Debi Arach Vocational Center 2018/2019

Read Updates

Description

The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015. The center, which provides 120 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.
In 2016, Debi Arach launched their vocational training program at the center in order to provide young adults with a set of skills and tools they will need to secure gainful employment and help break their family’s cycle of poverty. Students participate in their choice of several programs including computer programing classes using a curriculum developed by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises, 3D printing and related software and programming, and computer repairs – both hardware and software. In 2019, we plan to add additional hands-on training programs, the first of which will be culinary and restaurant service classes. The center operates Monday- Saturday and classes are offered on a rotating basis. 50 young adults will be enrolled per year and attend the training class of their choice. Once the training courses are completed, the Debi Arach staff will work with the students on job placement. Since the inception of this vocational program, 28 students have been either enrolled in one or more classes and 11 have already found jobs and are earning money.
Sponsorship towards this project will help run the vocational center for one year, including staff wages and supplies. 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.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

September 2018

End Date

August 2020

Gallery Images

Students will have the opportunity to recieve training in different fields
including robotics and computer sciences.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

In the short term, 50 students, both current and new, will participate in one of several training programs offered for the duration of a year. Four trainers will be employed and facilitate classes.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Debi Arach Vocationsl Center will be recognized on a plaque, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the vocational center when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”63078″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
September 21, 2018

As part of our vocational training, career planning classes are offered for students. Every 2 months professionals from different sectors teach classes and take students on hands-on field trips to gain a full understanding of what it takes to be in that career.

September 11, 2019

Vocational training for hair has launched!

December 2, 2019

Vocational training continues at the Gyumri Technology Center with 13 participants. 

Musical Armenia – Vanadzor Orran Center

Read Updates

Description

Musical Armenia was founded in 2017, to support youth music education in Armenia. They believe that every child in Armenia should have access to music education, regardless of financial means. Musical Armenia has partnered with The Paros Foundation to help provide tuition scholarships and instruments for underprivileged children. Musical Armenia is solely supported by individual donors.

This project aims to provide full, ongoing music scholarships to 18 children from socially vulnerable families in Vanadzor who attend the Orran Center. The budget includes funds allocated for securing instruments, transportation costs and other related expenses whenever needed.

Students will attend one of three existing music schools in Vanadzor, with full tuition paid. Monthly tuition per child includes eight private lessons on the instrument, four music theory classes, and four choir practices (optional). Your contribution of $14 per month ($168 per year) will sponsor one child for the duration of one year. Sponsorship in any amount is welcomed.

Region

Lori

City / Village

Vanadzor

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

December 2023

The Need

18 children from the Orran Center in Vanadzor have been identified who would like to study music, but are unable to pay for tuition due to their family’s economic condition.

Short Term Impact

18 children will study music in a warm and nurturing environment. This includes learning an instrument, studying music theory, and having the opportunity to sing in the school choir (optional). In addition, the project increases teacher salaries, since teachers are paid per student and the project increases the number of students.

Long Term Impact

Musical education teaches discipline, helps develop good work ethic, increases self-esteem and empowers children. This project will sponsor 18 children for the duration of their studies (maximum 8 years), making a lasting investment in the child’s development. The goal is to inspire, allow the children to explore their talents and reach their full potential. Furthermore, this project has the potential to promote Armenia’s rich culture.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Musical Armenia websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62992″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEDOrY5iXWwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTuqCoZVeSg
December 26, 2019

Dhol and guitar classes at the Vanadzor Orran Center are going well. Additionally, other students from the center are continuing their lessons with several different instruments.

 March 16, 2020

The Vanadzor Orran Center will be closed due to Covid-19 following the order of the Prime Minister and until further notice. Musical lessons supported through this project will resume when the center is able to re-open again.

Ghoghanj Nor Nork – 2018-2019 Funding

Read Updates

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 the Nor Nork neighborhood of Yerevan to provide support to 85 additional children annually. The new center provides students the same core classes (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.

Currently, The Paros Foundation is looking for donors who will help keep this important Center running in the 2018-2019 school year. Amount will include rent, utilities, teacher salaries, maintenance and additional improvements, and supplies.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Nor Nork

Start Date

September 2018

End Date

August 2019

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 will need additional financial assistance in order to cover operational costs for the following school year (2018-2019).

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 2018-2019 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 new Center when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62615″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
October 7, 2018

Kids from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center attended the Digitec Expo 2018, one of the most anticipated events in the IT sector.

 December 6, 2018

Students from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center Arm-math Robotics program took first place in the Armenia’s nationwide Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) 3-D Modeling contest. Seventy teams from throughout Armenia and Artsakh entered the contest.

 June 1, 2019

Students from the Ghoghanj Children’s Center visited the National Gallery of Armenia for International Children’s Day and had a wonderful time.

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2018 Operating Budget

Read Updates

Description

The Paros Foundation launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 150 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.

 

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

April 2018

End Date

March 2019

To date, the center has already had several important successes. At least six 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.

Gallery Images

The Debi Arach Children’ Center

Gallery Video

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 150 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 2018 of the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri will be recognized with a plaque at the Center and on the Center’s website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will proudly arrange a visit to the new Center when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=20
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62609″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
April 2, 2018

Debi Arach’s 1st-5th graders enrolled in the “Im Dproc (My School)” website, an interactive homework assistant that allows “groups” to compete against each other and gain points. Debi Arach as a group has already climbed the ladder and sits in 3rd place amongst all participants. Many schools have recently approached Debi Arach to find out more about our organization as they are surprised when they hear that we are in fact an after school center, not a school.

 April 3, 2018

As a part of our career fair initiative, we have speakers visit our students on a monthly basis to speak about their jobs. Today, Gayane from the Gyumri Tech Center spoke to our students about a career in I.T. and how the work of programmers connects to each of our daily lives. Gayane also teaches programming to our Veterans in our Vocational Training Program.

 July 2, 2018

Our Med-Aid Armenia mission began today here at Debi Arach with the leadership of Dr. Krikor Deramerian, California based pediatrician. He will spend a few days with us this week and along with our nurse perform physicals for all of our students ! Thank you so much for visiting Dr. Krikor!

 October 27, 2018

Paros staff, along with the “Journey Through Armenia” group members visited Debi Arach to pass out winter boots and coats to all of our students. Thank you to Talar Nina for donating a percentage of their proceeds to purchase the boots, and SERVICE Armenia alumni, Dustin Hochmuth, for leading the effort to collect the winter coats.

 February 20, 2019

Congrats to our three students who completed the SHTIGEN Kids course in our Vocational Training Class. This is just one step on the journey to developing skills in the field of I.T. Thank you to the teachers of this program who help our students achieve their dreams.

Book in a Bag 3

Read Updates

Description

Students attending schools in Armenia do not easily have access to Western/English language literature. In the last decade, English has steadily become the most popular foreign language in Armenia. Students throughout the country are learning how to read, write and speak English and could really benefit from another means by which to learn and practice the language further. In addition, reading can significantly increase students’ vocabularies as well as strengthen their creativity. These books are not readily available or affordable, especially in rural and impoverished villages, towns and cities.

Peter Chelebian, an Armenian-American from Los Angeles has recently come up with a brilliant idea to help children in Armenia gain access to terrific literature. He hopes to use his passion for books to help make a difference in the lives of his fellow brothers and sisters.

Peter will be helping lead the effort in raising funds to place small English literature libraries, each stocked with 50 important literary works. The bookshelves housing the books will be built in Armenia. In the last two years Peter has successfully helped raise enough funding to place six libraries throughout Armenia. $2,025 ($675 each) is needed in order to complete three full libraries in three different cities, towns and/or villages. Donations of books (in excellent condition) are welcomed alongside monetary support for this important project.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

December 2017

End Date

February 2018

Gallery Images

A home damaged by shelling in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq

The Need

Students could really benefit from access to Western/English literature throughout Armenia. As the English language becomes more popular in Armenia, the need for language aids such as these books has become a necessity

Short Term Impact

Three small libraries stocked with 50 books will be placed in three different schools in Armenia for children to read.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children will benefit from these libraries as their proficiency in reading and writing in the English language will increase. In addition, mastering the English language will open the doors to more opportunities in their future.

Sponsors Benefits

our donation to sponsor the Book in a Bag project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. There will be a small sign with donor name(s) on each library. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to your library when you are in Armenia.

[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62145″]

NKA School Auditorium & Administration Wing

Read Updates

Description

Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian announce their fifth major gift since 2013 to complete the reconstruction of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur s’ medical and educational infrastructures.

NKA is a border village with a population of 1,100 in Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory faces Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. In order to improve the living and economic conditions of the village, the Atamian family has undertaken a multi-year investment project which, to date, has included reconstruction of the medical clinic, kindergarten and secondary school.

Beginning in 2015, the Atamian family initiated the complete remodel and reconstruction of the secondary school to provide elementary and high school children the opportunity to learn in a bright and safe environment. The school is comprised of three large two-story buildings.
Phase 1 of the project included the complete rebuilding of the elementary school wing, including five classrooms on the first floor, the hallways and the boys and girls bathrooms. Phase 2 of the project, included the renovation of six classrooms on the second floor, the adjacent hallway, the staircase and two bathrooms (middle and high school wing). Phase 3, completed in the summer of 2017, included renovations to the wing that houses the cafeteria and kitchen, the entryway of the school, the gym locker rooms, guard office, security bunker and improvements to the schoolyard and entry stairs and façade.

Watch Video

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

October 2017

End Date

February 2018

Gallery Images

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur School with courtyard improvements.



School’s administration wing.

The Need

This phase of the school’s rebuilding has begun and will include the school’s auditorium, a teacher’s lounge, a principal’s office, a teacher’s bathroom, two small classrooms and the hallways. The school’s boilers will also be replaced. The auditorium renovation will provide a safe and exciting environment for students to perform and for parents to enjoy their children’s performances. In addition this will provide the school administrators and teachers with dignified working conditions. This phase will also include repairs to the gym and the purchase of new sports equipment.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the auditorium, teachers’ lounge, bathroom, office and adjacent classrooms and hallway will be rebuilt including new flooring, 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.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62584″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

October 17, 2017

Renovations to the auditorium and the administration wing have begun.

 November 1, 2017

Repairs and painting of the school’s gym began today.

 November 3, 2017

Both of the school’s boilers were replaced prior to the onset of winter with efficient units.

 November 8, 2018

Defense Minister, Vigen Sargsyan visited the school to see our renovations, spent time with the students and planted some trees. We are excited about this visit as it shows the Defense Ministries interest in this important border community.

 September 1, 2019

Jean-Marie Atamian and his family visit the school and participate in opening day ceremonies.

Nor Geghi Kindergarten Auditorium

Read Updates

Description

Nor Geghi is a village in the Kotayk Province of Armenia, located around 22 km north of the capital Yerevan, near the town of Nor Hachen. The village has a population of about 5,000 residents.

In 2015, The Paros Foundation completed renovations to the restrooms of the village kindergarten. 75 children & the staff now have brand new restrooms available to them. In the recent year, a new & very pro-active principal has taken over and has successfully obtained funding from different outlets in order to renovate the kitchen, and the upstairs classrooms. The kindergarten also houses a large auditorium, which is in need of a complete renovation. The principal hopes to be able to host not only kindergarten concerts and functions in the space as well as make it accessible to the entire village as a community center. The auditorium would be open to the village school to hold their functions as well as residents, the municipality and village guests. Sponsorship of this project will help complete renovations to the auditorium including new flooring, electrical fixtures, paint, new windows, a new door, a new stage, audio/visual technology and new auditorium chairs.

Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Nor Geghi

Start Date

December 2017

End Date

February 2018

Gallery Images

New windows are also needed in the auditorium.



The hallway leading to the auditorium will also be renovated.



25 children currently attend the kindergarten, and a second group will be added soon!

The Need

Nor Geghi is one of the larger populated villages in the area. In past years, village schools and residents have not had a proper center in which to showcase their students’ hard work and accomplishments. The auditorium housed in the kindergarten would provide them the perfect space in which to hold graduation ceremonies, musical recitals, concerts, seminars and other functions for the entire village.

Short Term Impact

In the short term the kindergarten auditorium will be renovated including new flooring, electrical fixtures, paint, new windows, a new door, a new stage, audio/visual technology and new auditorium chairs. Supplies will be purchased locally and locally 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 kindergartners, students, and village residents to hold graduation ceremonies, musical recitals, concerts, seminars and other functions for the entire village.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsorship of the Nor Geghi Kindergarten 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 village of Nor Geghi when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62575″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
February 4, 2018

Even on Sundays our crew is hard at work!

 March 4, 2018

Work is almost complete in the Auditorium and adjacent hallway and stairwells

Chinari Kindergarten

Read Updates

Description

The town of Chinari is located in Armenia’s Tavush Region. It is situated in the eastern most part directly on the border with Azerbaijan. According to the Chinari’s mayor, this isolated border town is home to more than 1,150 people, and falls victim to frequent sniper fire from Azerbaijan. The 13th century Khoranashat Monastery, which is located nearby is abandoned and unable to be visited because of its proximity to the border and related dangerous conditions. The village’s residents earn a living primarily through farming. Chinari has approximately 1,000 hectares of arable land including 54 hectares of vineyards, 80 hectares of vegetable gardens and 20 family owned greenhouses. Residents also breed animals for income. They currently have 225 cows, 100 sheep, 220 pigs, 5,000 chickens and 150 beehives. Other sources of income for the town’s residents include working at the school, kindergarten, municipality and Ministry of Emergency Situations. In addition, 12 men serve as contract soldiers, guarding the Armenia–Azeri border. 270 residents receive government pensions.

Chinari’s kindergarten functions with 25 children in attendance in a two story building in poor condition. The facility has a newly renovated roof and heating system that needs minor repairs and upgrades. The renovation of the two story building would include renovating the bathrooms, kitchen, dining hall, playroom, classroom and auditorium. In addition, this project would include the creation of an indoor playground, in order to give the children a safe place to play. The reconstructed auditorium would not only provide the kindergarten a terrific space for performances, but would provide the community with a multipurpose space for community use.

The renovation of the Chinari Kindergarten will include the installation of new bathrooms, new electrical, new doors and windows, new flooring and new paint throughout the facility. In addition, new furniture and supplies will be purchased and installed as needed.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Chinari

Start Date

September 2018

End Date

June 2019

Gallery Images

The kindergarten in the border village of Chinari.



The renovation of the two story building housing the kindergarten will include renovating the bathrooms, kitchen, dining hall, playroom, classroom and auditorium.



In addition, work will include the creation of an indoor playground in the second floor of the building, in order to give the children a safe place to play.



Condition of the kitchen prior to renovation work.



Additional space is also needed to fit the adequate number of beds needed for all of the children.



Currently, 25 children attend the kindergarten.

The Need

Studies show that attending kindergarten is important to students’ success in higher education, as well as for their future. Reconstructing the kindergarten for the village of Chinari will give 25+ young children annually the opportunity to attend and provide them with a safe and warm environment in which to begin their education. In addition, the kindergarten’s large assembly hall will provide the villagers with a terrific space for performances, and the community with a multipurpose space for community gatherings.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be to reconstruct the kindergarten along with needed furniture and a play area for 25 children. 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 a proper facility for current and future young children in the village of Chinari to attend and start their educational journeys. It will also contribute to the overall Chinari community with the addition of this multi-use assembly hall.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsorship of the kindergarten renovation in the village of Chinari will be recognized on a plaque in the kindergarten, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the kindergarten in the village of Chinari when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62592″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

September 5, 2018

Our team launched reconstruction of the kindergarten in Chinari. Everyone is very excited! Bye, bye black mold!

 October 3, 2018

New windows were installed today and the team is making excellent progress.

 November 6, 2018

The children moved back into the partially renovated kindergarten today to resume their activities. They are very excited with the first floor space that is now renovated, and are looking forward to the rest of the kindergarten space being completed in the new future.

 December 21, 2018

Work continues to progress nicely on the entry way and upstairs at the Chinari Kindergarten.

 March 12, 2019

Work is completed at the kindergarten. New playground equipment for the interior playground has been ordered and will arrive soon.

 August 15, 2019

Today project sponsors, the Badishkanian Family, along with Paros staff visited the kindergarten and helped assemble the interior playground equipment.

GOALS- The Gift of Soccer to Armenian Girls

Read Updates

Description

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) and empowers young girls to see themselves as Armenia’s leaders of tomorrow. They are the only NGO working in the regions of Armenia to use sport for education outside the classroom. Research shows girls who play sports have better mental health, higher confidence levels, improved teamwork and communication skills, increased graduation rates, and leadership skills. With your donation, you make all of that possible for the girls of Armenia.

GOALS directly impacts more than 2,000 girls and boys in 65 communities. Their goal is to increase their impact to every region of the country by expanding their co-ed After-School programs to 50 communities.

GOALS needs supporters of every kind. They want donations, fundraiser sponsors, and volunteers. If you are interested or have questions about where and how GOALS works you can contact them directly at Lorik@goalsarmenia.org.

Investing in GOALS is an investment in the future women leaders of Armenia … and remember, a little bit goes a long way.

Sponsor a League
Our leagues are designed to give young women the chance to play soccer, build confidence and teamwork skills, as well as change public perception of women’s sports. Leagues consist of a minimum of four teams with a nine or more players on each team aged 12-17. Each team is headed by an Armenian coach, who signs a contract committing to one-year of training their team a minimum once-per-week of the season (March – May; September – November) for one hour per session. Teams travel and play one competitive game per week. Sponsoring a league provides all travel costs, referees, nurses, venue space, and all the equipment needed to hold trainings; jerseys, socks, footballs, cones, and pennies for an entire league. Currently we have leagues in Yeghegnadzor, Alaverdi, Goris, and Dilijan. – $3,000 (for a year).

Sponsor a Camp
It’s safe to say there are not many summer sport camp opportunities for girls in Armenia. GOALS leadership summer camps are implemented in areas where GOALS hopes to operate on a longer-term basis, in order to excite the community and motivate the girls to continue playing soccer. Our summer camps are 3 full days and each day consists of sport for social impact games that address gender equity, tolerance, diversity, human rights, and whatever issues the community is facing. Technical drills, lunch, and a leadership seminar including inspiring local guest speakers follow the sessions. Camps bring together communities that often don’t interact and spark the interest that leads to more GOALS programming in the region. – $1,500

Sponsor a Team
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 and travel. We currently have 36 teams and will be creating at least ten more in 2018. Sponsoring a team supports these needs for two full seasons/1 year. – $500​

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

GOALS has already received a grant from the US Democracy Commission for part of this program, in addition to support from COAF and World Vision. The overall budget of this project is $33,500 of which they need $15,000.

Watch Video

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One year from start date

Gallery Images

Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer



GOALS has empowered girls through sports.



This GOALS team from Goris started in March 2016. This fall they were invited by the Football Federation of Armenia to play
in a youth tournament in Yerevan and won!

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, Summer 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 double their impact in 2018 and move to more regions of the country.

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.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=16
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62560″]

Vahan Village School Repair

Read Updates

Description

The village of Vahan is located in an isolated border area north of Lake Sevan, and south of Armenia’s Tavush border communities. More than 1,000 people call Vahan their home. According to Armenianow.com residents of Armenia’s border village Vahan (meaning shield) say proudly that their village is the northeast gate, the main border-guard of Armenia. They came here from Artsvashen. This was an Armenian village within the administrative territory of Azerbaijan during the Soviet period; and Azeri villages surrounded it. Armenians left Artsvashen during the Armenian-Azeri conflict years.

The medical center was renovated in the last few years. The village kindergarten, designed for 40 children, which had been closed since 1992, was reopened in November of 2011. Residents maintain livestock and cultivate potatoes to earn a living.

The school, which has 150 students attending, is located 500 meters from the Azeri border. It has been partially renovated by several different organizations. Currently, three classrooms are in need of renovation. Sponsorship of this project will help renovate all three classrooms, including new flooring, paint, doors, windows, electrical work and refurbished furniture. There will also be minor cosmetic renovations done to the entryway of the school.

Region

Gegharkunik

City / Village

Vahan

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two months from start date

Gallery Images

Vahan village is located in the isolated border area north of Lake Sevan.



The village of Vahan in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region.



Vahan Village School



Classrooms are in worn out conditions and in need of new doors, windows, electrical work and refurbished furniture.



Classrooms also need new flooring and paint.

The Need

Many classrooms throughout Armenia’s schools remain in deplorable conditions. Children should not have to try and learn in these conditions. Because of substandard doors and windows, many classrooms become unusable in the winter months due to the cold. While the Armenian Government and others regularly engage in a campaign to remodel schools, they simply cannot meet the huge need.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact will be the employment of at least three people to renovate the classrooms for two months and the benefit to the local economy through the order for needed supplies and classroom furniture. All 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. Three classrooms will be fully renovated.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impact will benefit at least 10 years of students that will be able to take classes using the updated and modern classroom. This will have a huge psychological impact on both the students and teachers. When schools are in better conditions they will encourage families to stay hence, deter emigration from the village.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsorship of the Vahan Village School Repair will be recognized on a plaque at the School, on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Vahan Village School when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”62549″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

July 15, 2020

A video shows the protests in Baku calling on a resumption of war with Armenia.

July 16, 2020

The kindergarten in the village of Aygepar was hit by Azeri artillery this morning. We had finished the complete renovation of this kindergarten in 2018 and will assess the damage and rebuild again as soon as possible! We build, they destroy!

 July 21, 2020

Members of The Paros Foundation team joined Tavush Governor Hayk Chobanyan, Berd Consolidated Communities head Harutyun Manucharyan, representatives of the Prime Minister’s office, and local village representatives to visit the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar and Chinari communities to assess the damage and to strategize and coordinate the next steps forward.