Playground for Tsoghamarg

Read Updates

Description

Tsoghamarg is one of the Women for Development NGO’s (WFD NGO) beneficiary rural communities. It is located in the Ashotsk area and is 20km from Gyumri. There are 558 residents in the community, of whom 70 are children of school age and 56 are children of pre-school age. There was a kindergarten in the village until 2002, but due to financial issues has not been functioning for the last 13 years. As a result of the projects implemented in Tsoghamarg by WFD NGO, a community development strategic plan 2013-2015 was jointly developed in 2012. One of the issues covered in the strategic plan refers to the organization of children’s leisure activities, which could be solved by building a playground in the village. The problem is that currently, there isn’t a suitable area or playground for children and adolescents to spend their free time. The yard of the former kindergarten is fenced and would make an excellent area to build a playground. Sponsorship of this project will help restore the area and install the necessary equipment to create a small playground for the children. The main goal of the project is to improve the everyday life of children and adolescents in the Tsoghamarg community. The playground in Tsoghamarg will ease women’s everyday problems and will save their already tight budget so they won’t have to spend extra money on transportation costs in order to take their children to a park in the nearby city.

The WFD NGO was formed in 1997 in Gyumri, Armenia. The organization is carrying out important work to improve the lives of Armenians by empowering women, providing healthy lifestyle skills, mobilizing communities, and developing a culture of peace. From 2000-2007, WFD NGO has worked in more than 70 rural communities of North Armenia towards primary health care, family planning, reproductive health and rights, women’s rights, HIV/AIDS and more. Since 2008, WFD NGO started its work towards rural community mobilization and development in beneficiary rural communities. Through working closely with municipalities and active community groups WFD NGO provides non-formal educational opportunities for rural women to increase their communities’ capacity, independence and entrepreneurship.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Tsoghamarg

Start Date

May 2017

End Date

July 2017

Gallery Images

The yard of the former kindergarten is fenced and perfect for a new playground.



Part of the area that will be restored and equipped with a small playground for the children.



Part of the area that will be restored and equipped with a small playground for the children.

The Need

The region of Shirak is one of the poorest and vulnerable regions in Armenia. Unemployment and poverty are a big problem for the rural communities of the region. Poverty in rural communities leaves a negative trace on children and adolescents depriving them of the most rudimentary opportunities that are so important for their age. There is a big absence of public places for the children to play and spend their free time. The playground will serve the children for many years and will help minimize the difference of socio-economic conditions between cities and remote communities. The residents of the village will take responsibility of implementing the project, protecting the playground, cleaning the place and ensuring its purposeful usage with the help of the local authorities and the volunteers of the Tsoghamarg community center non-governmental structure.

Short Term Impact

In the short-term, 70 school-age children and 56 children of pre-school age in the village of Tsoghamarg will have a well-equipped playground to be used in their everyday life.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the project will bring positive changes into the lives of 126 children and more in the remote rural community of Tsoghamarg. In addition, it will greatly change the overburdened routine of rural women. A favorable atmosphere will be created for children’s leisure and upbringing.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to support this project will be recognized in the Women for Development NGO’s social media sites, and a plaque with the donor name(s) will be installed at the playground. Additionally donors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Tsoghamarg community when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61385″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Rehabilitation Services for Children with Disabilities

Read Updates

Description

Established in February 2014, the “Armenak & Ann Tadeossian’s” Children Rehabilitation and Day Care Center (AAT Center) provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pediatric psychology, hydrotherapy, art therapy and special education services to children and young adults with disabilities. The Center is located in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia, which has three towns and 111 villages. According to official statistic, of the 131,700 residents of this region, 231 are disabled children of which 82 of them require special care. The AAT Center is able to provide services to children from 22 of the following villages: Agarak, Avan, Ashnak, Aragatsotn, Aruj, Byurakan, Kaqavadzor, Mastara, Nerqin Bazmaberd, Verin Bazmaberd, Nerqin Sasnashen, Nor Amanus, Nor Yedesia, Voskevaz, Voskehat, Partizak, Sasunik, Ushi, Ujan, Oshakan, Ohanavan, Maralik.

The Center is newly reconstructed and fully equipped with the necessary rehabilitation goods and furnishing to provide the highest standard of rehabilitation care. Although the AAT Center is a non-governmental foundation, they do receive minor aid from the government to provide medical services for area residents. The majority of their aid comes from local companies and foundations, and diasporan Armenians who want to help. Since its inception, 48 children from the region have received rehabilitation services at the center. The AAT Center hopes to expand its services to more children and young adults, but lacks the financial ability. $3,600 will help provide four children rehabilitation services at the center for six months, including food, transportation, and salaries. Sponsorship of this important project will help enhance the quality of life of more children and young adults with disabilities and their families. We hope to be able to find sponsorship for ten children.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

22 Villages in Aragatsotn

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

June 2018

Gallery Images

The center provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pediatric psychology, hydrotherapy, art therapy and special education services.



Equipment used by the children at the center.



The well-trained nursing staff provides day and hygienic care.



The center is fully equipped with all the necessary rehabilitation goods and furnishings.

The Need

Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society and live in institutions. Establishment of educational, health and day-care rehabilitation centers are vital in order to promote deinstitutionalization, help them overcome feelings of isolation and promote social integration into public life. The AAT Rehabilitation Center is in need of additional funding in order to keep providing these vital services to more children and young adults with disabilities. Furthermore, many of their parents are financially unable to cover these expenses.

Short Term Impact

In the short-term four children or young adults with disabilities will receive rehabilitation and day care services for six months at the ATT Center.

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term benefits for the children and young adults receiving these services and their families. The rehabilitative and educational services they will receive at the center will help develop their skills and abilities for better participation in life. The services provided will help children with multiple disabilities have an opportunity to develop their abilities and gain productive skills for their future. Families will also gain important knowledge or ways to care for their disabled family members.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to help provide children and young adults with disabilities with rehabilitation services at the AAT Center will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation and AAT Center websites and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the “Armenak & Ann Tadeossian’s” Children Rehabilitation and Day Care Center when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61370″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
September 12, 2018

After further discussions with the staff at Rehabilitation Center, they have requested several pieces of equipment that they cannot secure in Armenia for the children. The Paros Foundation staff in Los Angeles secured the requested equipment and supplies with the funds available and shipped these items to Armenia. They will arrive in approximately two months.

 December 14, 2018

All of the items arrived and were delivered to the center. We received these photos a few days later showing some of the new items they were given!

Help Resettle Syrian Armenian Refugees

Read Updates

Description

Syrian Armenian Families who left Syria as a result of war, and have come to Armenia looking to resettle, need assistance. Unfortunately, the Armenian and Artsakh Governments do not have the funds to support this effort. However, the Artsakh government stands ready to help settle rural Syrian Armenian families in Artsakh’s Kashatagh Region. Once resettled, these rural families can engage in agriculture and agribusiness to care for their families as they did prior to the upheaval in Syria.

Through a government homestead program, The Paros Foundation will identify a suitable piece of property and home for a refugee family. Necessary renovations and/or reconstruction of the home will be completed using local labor and materials whenever possible. The refugee family will be identified and once the home is completed, it will be given to the family free of charge. A gifting agreement will be signed indicating that the house belongs to the family outright provided they agree to the housing program conditions.

During and following the project implementation, photos, video and information will be provided to all donors and supporters of this project. 100% of funds donated towards this project will go directly to the project and its management and implementation with no funds being used for foundation administrative purposes.

The Paros Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Donations to this project are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our tax identification number is 20-5094630.

Links

• EurasiaNet: Syrian refugees resettling in Nagorno-Karabakh
• Garo and Mher: These Qamishli Armenians Plan to Stay in Kovsakan

Region

Kashatagh, Artsakh

City / Village

Berdzor

Start Date

August 2017

End Date

November 2017

Gallery Images

Ten’s of thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to Armenia.



The home in Berdzor ready for repair.



The property view from the street level.



The beautiful view of Berdzor from the future patio.

The Need

Syrian Armenian Families who left Syria as a result of war, and have come to Armenia looking to resettle need permanent housing. After years of war and struggling to find a place to settle down, these families made the journey to Armenia with the hope of starting their lives once again. A home and land will give these families the hope and fresh start they so desire.

Short Term Impact

A rural Syrian Armenian family will receive a place to live, grow crops, care for animals and be able to begin their lives again. A minimum of three local temporary jobs will be created during the reconstruction process of this family’s home.

Long Term Impact

Having a permanent home and ending the refugee existence for this family will have strong positive psychological effects and will hopefully reverse the effects these refugee families have faced over the last several years.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be acknowledged on the Paros Foundation’s website and in all relevant press related to this project.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61320″]

Updates: Images & Information

September 6, 2017

Due to unforeseen expenses related to reconstructing a home for a family in Artsakh, this project was adjusted to help a family settle in Armenia.

 November 28, 2017

Paros Foundation staff visited Anoush and her three children in their new home.

Genocide And Armenia In The Eyes Of People With Disabilities

Read Updates

Description

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

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

Region

Shirak, Lori, Yerevan

City / Village

Gyumri, Spitak, Vanadzor, Stepanavan, Yerevan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

April 2019

Gallery Images

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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

All supporters will be published on The Paros Foundation, unison.am and disability.am websites. Their names will be also listed in the booklet published within the framework of the project. In addition, the organizers will thank the donors during the prize-giving ceremony, the final public event of the project.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=6
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61175″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
April 11, 2019

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