The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to godirectly 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.
The Ghoghanj Children’s Center provides critical after-school and summer programs for socially and economically vulnerable children. Each year, the Kentron and Nor Nork centers serve approximately 170 students from extremely low-income families who would otherwise have no access to academic support or enrichment opportunities. For these children, the Center is not only a place to learn, but a safe and encouraging environment where they receive daily instruction, creative arts education, mentorship, and the emotional support needed to grow into confident and capable young adults.
Students take part in classes such as English, Russian, computer studies, design, painting, theater, and dance, gaining the skills and self-confidence necessary to succeed in school and build a brighter future. Technology plays a vital role in this process, yet the computer labs at both centers rely on machines that are 10–11 years old. While they have been carefully maintained and repeatedly upgraded over the years, they have reached the end of their useful life and can no longer meet the educational demands of the students.
Sponsorship of this project will help provide 12 new desktop computers for each center (24 total), giving students reliable access to modern technology, strengthening their academic experience, and ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Region
Yerevan / Երևան
City / Village
Kentron & Nor Nork
Start Date
Immediately
End Date
Gallery Images
The Need
Technology plays a critical role in modern education and future employment. Both centers currently have small computer labs that the children rely on for learning essential digital skills.
Despite years of repairs and upgrades, these machines are now far beyond their functional lifespan. They are slow, unreliable, and no longer capable of supporting the educational programs the children need.
Short Term Impact
24 desktop computers will be locally obtained and distributed to both the Kentron and Nork Nork locations of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.
Long Term Impact
Your support will directly empower 170 at-risk children every year by giving them access to the tools they need to learn, create, and succeed in today’s digital world.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and be recognized with a plaque at the Centers and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Visits to the Ghoghanj Children’s Centers can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
As stated by the World Health organization, it is estimated that worldwide about 1 in 100 children have autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition, which involves challenges with socialization, narrow interests and repetitive behavior. Autism is a spectrum because it manifests itself differently in everyone, resulting in varying levels of needed support. This means that although on average children can be diagnosed between the ages of 2-3; some children can be diagnosed as young as 18 months while others may not receive a diagnosis until well into adulthood. Additionally, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
The cause of ASD has not yet been identified; however, modern science indicates that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. Some people strongly believe that ASD is a disease. However, a disease typically has a known cause (such as bacteria or viruses), ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and is not something that can be cured, rather be managed and supported. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Diagnosing ASD usually involves multiple processes: developmental monitoring, screening, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Instead of self-diagnosing your child, asking for advice from relatives, or hoping your child will grow out of certain behaviors, it is crucial to seek medical advice and intervene as early as possible. The sooner the parents find out about the diagnosis, the better the developmental outcome will be. Pediatricians typically assess children’s developmental progress during routine well-child visits at 18 and 24 months, even if no symptoms are evident. These assessments involve observing the child and discussing family history.
One of the most common treatments is behavioral therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research and evidence-based therapy that looks to improved children with ASD’s social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. It can additionally support greater independence for activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, going to the toilet, bathing, etc. Additionally, there are some other interventions which can also be effective such as speech-language therapy (helps individuals with ASD to improve both verbal and non-verbal communication), physical therapy (help with movement and balance, enhancing motor skills and overall physical coordination), occupational therapy (helps with fine motor skills such as utensil eating and writing) and much more. Some children may need access to all these therapies and more, while others will benefit from only one or a few. Each child’s circumstance will vary depending on where they are on the spectrum.
The municipality of Goris stands ready to assist and partner in this important effort for the children of Goris.
In the communities of Goris and surrounding villages, children with autism do not receive any specialized services or therapy because a specialized autism center does not exist. Once this center is funded and open, local therapists will receive specialized training to offer a full array of therapy for the more than 200 children with autism in the area.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, a facility will be purchased and expanded to serve as the autism center. This will create a modest boost in the local economy as all labor and materials will be purchased locally. Therapists will also receive specialized training and be prepared to begin working at the center with these children.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, children with autism will receive the needed therapy and support they need to live their lives to the fullest. Families will be given the tools they need to facilitate better support for their children.
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 the center can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
The Baronian Sisters are both studying at the Medical School in Yerevan. Maria will finish her bachelors degree this May and will continue her studies to become a family doctor (one and a half more years) and then three more years for her medical degree. Gasia finishes in May of 2027, but she has not chosen any specialty yet. Once she does, it will be two or three more years at Medical School.
Region
Yerevan
City / Village
Yerevan
Start Date
2026
The Need
The Baronian Family moved to Armenia from Syria during the war and have very limited financial resources to support Maria’s and Gasia’s education goals. The link that has been provided on this page will help the family raise funds to support Maria’s and Gasia’s 2026/27 academic school year tuition. Your support will be greatly appreciated..
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsors toward this effort will only be recognized on this private webpage, which is only accessible to those who have this specific website link.
The Packs on Backs initiative, was started by the The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a former Los Angeles based non-profit organization that supported children in need and their educational advancement. HHF partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia, and together successfully distributed 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015 and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016. Since then, the Packs on Backs initiative continues to impact the lives of children in need in Armenia with this essential need.
Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015 and distributions have continued in years since.
This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of all of the children. Our goal is to distribute backpacks and supplies for 180 children attending Debi Arach. A donation of $35 will help obtain one backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.
It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.
Short Term Impact
A total of 180 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive either proper backpacks and school supplies or new school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.
Long Term Impact
Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.
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.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Currently there are 75 children that attend the kindergarten, while 40 young children, in the village of Meds Masrik, are waiting for that chance—the kindergarten simply does not have enough space to welcome them.
With only three of five buildings currently usable, and outdated facilities limiting what the kindergarten can offer, too many children are left behind. By supporting the renovation of the kitchen, teachers’ station, and two unused buildings, donors like you will help create bright classrooms and welcoming spaces for every child on the waitlist.
Your gift to the Meds Masrik Kindergarten Expansion will not only open doors for the next generation, but will also create new jobs for caring teachers and dedicated staff, making a difference in families’ lives across the community. Help make this a reality for children in Meds Masrik.
Region
Gegharkunik
City / Village
Meds Masrik
Start Date
August 2025
End Date
Gallery Images
The Need
40 children in Meds Masrik are waiting for a place in kindergarten because there simply isn’t enough space. These children risk missing out on early education and a safe environment to grow. Expanding and renovating the kindergarten will ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive in their community.
Short Term Impact
The short-term impact of expanding the Meds Masrik Kindergarten includes giving more than 40 additional children immediate access to early education and a safe environment. The renovations will also create new jobs for teachers and support staff, directly benefiting local families by increasing employment opportunities and improving daily life in the community.
Long Term Impact
Children will benefit from stronger academic foundations, higher achievement, and improved social skills—leading to greater educational attainment as they grow. More families will have access to early education.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Meds Masrik Kindergarten, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Meds Masrik for sponsors during their visits to Armenia.
The Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul has created a scholarship fund in memory of one if its founding members, Mr. Shahen Kavafian.
Mr. Kavafian was born on August 24, 1933 in Istanbul, Turkey, where he received his primary education. He graduated from Robert College in Istanbul and then moved to the United States to further his education. He received a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Michigan and settled in metro Detroit. He worked at Detroit Edison for the entirety of his professional career.
In 1964, he became one of the founding members of the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul, an organization which helps promote Armenian cultural and educational programs. Mr. Kavafian shared a love of music and the arts with his mother, who was an accomplished pianist.
When Mr. Kavafian passed away on April 20, 2019, he left a generous contribution to the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul. To honor his memory, a music scholarship fund has been created in 2024 to support student’s attending the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia.
Students wishing to apply for this scholarship may do so through the.
Students who wish to pursue studies at the Komitas Conservatory often have financial difficulties meeting their tuition requirements. The government of Armenia does offer some tuition assistance to students in need, however they cannot meet the needs of all of the students.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, students who are in financial need will be able to continue their musical education with the support of these scholarships.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, Armenia’s rich cultural and heritage will be promoted through these students pursuit of the arts.
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 the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
Aparan is a town in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia, about 50 kilometers northwest of the capital Yerevan. The town has a population of about 6,500 people.
Founded in 1986, the Secondary School 2 after Hambardzum Voskanyan underwent a partial remodel in 2000 and today serves 560 students with the support of 70 dedicated teachers and staff. Earlier this year, strong winds damaged the school’s roof, which will soon be renovated with government support. Over the years, the school has proudly produced athletes who have competed in the Olympics and earned championship titles across Europe and around the world. Beyond sports, students have access to a variety of clubs and extracurricular programs, including a renowned dance ensemble that represents the school’s commitment to art and culture.
To continue offering these opportunities and to strengthen its cultural programs, the school now requires a full renovation of its auditorium. This project will upgrade the stage, seating, lighting, paint, and floors, creating a vibrant and inspiring space for performances, events, and student activities.
The renovation is needed to provide students with a safe, modern, and fully equipped space for performances, gatherings, and cultural events. Updating the auditorium will ensure the school can continue fostering creativity, community, and student growth for years to come.
Short Term Impact
In the short term the school auditorium will be renovated including new flooring, electrical fixtures, paint, a new stage and new auditorium chairs. Supplies will be purchased locally and local labor will be used whenever possible, thus providing them with temporary jobs.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, the completion of this project will provide a proper facility for current and future students and town residents to hold graduation ceremonies, musical recitals, concerts, seminars and other functions for the entire town.
Sponsors Benefits
Sponsorship of the Aparan School Auditorium renovation will be recognized on a plaque in the auditorium, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the auditorium in the town of Aparan when you are in Armenia.
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 ten 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.
Region
Shirak / Շիրակ
City / Village
Gyumri / Գյումրի
Start Date
April 2026
End Date
March 2027
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 2025 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.
Due to an increase of children attending the center, Debi Arach is in need of an additional $4,500 to obtain six new computers to add to their computer lab.
Նորք (Nork) is a neighborhood in the Armenian capital Yerevan. It is located in the Nork-Marash District. The school currently has 1,010 students enrolled from grades 1-12. The school is made up of two buildings and was built in 1981.
Since 1993, The Knights of Vartan has supported the #106 school in Yerevan, which since 1995 officially was known as the Knights of Vartan #106 Public School. It is one of the many schools the Knights of Vartan has supported via its partnership with the World Bank Armenian Social Investment Fund and the ATDF.
Through their continued support the entry way, one two-story building of classrooms, and the gym & auditorium have been fully renovated. Currently, the third floor of the school’s three story building is in need of renovations to 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallways and the third floor portion of the staircase. One classroom has already been renovated.
Region
Yerevan Երևան
City / Village
Nork Նորք
Start Date
May 2025
End Date
Three Months After Start
The Need
The Knights of Vartan School 106 serves more than 1,000 children. The third floor of the three story building is in need of renovations, including 16 classrooms, two restrooms, the hallway & staircase.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, a local crew will be hired to complete renovation work on the third floor of the building.
Long Term Impact
In the longer term, keeping the school’s infrastructure and investing in the education of the scores of children that will attend this school in the years to come will dramatically benefit the community including the teachers, children and other staff. A sense of community, unity with the Diaspora and pride in one’s surroundings will be instilled and reinforced.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed at Knights of Vartan School 106.
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Access to computers and printers remains limited in many small towns and villages across Armenia. Providing students with these tools equips them with essential digital skills, enabling them to complete homework more efficiently and connect with opportunities around the world. However, due to the high cost of equipment, many schools, children’s centers, libraries and cultural institutions are unable to offer this vital access to their residents.
The Vardenis Municipality in the Gegharkunik Region has reached out to us with an important request. The municipality serves the town of Vardenis and surrounding 34 villages. The region is home to over 20 educational institutions including schools, kindergartens, music schools, libraries and cultural centers. Due to high costs they are unable to obtain the tech needed to serve these institutions and the residents that attend them.
We hope to be able to raise the funds needed to provide the Vardenis Municipality 24 computers and 12 printers. Donations of new computers and printers are also welcomed.
Region
Gegharkunik
City / Village
Vardenis & Surrounding Villages
Start Date
Immediately
End Date
Two Months as Start
The Need
Unfortunately, the high cost of computers prevents many schools, children’s centers, and cultural institutions from being able to provide residents with these essential tools.
Short Term Impact
24 computer and 12 printers will be obtained and distributed to the educational and cultural institutions throughout the Vardenis Municipality.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, this project has the potential to positively impact thousands of residents by allowing them to access the services offered by these institutions.
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.
