Varagavan Kindergarten and Multipurpose Room Renovation

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Description

Inadequate infrastructure left over from Soviet times has created unbearable conditions for families to live, learn and work in many villages throughout Armenia. Many of the husbands and fathers in these communities, especially in the Tavush Region, are heroes–serving as contract soldiers protecting our borders in their villages– while others work as seasonal migrant workers in Russia. Prosperity and our Nation’s security go hand in hand.

As part of the Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border initiative, The Foundation has identified the kindergarten in the village of Varagavan as a needed infrastructure improvement project. Varagavan Village has 223 households with a population total of 713 people, 39 of which are children of school age and 67 children of pre-school age. Varagavan has a kindergarten comprised of 19 children and employs four adults. Other organizations implemented partial renovations to the kindergarten in 2004, mainly to the section they currently use, but the majority of the building including roof repairs remains unmet.

The kindergarten currently serves 19 children, and will have 29 in September. Once renovated the municipality is ready to fund the attendance of an additional 20 students. Sponsorship of this project will help renovate the kindergarten building and create a multipurpose room suitable for the use by the entire village. Repairs need to be made to the roof, floor, kitchen and bathroom. In addition, an outdoor playground will be installed for the childrens’ use.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Varagavan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four Months from Start Date

Gallery Images

The kindergarten in Varagavan needs a complete renovation.



The kitchen in the kindergarten in Varagavan provides daily meals for the children despite its limitations.



The kindergarten in Varagavan is currently heated with wood, which is both
dangerous and insufficient.



Most of the kindergarten building in Varagavan needs a complete renovation.



The renovation of additional classrooms and a multipurpose room will facilitate the inclusion of additional children into the programs.



As part of the renovation, all doors and windows will be changed at the kindergarten in the village of Varagavan.

The Need

The kindergarten and multipurpose room in the village of Varagavan needs renovation. Specifically the kitchen, bathroom, playroom and roof and flooring throughout most of the building must be addressed. Once completed, children will be able to take full advantage of early education in a safe, clean and comfortable environment. Furthermore, families in the village are in need of a space to gather for community and cultural events.

Short Term Impact

Village kindergarten-aged children will benefit from the advantages of early education in a clean, safe and comfortable environment. Residents will be able to hold concerts, gatherings and community events in a new and functional multipurpose room. The local economy will benefit from the purchase of local materials and labor for the construction.

Long Term Impact

Improving the infrastructure in Varagavan is important. With a modern kindergarten, hundreds of children will benefit through their attendance for many years to come. Families in the village will take pride in their kindergarten and this may assist with population growth in the village.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of the renovation at the Varagavan Kindergarten and Multipurpose Room will be recognized on a plaque installed at the kindergarten, on The Paros Foundation website and in all related press to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Varagavan Village Kindergarten when you are in Armenia.
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June 6, 2019

Join us in supporting this project tonight at the beautiful home of Kelley & Greg Badishkanian in New York! All proceeds will benefit this important kindergarten and multipurpose room renovation in the village of Varagavan.

June 14, 2019

Demolition began today a week after the funds were secured at the Badishkanian fundraiser!

July 24, 2019

Work is continuing at the Varagavan Kindergarten. The windows were delivered and installed today and the roof has been completely replaced!

August 15, 2019

Project Sponsors, The Badishkanian Family, visited the kindergarten today to see how the work is progressing.

March 16, 2020

Work on the interior of the kindergarten is complete. Work will begin outside on the grounds as soon as the weather permits.

September 10, 2022

Renovations on the outside of the grounds have started by clearing away space for a playground. 

September 11, 2020

A new playground has been added to the school grounds that the children will be able to play on for years.

September 15, 2020

Today, a grand opening was held celebrating the end of renovations. The children were excited to see their new classrooms and receive toys from our team. 

Knights of Vartan School 106 Gym Renovation

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Description

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 has 2 buildings in its original condition since being built in 1981. The gym is in need of restoration to provide the children with a clean, safe and comfortable environment for them to conduct physical activity.

The Knights of Vartan since 1993 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 years some support such as renovating the roofing, installing new heating system, supporting teachers and Christmas gifts for pupils were implemented.

Region

Yerevan Երևան

City / Village

Nork Նորք

Start Date

December 2018

End Date

April 2019

Gallery Images

All windows will be replaced at the gym at School 106



The gym at School 106 needs a complete renovation



Water has seaped into the wall and floors at School 106



School is in need of additional sporting goods following the renovations

The Need

Early childhood studies show that regular physical activity is important to children’s health for their future. The Gym renovation will give young children the opportunity to conduct physical activity safely. $30,000 is needed for the completion renovation. The Gym Renovation’s scope of work includes the gym, locker rooms, bathrooms, new doors, windows, flooring and electrical.

Short Term Impact

The short term impact of this project will be to reconstruct and renovate the gymnasium for the students to access and safely use throughout their tenure at the school. Children need to conduct regular physical activity for their growing minds and bodies.

Long Term Impact

The long term impact of being able to safely conduct physical activity in school is important in keeping a healthy heart through regular exercise. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being and preventing risk factors for various health conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed in the gym at Knights of Vartan School 106.
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December 27, 2018

Construction crews begin work on demolition of gym to begin renovation. Uneven floors are being removed for new concrete to be poured for new floors. The walls and locker rooms are being primed for painting.

 July 23, 2019

With the full renovation of the gym complete, new sporting goods were purchased and delivered to the school.  

Hatsik Preschool Renovation

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Description

Hatsik is a village in the Armavir Province of Armenia. The village population, approximately 2500, currently houses one school with 285 students in attendance, 40 being in preschool. The Hatsik Village School, which was the site for renovations completed by the Paros Foundation’s SERVICE Armenia in years 2013, 2014 and 2015, is in need of a renovation consisting of three classrooms, two bathrooms, and a hallway, which will facilitate the entire preschool. Thanks to the generosity of past and present donors, The Paros Foundation has renovated the auditorium, gym, all other classrooms and bathrooms in this buidling at the school. The school is very important to the region of Armavir. The regional government has previously allocated funding to complete the school’s heating system. In addition, the Hatsik Village Municipality raised funds within their network of donors to help with the restoration of the school’s kitchen.

Sponsorship of this project will help raise the amount needed in order to complete renovations at the Hatsik School’s Preschool wing. Our previous renovations at the Hatsik School are well maintained, thus giving us great motivation to continue our work at this site. The Paros Foundation is committed to completing renovations and dramatically improving the overall condition for the children at this school.

Region

Armavir / Արմավիր

City / Village

Hatsik / Հացիկ

Start Date

November 2023

End Date

Two months after start date

Gallery Images

Unsanitary bathroom conditions at the preschool



Bathroom renovations are needed urgently for the children



Family, friends from the Marc Tognozzi Memorial Fund along with Paros Foundation staff, visit the Hatsik Village School. Esther Tognozzi is committed to helping renovate the Preschool in her son, Marc’s memory, the fund established in his name.

The Need

Early education studies show that attending kindergarten is important to students’ success in higher education, as well as for their future. The Hatsik Preschool renovation will give young children the opportunity to attend classrooms that will accommodate their early education needs.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be to reconstruct and renovate three classrooms, two bathrooms and a hallway for the preschool. Materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy. In addition, local villagers will be hired to complete the construction work, thus providing them with temporary jobs.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the success of this project will provide proper classrooms and facilities for current and future young children at Hatsik Preschool to attend and start their educational journeys.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed in the Hatsik School Auditorium.

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November 21, 2023

Today renovations on the Hatsik Preschool school started. We are excited to provide a new space for the preschoolers to learn. 

January 18, 2024

The Hatsik Preschool renovations are complete! The preschool has ordered furniture for the completed classrooms.

Story Beyond The Ruins

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Description

Story Beyond The Ruins is an oral history project documenting the earthquake that rocked not only its epicenter Spitak, but the entire nation of Armenia. Launched in 2017 by United States Peace Corps volunteers, Michael Chen and Max Malter, and American University of Armenia student, Arpine Hovannisyan, the project aims to preserve memories and lived experiences from and beyond the 1988 Spitak Earthquake (also known as the Armenian Earthquake) through a collection of interviews. Through their conversations with individuals, they have tried to provide a canvas for an authentic depiction of life during and after the earthquake. Their goal is to publish the stories online and continue conducting interviews and building upon their collection of stories. Story Beyond The Ruins operates with the help of volunteers. They have partnered with our organization to help raise the funds needed,$2,400, to continue to gather interviews, maintain their website and market their efforts for the next three years.

The young men and women behind Story Beyond The Ruins hope that these stories will strengthen the Armenian heritage of storytelling and give outsiders a glimpse into a profound event that led up to modern Armenia today. you can listen to these interviews on the Story Beyond The Ruins website at www.storybeyondtheruins.com

Region

Shirak & Lori / Շիրակ և Լոռի

City / Village

Gyumri, Spitak & Vanadzor / Գյումրի, Սպիտակ և Վանաձոր

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

March 2022

Gallery Images

Vahagn Tonoyan’s story about how an earthquake changed a young man’s life and how he grew up to help his country prepare for the next one is available online at on www.storybeyondtheruins.com

The Need

A story about the past somehow has the power to alter our perception of the present and likewise shift our imagination of the future. The goal of the Story Beyond The Ruins project is to tell personal stories about the 1988 Spitak Earthquake including how it reordered the way people narrate their lives and how their identities changed. While there is much tragedy in the disaster, there is also much hope. People who survived this event grew up, pursued new goals, and changed into strong, motivated citizens who want to help their country and give back to those in need. This project is needed as a platform to tell these stories.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a team of volunteers from Armenia will work to compile a collection interviews, translate them, and add them to the Story Beyond The Ruins website.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, a historical record will exist for future generations.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Story Beyond the Ruins websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.

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May 6, 2019

Story Beyond The Ruins has just added to their collection of interviews. Armen Der Kiureghian’s interview and the story of how the American University of Armenia was started after the 1988 Armenian earthquake is now available on their website.

Kanakeravan Art School Classroom Renovation

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Description

The Kanakeravan Fine Arts School is located in the village of Kanakeravan about 30 minutes outside of Yerevan and serves both this village and a neighboring village. The School provides afterschool program in several of the fine arts including music, dance, pottery, painting and needle work to more than 125 children annually. The School has a committed staff and principal that ensure that their personal passion for the arts is upheld and taught to these children.

The Paros Foundation has provided the school in past years with two new pianos and renovated the schools restroom and multipurpose room. The school is still in need of renovations to several of the classrooms and hallways including new flooring, doors, windows, paint and lighting. The local government provides the Art School support for their administrative expenses, while the students pay a modest monthly fee. Unfortunately, the support and fees are not enough to allow the school to complete the renovations on their own. Sponsorship of this project will help renovate a total of nine classroom/practice rooms and two administrative office.

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Kanakeravan

Start Date

June 2018

End Date

August 2018

Gallery Images

The Kanakeravan Fine Arts School is located in a village approximately 30 minutes outside of Yerevan.



Floors in the Kanakeravan Art School classrooms are rotting and need to be

The Need

Armenia’s villages and its children suffer from lack of facilities for children. The promotion of a child’s education and preservation of our rich culture depend on quality educational institutions. The Kanakeravan Fine Arts School can meet these needs with a modest amount of support.

Short Term Impact

125 children will have a newly renovated classrooms and practice rooms to attend. The renovation will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials.

Long Term Impact

Armenia’s rich heritage and culture will continue to be promoted through the support of this art school. In addition, life in the village of Kanakeravan will be more interesting and fulfilling by having a quality art school for children to study at and as a place for villagers to work.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to support the Kanakeravan Art School will be recognized with a plaque at the school, 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 and tour the school when you are in Armenia.
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June 28, 2018

The SERVICE Armenia 2018 program participants spent three days working in the village on the subfloor at the Art School.

 August 15, 2018

Students will begin the 2018/19 school year with new classrooms on the first floor! We hope to be able to continue the renovation of this school with the classrooms on the second floor next year.

Kindergarten & Preschool for Paruyr Sevak Village

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Description

The village of Paruyr Sevak was founded in 1978 and named after the famous poet Paruyr Sevak.  The village is located in the Ararat Region and is near the border of Nakhchivan and occasionally receives cross border sniper fire.  Almost 600 people live in the village of Paruyr Sevak.  Currently 16 children attend the preschool.  The village does not have a working kindergarten, nor an appropriate public gathering space for events and activities.  There is no gas infrastructure in the area, so families burn wood or use electricity to heat their homes and public buildings.  Improvements were recently made to the drinking water infrastructure for homes in Paruyr Sevak.  Irrigation water continues to be a problem for the village and dramatically effects their ability to farm.

The goal of this project is to rebuild several wings of the building that currently houses the preschool.  This will facilitate three major things for the village.  First, it will allow for the expansion for the preschool to accommodate additional children who are not attending due to the current poor conditions.  Second, it will allow the village of Paruyr Sevak to establish a kindergarten for the village.  Currently the village has 33 children awaiting the establishment of a kindergarten.  This will help these children receive the benefits of early education.  Finally, the renovation of a large assembly hall will allow the village to have an appropriate space to gather for various meetings and community activities.

This project will be implemented in phases as funding becomes available.  The first phase will include the renovation of the second story preschool space and will cost $18,500.  The second phase will include the renovation of the first story kindergarten space and the adjacent kitchen and will cost $28,500.  The third and final phase will include the renovation of the main entryway, the community assembly hall and the building’s entry courtyard and will cost $22,000.

Region

Ararat

City / Village

Paruyr Sevak

Start Date

May 2019

End Date

Gallery Images

The kindergarten and preschool in the village of Paruyr Sevak occupy approximately half of this building.



The building in Paruyr Sevak houses the kindergarten and future preschool and community hall.



The bathrooms in the kindergarten building were partially remodeled, but never completed.



Broken windows and a leaky roof has caused a considerable amount of damage
to the upper floor.



One of the classrooms on the upper floor of the kindergarten building in Payuyr Sevak.



The head of the Paruyr Sevak community shows Paros staff the damage relating to the roof leaks in the kindergarten.



The main entrance to the building is currently not used and needs to be renovated.



Once renovated, the second floor assembly hall will be a very good addition to the Payuyr Sevak community.



The kitchen will serve both the kindergarten and the preschool once renovated.



The head of the Payuyr Sevak community shows Paros Staff the direction of Azeri sniper fire from Nakhchivan.



This room once served as the auditorium and assembly room for the community of Paruyr Sevak. Once renovated, it will again fulfill, this important role both for the children as well as the community at large.



The upstairs hallway will be renovated as part of the work on the preschool in the village of Paruyr Sevak.



The grounds outside of the kindergarten building will also be renovated to
serve as a beautiful park space for the community and a playground for the
children.

The Need

The village of Paruyr Sevak has a small working preschool that needs renovation in order to better serve the community. In addition, children currently do not have a kindergarten to attend. The community as a whole does not have an appropriate assembly hall to meet for various events and activities.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, all of the preschool and kindergarten aged children will benefit from the newly renovated facilities. Additional jobs will be created at both the preschool and kindergarten, and during the reconstruction phase of the building. Materials will be purchased locally whenever possible, to help the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, children in the village will benefit from early education and the villagers will have an appropriate space for community gatherings and events.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the building’s entrance in Paruyr Sevak, and in any press related to this important project. Visits to the village can be arranged for sponsors and their families during visits to Armenia.
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May 19, 2019

Work began today on the second floor classroom spaces that will house the new pre-school.

 July 16, 2019

Work is completed on the second floor classroom space. Now the crew is beginning the phase two work which includes the new main entrance, staircase, hallway and kitchen.

 September 5, 2019

Today the Piligian and Hamparian families who are the primary sponsors of this project, visited the village of Paruyr Sevak and sponsored a gala celebration for the work that has been completed to date!

 January 13, 2020

With work on phase two nearing completion, our work crew has begun the renovation of the first floor kindergarten space.

 February 29, 2020

After a considerable amount of research, our Paros staff concluded the most effective heating system for this large building is an electricity fired boiler and radiators to heat all newly renovated spaces. Our heating specialist was able to tie in the existing partial solar heating system for additional benefit.

 March 7, 2020

The work on the first floor kindergarten classroom spaces is also complete and the crew is now working on the second floor auditorium.

 April 9, 2020

Today our crew finished the interior work. The children will return to both the kindergarten and the newly opened pre-school as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. We will continue to work with the project sponsors to tackle the work on the grounds next.

July 9, 2021

Today our SERVICE Armenia participants spent the day at P. Sevak helping paint some of the verandas in the playground space.  Thanks to participant’s donations, these structures were rebuilt and will offer both students, staff and families shelter from the heat!  

August 27, 2021

Thanks to the generous continued support from the Piligian and Hamparian families, the village’s medical center, which is located next to the kindergarten’s kitchen, is being renovated!  Work began today and should be completed within a few weeks.  

July 29, 2024

The Paros team visited the Payrur Sevak Kindergarten and Pre-School to spend time with the children. 

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2019-2020 Funding

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Description

The Ghoghanj Children’s Center located in the Kentron of Yerevan provides afterschool and summer school programs for approximately 60 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.

https://youtu.be/lI1AwdYMja8

Region

Yerevan / Երևան

City / Village

Nor Nork / Նոր Նորք

Start Date

September 2019

End Date

August 2020

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 2019-2020.

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 2019-2020 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.
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October 6, 2019

Students from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center attended the Digitec Expo 2019 annual exhibition and presented their work.

 March 12, 2020

Following the order of the Prime Minister, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center will be temporarily closed due to Covid-19 until further notice.

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2019 Operating Budget

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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 170 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 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.

The center is working on funding year four 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. $77,000 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.

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Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2019

End Date

March 2020

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 170 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 2019 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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June 28, 2019

The Paros Foundation’s Service Armenia 2019 group came to visit Debi Arach and implement the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project, distributing backpacks full of school supplies to all of the students. The backpacks are important for students as they ensure that no student is left behind due to inadequate school supplies. The SERVICE 2019 group will return soon to spend one of their work days doing minor renovations and paint work at the center.

 July 1, 2019

The Paros Foundation’s Mobile Dental Clinic arrived at Debi Arach to treat the students throughout the month of July with free dental care and treatment.

 October 9, 2019Thanks to a generous second donation to underwrite the vocational training programs at the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri from the Dr. Gary and Linda Assarian Family Foundation, Debi Arach is proud to announce the re-naming of this program as the Assarian Vocational Training Program.
November 1, 2019

Today, Debi Arach had an amazing fall mini-excursion at a local park. Students split up into groups, some picking up trash and cleaning the park, some writing poetry, and some doing arts and crafts. It was a great day not only doing good for the community, but also appreciating nature.

 November 7, 2019

Debi Arach now has a small library for students with over 100 books in Armenian, English, and Russian. Classes have been extended two days a week to allow for some independent reading time.

 November 12, 2019

As a part of Debi Arach’s career fair program and focused on the profession of law, 20 students were given the rare opportunity to visit a court. The president of the Universal Court of the Shirak Marz, Gagik Hovhannisyan, spoke about the judicial process and how a court case works. Students received a full tour of the area and learned so much about what lawyers do.

 December 13, 2019

Debi Arach had a special visit from the Armenian EyeCare Project. They performed 19 eye exams for students who exhibited sight problems, 12 of which will be fitted for glasses. Thank you Armenian EyeCare Project!

 March 9, 2020

The Debi Arach Children’s Center and as well as the Assarian Vocational Training Program have temporarily closed due to Covid-19 following the order of the Prime Minister and until further notice. We are dedicated to providing consistent meals, psychological support, and structured in-home learning to the youth. Although the facility is currently closed, we are working hard to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students and staff. We have also committed to continue paying our staff during the closure. We are working closely with our on-staff psychologist, who is checking in with the kids each week to help them navigate their lives during this challenging time. We want to make sure the students still receive consistent, adequate nutrition so we are providing food packages for all families of Debi Arach with guidelines on safety protocols for receiving and cleaning the items.

Kick Like a Girl!

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Description

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) is the only NGO working across Armenia to use sports for social change outside the classroom. Girls who play sports exhibit higher confidence levels, better mental health, improved teamwork and communication skills, increased graduation rates, and leadership skills. GOALS directly impacts more than 2,500 girls and boys in 65 communities.

Meet Tatevik Movsisyan. The first player from a GOALS league to join the Armenian Women’s Under-19 National Team. Tatevik’s passion for soccer began when she was eight years old watching boys play soccer in their village field and dreamt of taking part in it. However, it seemed like an impossible dream for her because of the stereotypes in her village. Then, at the age 11, she was nominated best soccer player in her village during a soccer tournament. Shortly thereafter, she joined the GOALS Achajur team. It was strange at first for the village to accept the idea of a girls’ team. As the league continued, her father even observed her practices and started to recognize her skills, slowly changing his mentality. Since GOALS arrived, there has been a transformation in her village. More girls want to join the team and boys accept and encourage girls to play soccer. Tatevik feels more confident and dedicated. She wants to continue her studies in sports and soccer, with a dream of becoming a referee. Without GOALS, she does not think she would have these opportunities or aspirations.

 

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Charencavan, Hrazdan, Fantan, Karenis, Abovyan & Alapars

Start Date

October 2018

End Date

January 2019

All donations for this fundraiser will help GOALS create the opportunity for young girls to reach their goals, both in soccer and in life.Your donations will fund existing leagues, camps, teams and players, as well help to expand into new rural areas across Armenia. Your contribution will also help train more coaches in the use of “sport for social impact” curriculum in Armenia.

Through your generous donations GOALS will:

● Cover all costs related to the leagues: travel, referees, nurses, and venue spaces, and all the equipment needed to hold training sessions (jerseys, socks, footballs, cones and pinnies).
● Permit girls to travel to Yerevan to be a part of competitive matches and cross-cultural events, introducing local youth to diaspora Armenians and exposing participants to different perspectives and ideas, and broadening their horizons.
● Support tournaments between the regions to motivate girls to increase their soccer skill levels and increase their confidence in participating in tournaments outside of their region.
● Empower a new generation of leaders to take New Armenia forward by creating a network of strong girls in the region and allowing them to build new friendships, teamwork, and skills to compete.
● Provide professional training and guidance in media (sports journalism), coaching and refereeing, allowing young people to practice their skills and get experience in the scope of GOALS programs across Armenia.

Sponsor a League- $3,000
GOALS leagues are designed to give young women aged 12-17 from under-resourced areas the chance to play soccer and build confidence and teamwork skills, as well as change public perception of women’s participation in sports. The annual cost of a league is approximately $3,000, which will fund:
● Equipment for the teams (jerseys, socks, footballs, cones, and pinnies for an entire league)
● Training with coach minimum once a week (minimum 1 hour)
● Traveling costs
● Referees
● Nurses
● Venue space
Currently, GOALS has soccer leagues in 7 regions of Armenia: Yeghegnadzor, Alaverdi, Goris, Dilijan, Artik, Armavir and Gegharkunik.

Sponsor a Camp – $1,500
GOALS soccer leadership summer camps are implemented in impoverished rural areas in order to excite the community,motivate the girls to continue playing soccer, and challenge existing steretypes within the communities.
GOALS Summer camps consist of :
● Sport-for-social-impact games addressing gender equity, tolerance, diversity, human rights and healthy lifestyle
● Technical drills
● Leadership seminar (Guest speakers)
● Nutritious lunch
Camps bring together communities whose residents often don’t interact and spark the interest that leads to more GOALS programming in the region. Since 2016 GOALS has conducted 10 camps impacting more than 500 girls and boys.

Sponsor a Team – $500
Teams are designed to help girls build new friendships, teamwork, and skills to compete. Teams have the opportunity to travel to Yerevan and participate in cross-cultural events.
Each team needs :
● Coaches
● Equipment
● Traveling costs
We currently have 42 teams and will be creating at least ten in the coming year. Sponsoring a team supports these needs for two full seasons/one year.

Sponsor a Player – $50
Sponsoring a player is an easy way to make a big impact through a small donation. This donation will pay for one girl’s uniform, socks, and travel to competitive games.

You can visit the GOALS website to find out more about how your charitable contributions are helping GOALS to spread their impact: www.goalsarmenia.org

GOALS needs supporters of every kind — donations, fundraiser sponsors, and volunteers. If you are interested or have questions about where and how GOALS works we encourage you to contact GOALS directly at Lorik@goalsarmenia.org.

Gallery Images

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer Logo

The Need

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. The GOALS organization helps give young women the chance to play soccer through their GOALS Leagues, Media, Coach and Referee trainings, Camps and After-school Clubs.

Short Term Impact

In 2017 GOALS impacted 2,000 youth through their leagues, camps, and After-School Clubs. We witnessed an increase in these girls confidence, recorded an increase of parents who approve of their daughters playing soccer, and a spike in the belief that girls can be leaders. With your investment GOALS wants to launch a new league in the Kotayk region, which will become their eighth league.

Long Term Impact

In the long-term, public opinion regarding girls’ participation in soccer is changing, paving for the way for greater sports and leadership opportunities. We see a movement toward more inclusive soccer leagues that start at a young age and continue, also contributing to a competitive National Team for Armenia.

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. The GOALS organization will also begin sending updates through their newsletter in which they will also thank and recognize sponsors. In addition, GOALS will send personalized team photos and progress reports to sponsors of leagues and/or teams.
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Abovyan School #8 Renovation-Phase One

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Description

The town of Abovyan in Armenia’s Kotayk region is often referred to as the northern gateway to Yerevan because of its proximity to city (about 10 miles north.) Abovyan is home to more than 34,500 residents. More than 530 children attend School #8 in Abovyan. The school is in overall poor condition. School administrators do what they can to maintain the facility, but outside assistance is needed to dramatically improve conditions throughout this school.

The school is comprised of seven building, six of which are currently being utilized. All six buildings need new roofs to prevent leakage during the wet and winter months. Most of the school’s windows need to be changed to modern, double-pane windows. The school’s boilers are 12 years old and one of them has ceased to function. The bathrooms all need to be completely renovated and transformed into modern restrooms. The large gym is also in very poor condition and needs a total remodel.

Improvements to this large school will be completed in phases. The Phase One project will include the replacement of the school’s roofing and roof support structure (as needed) over six of the buildings that are in use. Two of the buildings are in very bad condition and will be replaced immediately as soon as funding is available.

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Abovyan

Start Date

June 2019

Gallery Images

The roof over the six buildings of Abovyan School #8 needs to be replaced.



The roof above the bathrooms at Abovyan School #8 have leaked and caused a
considerable amount of damage to the interior.



The ceiling above the gym at Abovyan School #8 shows a considerable amount
of water damage.



Like most of the other rooms at Abovyan School #8, the auditorium also leaks.

The Need

The roofs over the six buildings that are currently being used at the Abovyan School #8 are leaking and beyond repair. These roofs and much of the support structure beneath must be changed to help create a safe and comfortable environment for the children while they are at school.

Short Term Impact

In the near term, a roofing crew will replace roofs over six of the facilities buildings including new corrugated roofing, gutters, downspouts and wood supporting structure as needed. This will benefit the local economy as both materials and labor will be purchased locally.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, children will be able to learn in a cleaner, safer environment. In addition, a new roof will help better protect the children and staff and prevent further deterioration of the facility.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque installed at the school and in all appropriate press materials related to this project.
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Updates: Images & Information

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December 27, 2018

Today our construction crew did a closer inspection of the roofs at the school. Our hope is to have enough funding in place to redo at least two of the building’s roofs as soon as weather permits.

 June 3, 2019

Our construction team arrived at the school today to begin the demolition of the roof on the first building on campus! Exciting!

 July 23, 2019

So happy to announce that our team completed the work on the roof at the first building on campus!

July 10, 2020

Work on the roof over the second classroom building at the school began today thanks to the support of several generous donors.  

August 15, 2020

Work on the second classroom building’s roof was completed today! 

October 15, 2021

The school’s main entrance was reroofed a several year’s ago through a government supported project.  Unfortunately, it was done very poorly and aggressive wind damaged a considerable amount of roofing over the entrance.  Thankfully, through the support of generous donors, our crew began the reconstruction of the third building’s roof today!

November 16, 2021

Work on the third building’s roof was completed today before the weather becomes too moist!

September 4, 2022Demolition work has begun in the school gym. Once that is completed, the entire gym will be renovated complete with paint, windows, lighting, electrical and equipment. February 20, 2023

The gym renovations are complete! A grand opening with performances from the students was held in celebration of its completion. Continuing with school renovations, we still need funds to renovate the locker rooms and the teacher’s office.