Packs on Backs Armenia: Gyumri

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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. The program will launch in Armenian’s second largest city, Gyumri, whose 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. Our goal is to provide 300 children in Gyumri with backpacks and school supplies and help them stay in school. Sponsorship of this project will help obtain backpacks and school supplies for 300 children in Gyumri, 100 of which will be attending the new Debi Arach Children’s Center and 200 to children from poverty stricken neighborhoods throughout the city. 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

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

February 2015

End Date

September 2015

Gallery Images

Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.



SERVICE Armenia 2015, Paros staff and volunteers with the children and their new backpacks.

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

300 children in Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities 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, 300 children in 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: Gyumri 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, 2015

SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants dedicated a work day to fill more than 300 backpacks with school supplies and get them ready for distribution.

 July 8, 2015

The Packs on Backs Armenia: Gyumri backpack and school supply distribution were held at the Debi Arach Children’s Center with the help of SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants, Paros staff and volunteers. Children attending the center received backpacks filled with supplies, as well as their siblings. The remaining filed backpacks will be distributed to other children in need throughout Gyumri in the upcoming weeks prior to the start of school.

 August 13, 2015

Debi Arach Children’s Center Director, Aida Khachatryan and Shirak Center NGO President, Vahan Tumasyan, have began distribution of the remaining backpacks to children in need throughout Gyumri. They will continue distributions throughout the next few weeks.

Talin Music School Piano

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Description

The Talin School is located in the Aragatsotn Region and provides music classes to more than 110 children annually. The School employs 15 teachers and provides classes in piano, duduk, kanon, violin, vocal and music theory. The School receives support from the local government for administrative expenses and the students pay a modest monthly fee to attend classes. This support and fees are not enough, however, to enable the school to replace one of its baby grand pianos.

Azerbaijan has once again targeted the civilian population in villages along the Armenian border. Many homes in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur, Aygepar and Chinari received varying degrees of damage. Our goal is to quickly deploy our work crews in the area to not only repair the damage but make improvements to these families’ homes.

On July 12, during the midst of the global pandemic surrounding Covid-19, Azerbaijan renewed its attack on Armenia in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Over the next two days, Azerbaijan launched artillery of various calibers at the Armenian civilian populations of several communities within Berd Consolidated Communities of Armenia’s Tavush Region. Families in these villages have experienced material losses on their homes and property. Thankfully, villagers remain safe and there has been no civilian loss of life during this period. While the Armenian government has already visited many to assist, The Paros Foundation’s Emergency Reconstruction Fund will work to not only make repairs to these damaged homes but, will make substantial improvements for them.

The best way for our compatriots to know the diaspora stands with them during this tense time is for us to not slow our work in this area, but to accelerate it by supporting these improvements within their communities.

As of July 15, 2020, four Armenian soldiers were killed during the fighting and several have been wounded including one in critical condition. The Armenian army has shot down 10 Azeri combat drones, including a Elbit Hermes 900 UAV with an estimated $30 million price tag. Moreover, two strategic Azeri military posts are now under Armenian control.

While the military losses on the Azeri side are reported to be substantial including the death of an Azeri general, Baku was the site of large protests by thousands of Azeris last night calling for war with Armenia.

Region

Aragatsotn

City / Village

Talin

Start Date

July 2016

End Date

September 2012

Gallery Images

Village residents & supporters of the Talin Music School gathered together to help deliver the new piano.



Trying out their new piano.



A job well done!

The Need

Armenia’s smaller cities 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 Talin Music School is working to promote both education and culture for the children in Talin, Armenia. It currently is in need of a baby grand piano for its regular concerts, tests and competitions.

Short Term Impact

The local economy will benefit from the local purchase of a piano, its delivery and tuning.

Long Term Impact

The 110 students currently at the School and future students will benefit from music instruction on proper piano.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor pianos for Talin Music School will be recognized in their printed materials and sponsor plaques will be placed on the pianos. Additionally, your name will 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 Talin Music School when you are in Armenia.

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Vahagnadzor Kindergarten Assistance

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Description

The villages of Vahagnadzor and Vahagni are approximately three miles away from one another in the Lori Region (north of the city of Vanadzor.) Neither village had an operating kindergarten for its children, until the mayor of Vahagnadzor and a team of dedicated staff and villagers reopened the village kindergarten. These villages are located along the north – south railway line. Immediately to the south of Vahagnadzor is a rail switching station. Several people from the village of Vahagni work at the station and pass through Vahagnadzor daily solving any potential transportation issues. It is estimated that approximately 10 of the potential students will come from the village of Vahagni if the school can continue operations.

A kindergarten building owned by the village of Vahagnadzor exists and is in good condition. Partial funding is needed to continue operating the kindergarten for a minimum of two years. The Kindergarten operates year-round. The annual budget of $10,000 includes one full time and four part time salaries, food and materials for the children and utilities for the building. The village budget supports the kindergarten’s operation and local villagers and other donors have pledged annually to support the kindergarten. Additional fees in support of this important project are collected as tuition fees from approximately 50% of the students that will be attending the kindergarten and whose families can afford to pay a modest monthly fee of approximately $8. It is also possible that once operational, additional funding for this kindergarten will be allocated from the Vahagni village budget. The amount needed to fund this kindergarten’s shortfall budget is $4,000 total ($2,000 for year one and $2,000 for year two).

All donors will be recognized in all press materials related to this kindergarten project and on the Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the kindergarten will be arranged for donors visiting Armenia.

Region

Lori

City / Village

Vahagnadzor, Vahagni

Start Date

2014

End Date

2016

The Need

Preschool and kindergarten education for children ages 3 to 6 has many proven and well-documented benefits. Children in the villages of Vahagnadzor and Vahagni only recently have started attended kindergarten and would once again suffer should the school cease its program.

Short Term Impact

Five people will be employed either part or full time to operate the school. In addition, 22 children ages 3 to 6 will receive appropriate kindergarten instruction.

Long Term Impact

In addition to the employment and direct instruction of a minimum of 44 children year round over two years, the villages of Vahagnadzor and Vahagni will deepen their cooperation through this collaborative project.

Sponsors Benefits

All donors will be recognized in all press materials related to this kindergarten project and on the Paros Foundation Website. Visits to the kindergarten will be arranged for donors visiting Armenia.
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October 28, 2015

A visit to the Vahagnadzor kindergarten today showed the children and staff doing well!

Ghoghanj – Math & Science Dream Lab

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Description

The mission of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center is to provide the proper support and guidance children need to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults. Founded in 2003, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center works with vulnerable “at-risk” children and their families to help them overcome social, psychological and legal issues.
The Center’s programs are specifically designed to facilitate group discussion and are sensitive to the psychological challenges of an at-risk child and their families. The Center works to develop successful communication, self-expression and tolerance skills among the students. A fundamental focus on the arts, homework assistance and tutoring to ensure academic success is a key ingredient of the programs’ success.
In the last two year, the Ghoghanj Children’s center has successfully impacted and steered the lives of 13 children to higher education and new opportunities. To further the success of these children, the Center has identified a need for a programmatic shift emphasizing math and science. The creation of a Math & Science Lab at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center would provide 75 at-risk students access to Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics instructors, lab equipment such as microscopes and workbooks, educational textbooks and Internet usage. The goal of this program is to broaden the educational experience of the students through interactive learning, projects and experiments.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

October 2016

End Date

October 2017

Gallery Images

The Math & Science Lab at the Kentron Ghoghanj Children’s Center will concentrate on Robotics courses and computer programming taught through training courses developed by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE).

The Need

With the addition of the Math & Science Lab, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center will have the opportunity to continue to steer their at-risk students toward a larger spectrum of future opportunities and expose them to classes many of them lack in school. Furthermore, the Lab will equip students with additional skills necessary for a successful future such as working together and employing technology.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will to supply the Ghoghanj Children’s Center with an efficient amount of educational materials and workbooks, lab equipment, and access to Internet. In addition, four subject instructors will be immediately employed to help instruct and oversee the students while in the lab.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of 75 at-risk students gain the Math and Science education that will open the doors for them to achieve greater future opportunities and provide for their families.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the creation of a Math and Science Lab will be recognized on the Ghoghanj Children’s Center’s website and in their printed materials, and your name 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 Ghoghanj Children’s Center when you are in Armenia.
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June 6, 2016

The Math & Science Dream Lab with an emphasis on robotics, computer programming and 3D printing has been launched at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center in Yerevan (Kentron). The program was developed by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE).

Aknashen Speech School, Multipurpose Classrooms

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Description

The Aknashen School for Children with Speech Disabilities provides speech therapy to approximately 20 children ages 3 to 7 each year. With proper speech therapy, these children often avoid a life of difficulties if they can correct their speech disability prior to beginning their primary education. The Aknashen School is housed in a building donated to the School by the Village Municipality. The School is currently comprised of two small classrooms. The addition of two additional rooms with proper lighting and heating will dramatically improve the space for these children to engage in their therapy. In addition, the expanded classroom and multi-room space will also allow the School to expand its activities and bring in additional children.

Local villagers have a history of contributing to the well-being and renovation of the School. These same locals will be engaged with this project and stand ready to donate their time and talents to the successful implementation of this project.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Aknashen Village

Start Date

May 2012

End Date

December 2012

Gallery Images

The teachers work with the children in Aknashen and the surrounding villages to help them overcome their speech impairments.



The classroom, once renovated, will provide additional program and play space for the children.



The lower level classroom needs complete remodeling.



Another view of the classroom in its original condition.

The Need

Children who do not develop proper speaking skills often face additional difficulties as adults and face ridicule by their peers. Most often, this problem is correctable with early intervention. The Aknashen School for Children with Speech Disabilities is the only school in the area-serving children for the surrounding villages.

Short Term Impact

Local villagers will be put to work for several months during the renovation project. In addition, the School will be able to provide services for a greater number of children. Building materials will be purchased locally in the Village when possible, helping the local economy.

Long Term Impact

A greater number of local children with speech disabilities will be served with an expanded area for classrooms. In addition, the multipurpose nature of the new classrooms will provide the opportunity to implement new methods of therapy for working with these children. In the winter months and inclement weather, the multipurpose classrooms will provide a safe play area for these children as well.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the School. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros 100 website. Visits to the Aknashen School will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
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June 5, 2012

To help with the renovation, the village’s mayor helped deliver sand and crushed stone as part of their local contribution.

 December 27, 2012

The work on the hallway and classroom was completed in time for a New Year’s party for the children to take place in their new space! Be sure to view the video below!

Helping At-Risk Kids Get Help

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Description

The mission of the Ghoghanj Children’s Center is to provide the proper support and guidance children need to excel in school and become self-confident and respectful young adults. Founded in 2003, the Ghoghanj Children’s Center works with vulnerable “at-risk” children and their families to help them overcome social, psychological and legal issues.

The Center’s programs are specifically designed to facilitate group discussion and are sensitive to the psychological challenges of an at-risk child and their families. The Center works to develop successful communication, self-expression and tolerance skills among the students. A fundamental focus on homework assistance and tutoring to ensure academic success is a key ingredient of the programs’ success.

The Center is located in the center of Yerevan in a facility provided to them rent-free by the Strauch-Kulhanjian family and the Paros Foundation. Several children in the Kilikia neighborhood and the Yerort Mas neighborhoods of Yerevan are in need of the Center’s services, but cannot afford the daily transportation fees. Providing transportation scholarships for these children will facilitate their attendance.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

2011

End Date

2012

Gallery Images

Children at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.

The Need

Children who do not receive proper support in their home life benefit tremendously from an afterschool program that focuses on homework assistance and offers other classes aimed at providing children an opportunity to develop into successful and productive adults. The Ghoghanj Children’s Center has a successful track record of turning children’s lives around. This project will provide transportation stipends to ten children to allow them to participate regularly in the Center’s program.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be the immediate allow ten children who currently cannot attend the Ghoghanj Children’s Center’s programs to begin attending through the transportation scholarships.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of turning around the lives of ten students by helping them gain the support they need to stay in school and develop into successful young adults.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be listed on the websites of the Paros 100 Projects and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center, in addition to all press related to this project. Sponsors visiting Armenia can visit the Ghoghanj Children’s Center.

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Transportation arrangements have been made for 12 children to attend classes at the Ghoghanj Children’s Center for the 2012-13 school year!

Adopt a Restroom, Yerevan School #154

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Description

Representatives of The Paros Foundation have visited more than 100 schools throughout Armenia. While some schools have either been renovated thanks to the Armenian government or as a result of the generosity of international donors, many remain in deplorable conditions and have little hope of being renovated in the near future. These conditions affect both the ability for students to learn, as well as the health of students and teachers.

The Paros Foundation will directly oversee the renovation six identical two stall bathrooms including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Whenever possible, the school staff, students and their parents will be incorporated into the classroom remodel project to help build a sense of community and personal investment.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

November 2015

End Date

January 2016

Gallery Images

The bathroom is in need of new windows, doors, flooring, lighting and paint in addition to new pipes and toilet.



The sinks are also in need of renovation.

The Need

Students need a dignified and clean restroom to use while attending school. Currently, many students have no option other than to use unsanitary restroom facilities, or, even worse, avoid using the restroom at all until they reach a more appropriate venue, which can lead to health issues in later life.

Short Term Impact

The reconstruction of these new bathrooms will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.

Long Term Impact

Hundreds of children will benefit from modern and dignified bathrooms to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on the Paros Foundation Website.
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January 26, 2016

The restroom renovations have been completed at the Yerevan School #154 including new windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, two sinks & faucets and two toilets installed in each of the six renovated restrooms.

Kanakeravan Art School, Bathroom

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Description

The Kanakeravan Fine Arts School is located in the village of Kanakeravan 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 School receives support from the local government for administrative expenses and the students pay a modest monthly fee. This support and fees are not enough to allow the School to renovate this bathroom.

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Region

Kotayk

City / Village

Kanakeravan

Start Date

April, 2012

End Date

May, 2012

Gallery Images

Kanakerevan Art School restroom prior to renovations.



Renovations will include new and modern “Western” style toilets.



Local villagers were hired to complete the renovation work.

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

The reconstruction of a new bathroom will employ a contractor and support the local economy through the purchase of necessary building materials and fixtures.

Long Term Impact

125 children will benefit from a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending the afterschool programs at the Karakeravan Fine Arts School.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to remodel the Kanakeravan Art School Bathroom will be recognized with a plaque at the entrance to the Center and your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the Kanaderavan Art School when you are in Armenia.
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Getashen Kindergarten Creation

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Description

The village of Getashen is a town in the Armavir Province of Armenia, a few hundred meters away from the Turkish border. This village of 2,300 people currently houses one village school with 280 kids in attendance, but does not have an operating kindergarten for its younger children.
Recently the principal of the school has identified the important need for a kindergarten and is committed to put in great efforts to create one. He has made space available which will need to be renovated and turned into the village kindergarten. In addition, he will exhaust all efforts to contribute part of the labor and materials needed to complete this project. Sponsorship of this project will help raise the remaining amount needed in order to complete renovations. The renovations will include new doors and windows, electrical, window blinds, new flooring and new paint. The creation of a functioning kindergarten in the village of Getashen will provide local children a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn. Presently there are 25 younger children that will be able to attend.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Getashen

Start Date

June 2015

End Date

August 2015

Gallery Images

Two rooms at the Getashen Village School, currently being used as storage space, will be transformed into a kindergarten .



The children love their new kindergarten !

The Need

Studies show that attending kindergarten is important to students’ success in higher education, as well as for their future success. Creating a kindergarten for the village of Getashen will give 25 young children the opportunity to attend and provide them with safe and warm environment in which to begin their education.

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will be to renovate two classrooms in the Getashen School to be used as a kindergarten for 25 children. Jobs will be created for additional staff and teachers. 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.

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 Getashen to attend and start their educational journeys. Furthermore, the creation of the kindergarten will help create and maintain employment opportunities for the villagers.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the kindergarten creation in the village of Getashen 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 Getashen when you are in Armenia.
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June 25, 2015

As their contribution the Getashen Village School offered to help with some necessary demolish of the two rooms that will be rebuilt into their kindergarten. In addition, they will also build a separate entryway directly into the new kindergarten space.

 June 29, 2015

Village residents hired to work on the kindergarten have begun construction work. New doors and windows have been installed and both rooms are ready for the SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants to arrive and work on the kindergarten.

 July 21, 2015

SERVICE Armenia 2015 participants spent several of their work days working on the kindergarten. They helped prepare and paint the walls and installed the laminate flooring.

 August 8, 2015

The construction of the Getashen Kindergarten is complete. The school will also provide new furniture for the children.

Debi Arach Children’s Center- Gyumri

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Description

The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities. The tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake claimed the lives of 25,000 people and left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyurmi 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 and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have a successful future. Families struggling with these extreme conditions must often place their children in one of several orphanages to try to have their daily needs met.

The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” will help these socially vulnerable children by providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed in life. Through sponsorship of this important project The Paros Foundation, will establish a children’s center providing the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support to ensure that the children mature to well adjusted, successful, young adults.

The new center will provide 100 students with opportunities to receive counseling, homework help and tutoring along with English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, a well-balanced and nutritious meal will be provided daily. The Center, which will be open six days a week, will be able to serve two groups of 50 students for three days each per week.

In order to address another very important need for children in Gyumri, supervised bathing facilities will be available for the children’s use. Each child attending the center will be able to use the showers twice a week should they desire. Strict supervision will be assigned in order to ensure the privacy and safety of the children.

Furthermore, the municipality of Gyumri has agreed to partner with us on this important project and provide us with long term and rent-free space to house this new program. The current program budget reflects only the one-time startup and annual operational costs.

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Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

April 2015

End Date

March 2016

Gallery Images

Students at Debi Arach participate in academic, art and computer classes.



Students in Debi Arach’s computer classes learn about basic use of computers, the internet, Microsoft office suite and even
photoshop!



Student are fed a nutritious meal each day.



Weather permitting, students engage in outdoor classes and physical activity. The backyard at Debi Arach has been cleared and planted with grass and a garden.



Children at Debi Arach participate in regularly schedule excursions to cultural and educational sites.

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 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 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 have 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 providing the children in attendance with supervised new bathing facilities.

Short Term Impact

The short-term 100 children will receive immediate support and gudacne to help them succeed. The new Center will offer nutritious meals, counseling opportunities, homework aid and tutoring and core classes including English, Computer, Art/Design, and Math. Additionally, new bathing facilities will be constructed and ready for use by the children. An entire staff of 11 individuals including an administrative staff and instructors will be immediately employed to help instruct and oversee these courses. Additional employment opportunities will be created for the residents of Gyurmri for both the start-up and operational phases of the program.

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. This project has the potential of 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. Through the ongoing employment opportunities created, several families will receive a fair wage.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the establishment 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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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.