Recycling on the Border

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Description

Recycling in border villages in the Tavush region is currently extremely limited; as a result, plastic and other trash often goes uncollected and liters the communities. When it is collected, the waste is often put into landfills or it is burned.

The Paros Foundation seeks to partner with the Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities NGO, or ‘ISSD’ to implement a small scale recycling initiative in ten border villages in the Tavush region, with the hopes of eventual expansion. The proposed project involves going to several schools and providing specially marked recycling bins for paper and plastic. The children will then be educated on the benefits of recycling and why it is important. In order to provide incentive, the school whom collects the most recycling will receive a prize of their choice up to a certain cash value. Schools will be given approximately 2 months to collect the recycling, when it will then be picked up and transferred to the proper recycling facilities.

The project’s ultimate goal is to educate communities on recycling, and give them the opportunity to try it themselves. The project and related school trainings will be conducted in two trips.

If after the two month contest period the project is considered successful, Paros will seek to expand into more schools in the Tavush region.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Ten Tavush border villages

Start Date

January 2020

End Date

February 2020

Gallery Images

Custom Recycling bins will be placed in each of ten schools along border communities surrounding Berd.



Classroom instruction on the benefits of recycling will take place by trained instructors from the Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities, NGO

The Need

Recycling in border villages in the Tavush region is currently extremely limited; as a result, plastic and other trash often goes uncollected and liters these communities.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a two month recycling contest will be launched to build excitement about the project in ten border schools in Tavush. The schoolchildren will learn about the benefits of recycling and start making it a regular practice in both their schools and households. A modest economic benefit will be realized through this project through the employment of a driver and trainers.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, communities will be more informed about modern waste and waste management, and, hopefully develop the practices as a normal part of their culture. The project will involve more than 1,800 children.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, and in relevant press related to this important project.
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January 14, 2020

The Recycling Contest launched today with nine schools in the Berd area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. Schools will be collecting both paper and plastics and competing for a prize! The contest launch follows training and instruction on the value of recycling by the experts at the ISSD organization in Yerevan.

 February 18, 2020

Today the Paros Team visited the schools, registered and collected all the recyclables and determined the contests winners! The School in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur collected the most plastic per student! The School in the village of Tavush collected the most paper per student! Congratulations to both schools! We look forward to expanding this project in the future.

Kindergarten Renovation for Movses Village

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Description

The border village of Movses is located in a remote and isolated part of the Tavush Region in the Berd administrative area. More than 1,500 residents live in Movses and its kindergarten currently serves 37 children.

The kindergarten has been partially renovated over the years, but these have only served as temporary fixes. The roof leaks, the heating system is not sufficient to heat the building properly and the bathrooms are a disaster.  The kindergarten will be completely renovated including the roof, heating system, doors and windows, bathrooms and kitchen.  In addition, the classrooms, sleep rooms and other interior spaces will receive a complete cosmetic renovation including new lighting, paint and flooring.  Additional furniture will also be provided as necessary.

Region

Tavush Տավուշ

City / Village

Movses Մովսես

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

August 2019

Gallery Images

The Movses Kindergarten is functioning, but the roof leaks and needs to be
replaced.



Overcrowding at the Movses Kindergarten will be solved once the renovation
is completed at the Movses Kindergarten.



Water seepage has damaged the floor and the walls and is creating mold at the kindergarten in Movses.



Water damage has created large areas of black mold at the kindergarten in Movses.



The floor boards in several places at the Movses Kindergarten have rotted and are dangerous.

The Need

The kindergarten in the border village of Movses currently serves 37 children and needs a complete renovation to provide these children with a warm and safe environment in which to start their early education.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the kindergarten will be renovated with materials purchased in Armenia and local labor to help benefit the economy. 37 children and the kindergarten staff will receive the immediate benefit of a safe and warm environment in which to learn and work.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, hundreds of children will benefit from early education in Movses. In addition, the village as a whole will benefit from this significant infrastructure improvement.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors to this project will recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press related to this important project and on a plaque at the Kindergarten. Visits for sponsors to the Movses Kindergarten can be arranged during their visits to Armenia.
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March 18, 2019

Work at the kindergarten in Movses began today!

 April 27, 2019

Work on the interior of the kindergarten is almost completed! Soon the crew will begin the exterior paint job!

 April 30, 2020

The crew has almost completed the exterior paint job at the kindergarten in Movses.

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2018

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Description

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a Los Angeles based non-profit organization, supports children in need and their educational advancement. The organization was founded in 2008 by six Armenian Americans with the belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessities needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status. Their mission is to provide backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, HHF hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures.

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 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, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia.

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. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of both current and new children. Our goal is to provide 185 backpacks and school supplies for the children attending the center. A donation of $30 will help obtain a 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.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

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

185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive proper backpacks and 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

In the long term, 185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities will be given the opportunity to excel in their studies and further their educational careers. In additions, children will be motivated to attend school more regularly, and have increased self-esteem.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation 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.
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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2019

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Description

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation (HHF), a Los Angeles based non-profit organization, supports children in need and their educational advancement. The organization was founded in 2008 by six Armenian Americans with the belief that no child should be deprived of the essential necessities needed for their education regardless of their socioeconomic status. Their mission is to provide backpacks and school supplies to children living in poverty and from low socioeconomic households around the world. Through their Packs on Backs initiative, HHF hopes to motivate children, help them stay and excel in school, and have successful futures.

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 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, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia.

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. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of both current and new children. Our goal is to provide 185 backpacks and school supplies for the children attending the center. A donation of $30 will help obtain a 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.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

February 2019

End Date

July 2019

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

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

185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive proper backpacks and 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

In the long term, 185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities will be given the opportunity to excel in their studies and further their educational careers. In additions, children will be motivated to attend school more regularly, and have increased self-esteem.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation 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.
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June 26, 2019

SERVICE Armenia 2019 participants spent a work day putting together 185 backpacks and school supplies and preparing them for distribution. The school supplies were purchased in Armenia with the help of Paros staff.

 June 28, 2019

The backpack and school supply distribution was held at the Debi Arach Children’s Center today with the help of SERVICE Armenia 2019 participants, Med-Aid ARMENIA 2019 participants, Paros staff and volunteers. Children attending the center received new backpacks and school supplies.

NKA School Remodel-Phase 4

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Description

Jean-Marie & Lori Atamian recently announced their sixth major gift of $100,000 to The Paros Foundation’s Prosperity on the Border Initiative. This contribution will be used to rebuild a large two-story school building in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (population 1,380) (“NKA”). NKA was the most heavily shelled village on the Tavush border during the war for the liberation of Artsakh.

This investment is the latest infrastructure project underwritten by the Atamians in NKA. Specifically, since 2013, the Atamians have financed the reconstruction of the village’s medical center, kindergarten, secondary school (3 large two-story buildings), emergency services building and water pipeline. The Atamians have also awarded over 20 individual family agricultural and home renovation grants to improve the standard of living of numerous households. The impressive economic progress of NKA has prompted the Atamians to make additional long-term commitments to ensure the village’s continued growth and prosperity for future generations.

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Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

May 2020

Gallery Images

Jean-Marie Atamian flanked by his family at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the first and second buildings on the school campus that were renovated in the fall of 2017



The current workshop at the school in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur has no heat, poor lighting and needs a cosmetic renovation.



Because the school at Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur has no existing laboratories, old equipment is simply stored and not utilized.



The hallway leading to the existing library is in terrible condition. The
complete renovation of this space will create an inviting and exciting environment for children to learn.

The Need

The final phase of the school’s rebuilding has begun and will include the school’s science classrooms and laboratory, home economics classroom, wood and metal shop, exercise and dance studio and other classrooms. The bathrooms in this building are also in need of being renovated.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, all classrooms, laboratories and bathrooms will be rebuilt including new flooring, windows, electrical fixtures and painting, new furniture and equipment as necessary and new plumbing for the bathroom. Supplies will be purchased locally and local labor will be used whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

For years to come, children in this village will be able to attend school in a safe and warm environment. With a fully rebuilt school, families in the village will be less likely to relocate to a different area. In fact, the implementation of the various projects in this village has been accompanied by a significant increase in the birth rate.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor this project will be recognized with a plaque at the school and in their printed materials. Sponsors will also be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros Foundation website. Visits to the school can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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June 11, 2019

Demolition work begins today on the two-story third building at the school. Once this wing is completed, the entire school will be renovated.

September 2, 2019

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur school renovations are complete! Project Sponsors, The Atamian Family, visited the school today for opening day.

May 4, 2020

Work is completed on the septic system for the final phase of the renovation at the school.

Noyemberyan Kindergarten Expansion

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Description

Noyemberyan is a city located two kilometers west of the Armenia/Azeri border and nine kilometers south of the Armenia/Georgian border. 5,000 people call Noyemberyan their home. The city has two kindergartens and a growing number of children. Kindergarten #2 is currently overcrowded and has a waiting list of new children to attend. One building on the campus is not used and needs a complete renovation. To completely rebuild this building, more than $45,000 is needed. The Paros Foundation, along with the City of Noyemberyan has entered into an agreement with World Vision to see to the needs of this kindergarten. World Vision will provide all of the necessary building materials (about $28,000) and The Paros team will provide the oversight and labor to complete the complete reconstruction of the third kindergarten building (about $17,500.) The city of Noyemberyan is committed to funding the salaries and additional expenses of operating the expanded kindergarten.

Region

Tavush Տավուշ

City / Village

Noyemberyan Նոյեմբերյան

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

March 2020

Gallery Images

The reconstruction of the third building at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2 will start with the replacement of the roof over the hallway and building.



The inside of the third building at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2 needs to be completed reconstruction.



The exterior of the third building at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2 shows signs of water damage.



A future class/play room at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2.



The current conditions in the bathroom at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2.



The roof will be changed at the Noyemberyan kindergarten #2.



The interior of the third building at Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.



Bathroom at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.



The connecting hallway and additional entrance to the third building at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.



Exterior view of the third building at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.



The connecting hallway will also be reconstructed.



Another interior room at the kindergarten #2 in Noyemberyan.

The Need

It is a proven fact that children greatly benefit from early education. The renovation of the third building at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2 will provide for the expansion of two additional groups of 25 new children.

Short Term Impact

The renovation of the third building at the kindergarten will enable 25 additional children to receive early education. The estimated 20 local workers will receive fair wages during the construction period. Additional staff will be employed at the kindergarten once the new groups begin.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, the renovation of the third building of the kindergarten will serve an expanded number of children. An estimated 500 children will benefit over the useful life of this building. Both children, their families and staff will benefit from the expanded kindergarten operation.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2 and in all press related to this important project. Visits to Noyemberyan will be arranged for sponsors wishing to visit their project.
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February 13, 2019

Today we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with World Vision and the Noyemberyan Municipality. We will be leading the construction on this important project, and World Vision will be supplying the materials per our agreement. All of the World Vision material purchases will be done through issuing requests for material purchases and we expect this process to be transparent, but slow.

 March 22, 2019

Our crew today completed the entire roofing process consisting of a new wooden structure and new metal roofing over the expanded kindergarten building.

 April 6, 2019

New windows were delivered and installed today.

 May 11, 2019

Work on the interior subflooring and walls is progressing well.

 September 11, 2019

Much of the interior work is complete.

 January 6, 2020

While the expanded kindergarten space is complete (except for heating), today we did an official ribbon cutting ceremony with all of our project partners including World Vision, FOCN and the Municipality.

 May 15, 2020

With the balance of the fund’s raised thanks to the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul in Detroit, the heating system was purchased and installed at the kindergarten. The expense for this building’s heating was split with the Noyemberyan Municipality.

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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Updates: Images & Information

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.