes the famous Silk Road- just as the silk road was comprised of many small points that together created the hugely successful and necessary route, so do we see the importance of all the sectors of influence (including handicrafts production and sales, festival events, and general tour packages) to build upon a solid and exemplary foundation of knowledge and business skills in order to create a strong and viable Armenian economy.
Currently, HDIF employs around 150 artisans across ten projects under the HDIF umbrella. Our producers struggle with understanding and applying basic business concepts such as taxation and registration, invoicing, quality control, social media, and more. Due to their lack of knowledge and experience in these fields, our producers are currently completely dependent on HDIF. Without HDIF, the 150 jobs would not exist and there would be little hope in increasing the number of employment opportunities in the coming years.
Short Term Impact
Participants from each of the ten projects under the HDIF umbrella will receive valuable information about registration and taxation for their small businesses in the Republic of Armenia. In addition, the Republic of Armenia will benefit economically as these small business become tax-paying member of the business community.
Long Term Impact
It is hoped that through this initiative the economic situation in the regions will improve to the point where the 150 women that currently work on HDIF projects will be able to earn a living wage to help support their families. Tourism also will benefit due to increased traffic of visitors to the regions.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized at the taxation seminar, on The Paros Foundation and HDIF Websites, and in the video produced of the seminar. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.
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February 28, 2014
The seminar took place and was well attended and very informational.
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 major 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, including five classrooms on the first floor, the hallways and the boys and girls bathrooms, was remodeled as well as updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Phase 2 of the project, including renovations to six classrooms on the second floor, the adjacent hallway, the staircase and two bathrooms (middle and high school wing), was generously funded by Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian (NY-USA) and was completed in advance of the 2016-17 academic year. The wing that houses the cafeteria and kitchen, and the entryway of the school are all still in poor condition and in need of renovations.
Sponsorship of this project will facilitate the remodel of the third phase of this project including a full kitchen remodel including the cafeteria, furniture and appliances, and gas connection to the kitchen. In addition, the entrance of the school, the boys and girls locker rooms and the security office will be renovated. The scope of work will include new flooring, electrical fixtures and paint throughout, new kitchen furniture and equipment as necessary and new plumbing for the kitchen and cafeteria.
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.
Students attending the primary school in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are in need of new, clean, and warm kitchen and 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 the kitchen, cafeteria, and the school’s entryway will be remodeled including new flooring, electrical fixtures and paint throughout, new kitchen furniture and equipment as necessary and new plumbing for the kitchen and cafeteria. Supplies will be purchased locally and locally labor will be used whenever possible.
Long Term Impact
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. With a remodeled school, families in the village will be less likely consider moving away.
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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July 28, 2016
September 15, 2016
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December 3, 2016
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July 28, 2016
Renovation work on on the entrance, cafeteria and the kitchen of the NKA Primary School has begun.
 September 15, 2016
The kitchen and dining hall are complete and ready for use by the staff and children.
 October 1, 2016
Work has begun in the entry and hallway following the completion of the kitchen and cafeteria.
 December 3, 2016
The work on the inside of the school is complete and our crew has now moved to the school’s bunker to renovate this space. Although this was not part of the original project, the mayor has asked us to improve the school’s safety bunker. We are grateful to the Atamian family who have agreed to fund this effort. The bunker is used by the children in the event of renewed shelling by Azerbaijan.
The Shirak Center NGO, established in 2006, has been an instrumental organization aimed at helping Gyumri and its residents. Chairman, Vahan Tumasyan, and his staff have worked tirelessly for years fighting for the rights of impoverished residents, helping bring humanitarian aid and supplies to their families and helping shed light on their devastating living conditions. Furthermore, the Shirak Center NGO aims at bridging differences between local authorities and communities in Gyumri through coalition building and conflict resolution, and promotes homeless advocacy, and economic and social rights and civil liberties.
The Shirak Center NGO is also an important partner of The Paros Foundation and together we have successfully implemented several projects in Gyumri’s impoverished neighborhoods including the distribution of winter boots and coats for children, firewood for fuel to keep families warm and give them the ability to cook in the winter, identified and moved families out of domiks into homes and worked with children from these neighborhoods.
The Shirak Center NGO hopes to continue this good work and is in need of additional funding. Sponsorship of this project will provide the funds needed to allow Shirak Center NGO to continue to distribute firewood for fuel for heating and cooking. Gyumri’s harsh winters and extreme poverty has led to families burning trash to keep warm and cook food for their families. Shirak Center NGO will also use the funds in order 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. 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. Finally, some of the funds will also be used to promote the work the organizations does through marketing, social media and communications and administration costs.
The Shirak Center NGO and the aid they provide impoverished families in Gyumri has become a vital part of these family’s future well-being and success. They are in need of funding in order to continue their important work
Short Term Impact
In the short term, the Shirak Center NGO will be able to immediately continue their programs and distribute firewood to domik families, tear down abandoned domiks and distribute the firewood for heat to families, market their organization and cover some administration costs
Long Term Impact
In the long term, the advocacy work led by the Shirak Center, combined with the humanitarian aid they provide Gyumri’s impoverished families will help these families come out of their devastating conditions gradually and steer them towards a positive future.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation and Shirak Center NGO websites and social media outlets.
The Shirak Center launched a campaign to rid Gyumri of vacant domiks. Their first goal is to clear all domiks from a public park, with the pledge that the municipality will restore the park for Gyumri’s residence.
April 29, 2015
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The purchase of a table saw helps the Shirak Center much more easily prepare firewood for distribution to poor families living in domiks.
 February 3, 2016
Funding supported a portion of construction on the Shirak Center buildings vocational training center.
 February 16, 2020
Through support from this project the Shirak Center has been distributing bags of firewood to families in need for several years in order to burn to stay warm and cook.
June 7, 2020
Due to the current Covid-19 situation, the Shirak Center continues to provide families living temporary housing shelters and “domiks” with hygienic supplies and food packets.
The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 120 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities since the tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake. More than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri 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, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures. The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” helps these socially vulnerable children through a holistic approach providing them with both humanitarian and educational support. The center provides counseling and group therapy with a psychologist on staff, homework help and tutoring for almost every subject the children learn in school including English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, they are served a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they would otherwise not have. Furthermore, the Center addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities. The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is 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.
To date, the center has already had several important successes. The children as a whole have gained several pounds since they have started attending, demonstrating their need for nutritious and consistent meals. Additionally, three children have been taken out of boarding schools and brought to our center and now live back at home with their families. Staff trainings have begun with an academic counsel of professionals from the United States and Armenia to ensure that the children are receiving the best care, treatment and methods for their development.
Currently the center is working on funding year two and raising additional funds in order to develop and add to the programs and classes offered with the ability to hire more educators, and get more supplies, and equipment. Funds will also be used to supplement daily activities with field trips to educational sites throughout Armenia, hold forums for guest speakers and provide educational and vocational training opportunities. $65,000 is needed to cover operating costs for the Center.
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 continue to 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 continue to 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 has 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 continuing to provide the children in attendance with supervised new bathing facilities.
Short Term Impact
The short-term 120 children will receive immediate support and guidance to help them succeed for the second year. The Center will continue offer nutritious meals, bathing facilities, counseling opportunities, homework aid and tutoring and core classes including English, Computer, Art/Design, and Math.
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. The number of children growing up in poverty in the future will decrease as the number of children successfully graduating from our program and continuing onto college or successful vocations increases. The number of “social orphans” and children temporarily residing in boarding schools in Gyumri will be reduced as parents become increasingly able to keep their children at home given the humanitarian support they receive at the center. Through ongoing employment opportunities created, several families will continue to receive a fair wage, hence improving Gyumri’s economy.
Sponsors Benefits
Your donation to sponsor the operating cost for 2016 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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Updates: Images & Information
April 30, 2016
July 11, 2017
July 21, 2016
September 1, 2016
October 3, 2016
November 29, 2016
February 14, 2017
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Video Update
April 30, 2016
The Debi Arach Children’s Center held a huge celebration to mark its First Anniversary. Children, staff, & guests enjoyed entertaining games, songs, dances as well as a hearty dinner.
 July 11, 2017
The Mobile Dental Clinic has arrived at the Debi Arach Children’s Center and will provide dental screenings and treatment for the children and staff during the rest of the month.
 July 21, 2016
The children enjoyed a fun day at the 2nd Annual SERVICE Armenia Carnival hosted by SERVICE Armenia 2016 participants, Paros staff and volunteers.
 September 1, 2016
Today Nelly started university! Read all about it and see her picture below.
 October 3, 2016
Today, the children from the center went on an excursion to Gyumri’s oldest standing fortress (“Black Fortress”). They had the opportunity to learn about the history of the fortress and spend a exciting day out.
 November 29, 2016
The kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center received new winter boots through the Paros Share-a-Pair Operation Winter Boots project.
 December 24, 2016
On December 24th, the center hosted a wonderful Christmas celebration for our students and staff. The children enjoyed a great meal, followed by a surprise visit from Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause! The children all received a wonderful bag of candy to take home for the holidays.
 January 25, 2017
Thanks to the generous support of the Assarian Family Foundation today we officially launched the Vocational Training Program at Debi Arach! (For more information please see the Debi Arach Vocational Training project.)
 February 14, 2017
Sponsors (and friends) of the Debi Arach Children’s Center received a warm Valentine’s Day greeting from the children and staff at Debi Arach. Special thank you to our volunteer Sarah Derderian who put this together!
According to historical sources the village of Baghanis, currently home to 286 households and 955 people, was established in the fifth century and is situated in the Tavush region of Armenia. Baghanis also has a village school with 110 children in attendance. The village is adjacent to the Republic of Azerbaijan, sharing a 2 km-long border. Like many of the villages in this area, the village of Baghanis has also endured danger and suffering due to the war followed by frequent cease fire violations by Azeri snipers. Following the cease-fire, eight village residents have been killed, while six others wounded. In addition, the village encountered a sharp decline in the number of marriages and childbirths, and increased migration. Today, the residents make a living by farming and tending to their livestock. The village is actively trying to improve the quality of life for its residents and is in need of aid.
Baghanis is also home to a single medical center built in 1989, which serves the entire village population. The center is in poor condition and in desperate need of a complete renovation. Once renovated the clinic will not only be able to see to the villagers daily medical needs, but also attend to emergency needs of the local villages and soldiers on the border. Renovations will include a new roof, doors, windows, electric, plumbing, sewer system, flooring, heating, furniture and equipment.
Armenia’s rural regions are in need of proper medical facilities in order to meet the community’s basic health care requirements. Complete renovations are needed for the Baghanis Medical Center and are fundamental to allow this center to operate and serve its own residents and nearby soldiers on the border.
Short Term Impact
In the short-term the Baghanis Medical Center will obtain a new roof, doors, windows, electric, plumbing, sewer systems, flooring, heating, furniture and equipment. The renovations and equipment will immediately better facilitate the health needs of the residents and nearby soldiers. Materials will be purchased locally whenever possible, thus providing a boost to the local economy. Local workers will be hired during the renovation process thus providing these residents short-term employment.
Long Term Impact
The residents of Baghanis will benefit through improved morale and well-being of its community members, a consistent source of reliable health care services for soldiers on the border, and, ultimately, improved community health.
Sponsors Benefits
Donors will be recognized on a plaque inside the medical center, on all relevant press related to this important project and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Baghanis Medical Clinic for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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Updates: Images & Information
April 25, 2016
May 28, 2016
July 21, 2016
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April 25, 2016
Demolition at the Medical Center began today!
 May 28, 2016
The renovation is moving along well. A radiant solar heating system will provide heating for the medical center.
 July 21, 2016
The Baghanis Medical Center work is complete. The Center is open for business! Some additional equipment and furniture has been purchased and will be delivered to the Medical Center soon.
The Tsap-Tsapik Music Education Program is aimed at developing inclusive education through music in Armenia. The program was founded by Sevana Tchakerian, whose approach and content is unprecedented in Armenia. Currently, there is no music education program for preschool children in Armenia, except occasional choir practice. The Tsa-Tsapik Early Music Education Program aims at introducing preschool children in Armenia to the musical world through a playful and diversified pedagogic approach. In addition, this initiative aims to educate children who are underprivileged, for geographical, sociological, physical or psychological reasons and cannot afford to attend music in private schools in Yerevan.
Through this program Sevana, who is also the Program Director, provides open instruction to everyone without discrimination, helps develop children’s curiosity for musical practice, while valuing them and giving them the opportunity to express themselves. Music researchers have found correlations between playing music and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. Music helps develop children’s language, math and listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as relieves their stress, and is an excellent way to teach children with special needs. The program is more complete and focuses on the discovery of sounds and rhythms, instrumental exploration and body awareness, in addition to singing. To ensure the sustainability of the project, the priority is to empower the local teaching corps by sharing new teaching resources and working directly with both the teachers and the students via infield workshops.
Sponsorship of this project will allow Sevana to launch this program in seven villages during the 2015-2016 school year, provide training and instruments for those villages and help develop inclusive education in Armenia. The training she will provide during the one year will educate around 30 teachers and benefit 350 students. The tools provided to the teachers, along with regularly updated teaching resources, can be used for many years following the implementation of the program in a village. Sponsoring seven villages for a year means providing music education to more than 1750 children in Armenia within 5 years.
The program will run from September 2015 to July 2016 in the seven villages (kindergartens, daycare centers).
September-December 2015:Â biweekly training sessions and workshops in centers A, B, C and D.
January-March 2016:Â biweekly training sessions in centers E, F and G
April-June 2016:Â weekly follow-up workshops in all seven centers
End of June 2016:Â open house workshops, gathering with the communities
Although Armenia has achieved universal primary school enrollment, close to 80% of preschool age children do not attend preschools due to poverty and/or absence of preschool facilities, while 7,000 of the 8,000 children with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantages are systematically excluded from education. As music is an excellent vector of child development and inclusion, we want to develop the practice of inclusive education in Armenian villages by training the local teachers and educators to early music education, and by providing music instruments to the involved kindergartens and day care centers.
Short Term Impact
In the short term about 30 teachers will receive early music training and be able to administer the program to 350 underprivileged children all within kindergartens and daycares in seven villages. In addition, the kindergartens and day cares will receive musical instruments for the teachers and children’s use.
Long Term Impact
The long-term teachers will be provided with regularly updated teaching resources, which can be used for many years following the implementation of the program in a village. In addition, hundreds of additional students will partake in the program in the coming years. Hundreds of underprivileged children in villages will develop improved language, math and listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as improve their general well-being.
Sponsors Benefits
Your support of this project will be recognized at the seven villages, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website, on social networks, and in appropriate press related to this important. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the villages and a meeting the children when you are in Armenia.
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