Assarian Vocational Training Program

Read Updates

Description

In 2016, the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri launched their vocational training program at the center in order to provide young adults with a set of skills and tools they will need to secure gainful employment and help break their family’s cycle of poverty. For years, students have participated in their choice of several programs including computer programming classes using a curriculum developed by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises, 3D printing and related software and programming, and computer repairs – both hardware and software. Since 2019, additional vocational options were added to the program including instruction for cosmetologists, hair stylists, make-up artists and manicurists. In 2021, the Hianali Beauty Center was launched as a salon that offers training classes for students, as well as public services. Furthermore, vocational courses are also offered at Digital Pomegranate and the Lentex Textile Factory, both located in Gyumri.  

In 2019, the vocational training program was renamed Assarian Vocational Training Program in honor of the Dr. Gary and Linda Assarian Family Foundation, whose generous donations underwrite the vocational training programs. 

Sponsorship towards this project will help run the vocational programs in Gyumri, including staff wages and supplies. The goal is to help hundreds of people develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. 

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

Gallery Images

A training class at Lentex Textile Factory.



Students in gel manicure training at the Hianali Beauty Center.



Participants take computer computer courses at Digital Pomegranate.

The Need

Young adults living in extreme poverty in Gyumri, who are not interested or able to continue their higher education, have very bleak prospects for a successful future. To combat this reality, the Debi Arach Vocation Center provides job skills and aid in job placement in order to help these young adults change their lives towards a successful future by gaining real skills and securing real employment.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, students, both current and new, will participate in one of several training programs offered for the duration of a year. Four trainers will be employed and facilitate classes.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the cycle of poverty will be broken for the newer generations in Gyumri. The new skills these young adults will gain through vocational courses will help secure great jobs and provide opportunities to change their lives. In addition, Gyumri’s economy will also benefit from additional skills being introduced to the job market.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Debi Arach Vocational Center will be recognized on a plaque, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the vocational center when you are in Armenia.

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”97251″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
August 29, 2024

Congratulations to the latest Lentex class of 15 women, including several Artsakh refugees, who have successfully completed their training and are now employed full-time at the Lentex textile factory. This achievement was made possible through the invaluable support of the Assarian Vocational Training Program, spearheaded by Dr. Gary and Mrs. Linda Assarian. We are proud of these women for successfully taking on a new venture.

September 10, 2024

Dr. Gary Assarian, was highlighted by his Alma Mater, Lake Forest College, on his and his wife Linda’s work in Armenia with The Paros Foundation! Read more about their philanthropy in Armenia here.

Heating for Azatamut Clinic

Read Updates

Description

Nestled in the upper northeast region of Armenia, the village of Azatamut is located in the Tavush region. It is an isolated border community with a population of 2,513. The Armenian Government previously renovated the Azatamut Clinic, however, they did not run gas to the building during their renovations leaving them without heat during the rough winters. The local Governor’s Office approached The Paros Foundation and asked us to complete this important project for the community. 

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Azatamut

Start Date

May 2024

End Date

Four months from start

Gallery Images

The Need

With no heating, the Azatamut Clinic is non-functional during the winter. Local residents rely on this clinic for vaccinations, pre-natal check-ups, blood pressure screenings, and so much more. The community needs a fully functional medical clinic year round to meet their immediate medical needs.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, running gas to the Azatamut Clinic will allow community members to receive the medical care that they need during the winter months.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, a functional year-round medical clinic will lead to overall improved health in community members for years to come. 

Sponsors Benefits

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

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”97099″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
June 24, 2024

Pipes have been installed that will bring gas to the boilers to heat the Azatamut Clinic in the winter.

Family Relocation to Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Read Updates

Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is an important border village with a population of more than 1,100 residents in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a beneficiary village of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border Initiative. With major financial support of Jean-Marie Atamian and his family over the last ten years, much of the village’s infrastructure has been completely rebuilt and improved including, but not limited to, its large secondary school, expanded kindergarten, medical center, emergency services building and water distribution system. In addition, several families have benefited from agribusiness and animal husbandry projects. Having funded the rebuilding of NKA’s infrastructure, the Atamian family is now focusing its attention on the reconstruction a severely damaged home to provide a decent and safe home for a deserving family displaced from Artsakh. Since 2012, a variety of work (ranging from $2,500 to $30,000) has taken place on more than 20 homes in the village thanks to the leadership of the Atamian family.

To date, The Paros Foundation has successfully facilitated the relocation of seven displaced families from Artsakh to newly renovated homes in NKA. This forthcoming family will mark the eighth displaced family from Artsakh to benefit from this initiative. This opportunity will enable them to join the community in NKA, where numerous families from Artsakh have already resettled in the wake of the 2020 War.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

December 2023

End Date

July 2024

Gallery Images

The home that will be renovated for the Artsakh family.



The interior of a home in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

The Need

Many displaced families from Artsakh  find themselves in dire need of housing that is clean, safe, and comfortable. They need to know that the diaspora stands with them in this time of need. 

Short Term Impact

In the short term, work will be done to renovate this home.  The local economy will benefit as materials and labor will be secured locally whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, a displaced Artsakh family will thrive in their new home and the community as a whole will benefit as conditions in their community continue to improve.

Sponsors Benefits

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

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”96885″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
December 21, 2023

Today renovations began on the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur home. We look forward to providing another fully functional home for a Artsakh family in need.

June 24, 2024

Renovations on the house are finished! The Simonyan Family, who were displaced from Artsakh last year, have moved into their newly renovated and furnished home in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. To celebrate the joyous occasion a ribbon cutting was held at the house. A huge thank you to Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian, Stepan Atamian, and Nariné Atamian who made this positive impact possible for the Simonyan Family.

Meds Masrik School Improvements

Description

Meds Masrik is a village in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. It is a border village with a population of 3,000. The Meds Masrik School has 420 children in attendance. Despite the abundance of students, the school has never had access to computers for educational purposes. With our help, the school has allocated a 650 sq. ft. classroom to be renovated and equipped with computers.

With the recent population growth because of families displaced from Artsakh, the school has a shortage of available classrooms. There are three classrooms that need major renovations to accommodate the influx of new students. 

This work will cost the following:

$7,200 for 12 computers
$6,500 for the computer classroom
$1,800 for furniture
$15,000 for three classrooms

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Meds Masrik

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four Months After Start

Gallery Images

The Meds Masrik School principal’s office will be converted and renovated into the computer classroom.



One of the classrooms at the Meds Masrik School that needs to be renovated.



The second classroom that will be renovated.



The third classroom that needs renovations.

The Need

The Meds Masrik School services 420 children. The school needs computers and renovations on classrooms to provide the best possible environment for students’ classes.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 420 students will enjoy new computers and learn valuable computer skills. They will also have three newly renovated classrooms that provide a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to learn.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, thousands of children will benefit from the renovations completed at the school. The children will learn lasting computer skills that can lead to careers in Armenia’s technology industry. Providing this resource to children in a border village will also give them more opportunities to learn real-life skills. 

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Meds Masrik School, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Meds Masrik for sponsors during their visits to Armenia. Naming rights are available for classroom renovations. 

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”96633″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
November 2024The school in Meds Masrik currently has 425 students including 45 from Artsakh, and needs additional renovations to accommodate these new students. We have already helped renovate and equip the computer classroom, the nurse’s station and three additional classrooms, but one additional wing needs a complete renovation. This wing encompasses four additional classrooms and one additional set of bathrooms. Once renovated, these classrooms will house the 4th- 8th grade students. The renovation for this wing will cost $95,000 including a new roof, furniture and heating system.January 28, 2025

On January 28, The Paros Team visited the Meds Masrik School and were happy to see the renovated wing made possible with the help of Developmental Services for Armenia and The Ararat Chapter of Homenetmen.

Kharpert Home for Special Children Excursion 24

Read Updates

Description

The Kharpert Home for Special Children is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert serving more than 250 children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. The orphanage is a state run facility that receives governmental support to provide these vulnerable children with their basic care and education.

Excursions for these children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues provide these children with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Children with disabilities in Armenia are generally kept sheltered from society. These children do not attend school, but rather attend classes at the orphanage. It is important for both these children and society for these children to experience community life.

For each donation of $300, approximately 20 children and an appropriate number of care provides will be able to go on an excursion to Yerevan at Victory Park, or another appropriate venue for a morning or afternoon of activities including transportation, admission and snacks. Please consider supporting multiple excursions for these children.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

The Need

Approximately 1,200 children live in Armenia’s 15 orphanages. While these facilities provide basic care for these children, their limited funding does not permit these children regular visits and participate in various social and cultural activities. A child with a disability has very few opportunities to visit the city and experience life outside of the grounds of the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will help children from the Kharpert Home travel to Gyumri on an away trip and be able to perform their song and dance concert. 

Long Term Impact

This project has considerable long-term benefits for both the children and for society. Society’s attitudes towards people with disabilities will slowly begin to change as witness these children regularly and realize that society can indeed accommodate them as part of their community. This project will also gift the children a special day they will cherish in their memories for a long time.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be recognized at the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation stands ready to help you arrange a visit to the Kharpert Home for Special Children when you are in Armenia.

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”96496″]

Mobile Dental Clinic for Vayots Dzor 2

Read Updates

Description

The Armenian Dental Society of California and The Paros Foundation have successfully partnered in order to help the mobile dental clinic bring dental care to poverty stricken communities throughout Armenia.

Dr. Viken Garabedian who has worked closely with Drs. Gary Kevorkian and Jack Bayramyan  and the ADSC mobile clinic, is ready to tackle the challenge of bringing expanded dental health to the communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region by adding a second mobile dental clinic.  In partnership with ADSC, the Syunik Development NGO and The Paros Foundation, a second bus will be converted into a mobile dental clinic and serve the isolated and poverty stricken communities in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region.

Many of the villagers in Vayots Dzor live only a few hundred meters from the Azeri Border.  Many of the men in these villages serve in the army, protecting Armenia’s border.  The harsh and isolated conditions in these areas has forced many of the residents to flee their homes and resettle in the larger neighboring cities.

Currently, $3,500 is needed for monthly operating funds. 

Region

Vayots Dzor

City / Village

Yeghegnadzor and surrounding villages

Start Date

January 2024

End Date

Gallery Images

Our second Mobile Dental Clinic ready to get on the road.



The second mobile dental clinic on the road in the village of Khachig seeing patients, many of whom are soldiers.



Dr. Viken Garabedian visiting with the staff in the first mobile dental clinic.



Children in rural and poor communities greatly benefit from the mobile clinic and its free services.

The Need

Dental supplies and clinics are difficult to find or too expensive for residents living in Armenia’s isolated and poverty stricken villages in the Vayots Dzor Region. This can cause a lifetime of dental problems and oral disease for these people. Residents living in these areas are in need of dental care in order to be able to prevent serious dental issues in the future.

Short Term Impact

Residents in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia will be visited regularly by the mobile dental clinic and receive basic dental care. In addition, two dentists, one assistant and a driver work on the clinic all from Armenia, and have the opportunity to work alongside volunteer dentists from the United States.

Long Term Impact

Residents of in the Vayots Dzor region will have a decreased chance of tooth decay and serious oral issues in their future.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Mobile Dental Clinic will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in all appropriate press related to this important project.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”94458″]

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2024-2025 Funding​

Read Updates

Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 85 children every month. Children who attend the Center are loosely defined as “at risk.” These children typically come from very poor households, often times with a single head of household, who cannot pay for such assistance. The goal of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center is to provide the necessary academic, psychological and social support to ensure that the children attending mature to well adjusted, successful, young adults.

In order to further impact more “at-risk” children, the Center has identified a need for this model to be replicated and offered to other communities in Armenia. Through the generous support of the Dadourian Foundation, a second center for “at-risk” children was opened in 2014 in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan to provide support to 85 additional children annually. The new center has provided students the same core classes daily (English, Russian, Computer, Design, Painting, Theater and Dance) as the Ghoghanj Children’s Center – Kentron. The goal of this project is to broaden the services offered to socially vulnerable children and families in other communities and provide them with the proper support and guidance needed to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults.

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

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Nor Nork / Նոր Նորք

Start Date

September 2024

End Date

August 2025

The Need

Children living in the community of Nor Nork in Yerevan are in need of additional guidance through social, psychological and academic support. A second center for these kids has been opened and needs financial support in order to cover operational costs for the following school year 2023-2024.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, sponsorship of this project will help continue to employ teachers, and provide 85 children in the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan with their needed tutoring and guidance.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 85-100 at-risk students by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to fund the operational costs for the 2024-2025 school year for Ghoghanj-Nor Nork will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the center when you are in Armenia.

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”93671″]

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2024 Operating Budget

Read Updates

Description

The Paros Foundation launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 185 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. At least nine children have been taken out of boarding schools, attend our center and now live back at home with their families. Many of the children who were receiving poor grades in school are now achieving top scores. The children have become socially well adjusted and much more healthier than before with the continued consumption of multi-vitamins and a daily well-balanced meal. Staff trainings take place 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.

The center is working on funding year nine 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, hold forums for guest speakers and provide educational and career planning opportunities. $92,000 is needed to cover operating costs for the Center. In January of 2017, Debi Arach successfully launched its first program within its Vocational Training Center, teaching children computer programming, 3d printing and robotics curriculum. The goal of this newest component is to provide these children with marketable job skills in order to help them work themselves out of poverty. In 2019, with the long term commitment by Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian (MI) the vocational training program was renamed the Assarian Vocational Training Program

https://youtu.be/idA8y2UEDp8

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2024

End Date

March 2025

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 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 185 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 2024 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.

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”93610″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
April 24, 2024

On the 109th Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Peter Abajian and The Paros Team visited the Debi Arach Children’s Center. With our staff , the children commemorated April 24th through a presentation on Armenian Genocide history.

June 26, 2024

Med-Aid Armenia 2024 visited the Debi Arach Children’s Center providing important health check-ups for the children. 

August 5, 2024

The Dadourian and Barmakian Families visited the Debi Arach Children’s Center, which they have been main supporters of since day one in 2015. During their visit, they made gata, handed out backpacks to the children, and distributed groceries to families living in domiks. We were also thrilled to show the family the site of our Paros Housing, After-School & Vocational Center, which will house our second Debi Arach location and provide apartments for 27 families.

November 12, 2024

The families of Debi Arach Children’s Center gathered for an informative night to learn more about the direction and future of the center. It was a great night with collaborative feedback from the families.

Games For Good Artsakh Relief Effort

Read Updates

Description

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

In light of the recent influx of displaced individuals from Artsakh, we have launched free-of-charge recurring activities for displaced boys and girls in several cities throughout Armenia. Children often carry the heavy burden of trauma, much like a backpack filled with their past experiences and struggles. Our mission is to provide them with safe, nurturing spaces where they can temporarily set aside these burdens and step onto the playing field. Here, they have the opportunity to play, prioritize their health, and acquire essential coping mechanisms and life skills to address their trauma.

Join us today, and support our efforts of ensuring our kids have a safe place to disconnect from the ugly reality that is forced upon them.

We are working with a number of sports schools and facilities across Armenia. They are ready to provide after-school programming for children from Artsakh free of charge. Most of them lack the sports gear necessary to do so. With your donations and support we will be providing them with basketballs, footballs, and other sport essentials to be able to conduct these activities.

Your contributions directly aid in securing sports gear and orchestrating events for children who have found themselves relocated to rural Armenian communities due to displacement.

Region

20 communities across Armenia

Start Date

October 24, 2023

End Date

December 31, 2023

Gallery Images

Games for Good

The Need

“Games For Good” serves a critical need by providing a sense of normalcy and well-being to children displaced from Artsakh. These young individuals have faced the upheaval of conflict and are in need of stability and integration into their new surroundings. Sports and purposeful play offer a unique avenue for achieving this. Not only do these activities promote physical well-being, but they also provide a sense of routine and belonging. The project recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space where displaced children can engage in sports, learn life skills, and forge new friendships. In this context, sports play a vital role in supporting their emotional and psychological well-being, enabling these children to recover from the traumas of displacement and integrate more smoothly into their new communities.

Short Term Impact

GOALS will provide free-of-charge recurring activities for displaced boys and girls in several cities throughout Armenia.

Long Term Impact

Research shows that sports can help mitigate the effects of forced displacement on children. Participating in team sports yields psychological, physical, emotional, social, educational, and long-term benefits. These include improved concentration and physical fitness, social integration, conflict resolution skills, reduction in anxiety and depression, and increased motivation to attend school.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on the GOALS website, and in all relevant press of this important project.[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=16
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”92071″]

Support the Debi Arach Children’s Center

Gallery Images

SOLD!





















SOLD!






SOLD!
















































































































[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”90987″]