Side-by-Side

Read Updates

Description

Side-by-Side aims to simultaneously address two very important needs in the human and civil development of the Republic of Armenia. At-risk youth do not receive the supervision, guidance and positive interaction needed to develop into productive, well-adjusted adults. In addition, throughout all social, economic levels of civic life in Armenia, a culture of volunteerism is not developed, encouraged and understood for its aggregate benefit for society. This holds true for both young people and adults.

Side-by-Side is a mentorship program adopted from Big Brothers Big Sisters model that aims to enhance youth’s psychological, social, and academic growth, while at the same time, keeping them away from risky activities. Side-by-Side will match carefully selected young, local professionals with at-risk youth for one year. Mentors and mentees will spend one-on-one time twice a month and participate in monthly group activites which will promote volunteerism through community service.

The goal of Side-by-Side is to advocote volunteerism in mentors and mentees through their one-on-one relationship and community service activities.

The one-on-one relationship with their mentor will help youth mature to be more self-sufficient, self-confident, and successful. Similar mentorship programs have a proven record of minimizing tendencies toward drug and alcohol use and aggression in young people. Additional benefits are seen in school attendance, academic performance, and overall attitude toward school. Peer and family relationships also benefit from mentoring (Tierney and Grossman, 2000).

For a mentor, the individual relationship will increase the mentor’s self-worth and confidence.

Monthly group community service activities will serve a vital role in helping children learn and understand community service and volunteerism, encouraging them to become life-long volunteers and contributing members of society. Both mentors and mentees will utilize their sense of volunteerism long after they leave the program and will most certainly pass on this culture. This project will instill within the youth and the mentors positive associations with community service and volunteerism.

Side-by-Side aims to serve a large group of at-risk youth and mentors. The pilot phase of the project will last six months. During this period, ten at-risk youth will be partnered with trained mentors. Half of the mentees will be children affiliated with a center (such as the Ghoghanj Children’s Center) and the other half will not be affiliated with any center and will be recruited from various communities of Yerevan. Mentors and mentees will meet no less than ten times one-on-one. Five group community service activities will take place in public locations that will both illustrate the value of volunteerism for the target group and the community at large. Public media activities and mid term and final program evaluations will also occur.

Region

Yerevan

City / Village

Yerevan

Start Date

September, 2012

End Date

April, 2013

The Need

At-risk youth in Armenia lack positive role models in their lives. At-risk youth in Armenia are financially, academically, psychologically, and socially disadvantaged. They are often from broken homes and grow up without long-term, positive, supportive role models in their lives. Centers working with at-risk youth concentrate their limited resources on keeping children off the streets, in school and out of trouble; However these centers cannot provide the consistent one-on-one interaction children need to feel secure, gain confidence, and receive guidance. The deficiency of volunteerism in Armenia. Armenian culture today does not encourage or promote volunteerism. Children grow up to become adults who do not recognize the value and importance of community service and volunteerism. Volunteerism often has negative associations and is viewed as free labor. The current culture encourages citizens to lack responsibility and feel helplessness about the human, social and environmental issues/needs concerning their communities and Armenia. This is clearly a lingering effect of the Soviet system.

Short Term Impact

Ten children will receive immediate mentoring and begin to develop relationships with mentors. Six community service events will be organized involving volunteers and will promote the benefits of volunteerism. Mentors will receive training on serving as role models and interacting as mentors.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impact of Side-by-Side will be seen through the successful development of mentor/mentee relationships with at-risk children in Yerevan. The increase in community service activities and volunteerism in the local community will have a lasting positive effect on society.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be listed on the websites of both The Paros Foundation and the Ghoghanj Children’s Center. In addition, all supporters will be listed in all relevant press related to this project including social media.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61450″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
March 1, 2013

Side-By-Side successfully completed its mentoring for 13 students.

NKA School Remodel – Phase 3

Read Updates

Description

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is a border village with a population of 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory connects with Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict every day. Along with the economy these difficult and dangerous times have also had a negative impact on educational advancement and school attendance. The primary school in the village was in need of major remodel in order to provide elementary and high school aged children the opportunity to learn in a clean, new and safe environment. This school, which has 180 children in attendance, is housed in three buildings of which currently two are in use.
The gym has been renovated through local sponsorship from the village. In 2015, the elementary school wing was completely remodeled with the generous contribution by Michael and Patricia Starzer (CO-USA) through our NKA School Remodel – Phase 1 project. The elementary school wing, including five classrooms on the first floor, the hallways and the boys and girls bathrooms, was remodeled as well as updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Phase 2 of the project, including renovations to six classrooms on the second floor, the adjacent hallway, the staircase and two bathrooms (middle and high school wing), was generously funded by Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian (NY-USA) and was completed in advance of the 2016-17 academic year. The wing that houses the cafeteria and kitchen, and the entryway of the school are all still in poor condition and in need of renovations.

Sponsorship of this project will facilitate the remodel of the third phase of this project including a full kitchen remodel including the cafeteria, furniture and appliances, and gas connection to the kitchen. In addition, the entrance of the school, the boys and girls locker rooms and the security office will be renovated. The scope of work will include new flooring, electrical fixtures and paint throughout, new kitchen furniture and equipment as necessary and new plumbing for the kitchen and cafeteria.

The Paros Foundation, with the help of generous donors Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, has already successfully renovated the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur medical center and kindergarten, and provided five families with their own agribusiness for their economic development. These projects have had a huge impact on this community. It is of strategic importance to support these villages in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan.

Watch Video

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Two months after start date

Gallery Images

Condition of the kitchen at the NKA Primary School prior to renovations.



The existing dining hall is in poor condition and cold in the winter.



Wood is used to heat the kitchen area.



Condition of the NKA Primary School entrance prior to renovations.



Our local crew and Paros staff outside of the cafeteria in the NKA school prior to the renovation of the entryway.



Part of the hallway outside of the elementary school wing prior to renovation.

The Need

Students attending the primary school in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are in need of new, clean, and warm kitchen and classrooms so they can attend and concentrate on their studies. A normal functioning school that is safe and functional is important for this community.

Short Term Impact

In the short term the kitchen, cafeteria, and the school’s entryway will be remodeled including new flooring, electrical fixtures and paint throughout, new kitchen furniture and equipment as necessary and new plumbing for the kitchen and cafeteria. Supplies will be purchased locally and locally 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 functional environment and progress towards successful futures. With a remodeled school, families in the village will be less likely consider moving away.

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=”61440″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
July 28, 2016

Renovation work on on the entrance, cafeteria and the kitchen of the NKA Primary School has begun.

 September 15, 2016

The kitchen and dining hall are complete and ready for use by the staff and children.

 October 1, 2016

Work has begun in the entry and hallway following the completion of the kitchen and cafeteria.

 December 3, 2016

The work on the inside of the school is complete and our crew has now moved to the school’s bunker to renovate this space. Although this was not part of the original project, the mayor has asked us to improve the school’s safety bunker. We are grateful to the Atamian family who have agreed to fund this effort. The bunker is used by the children in the event of renewed shelling by Azerbaijan.

•  

Adopt a Restroom, Khndzoresk School, Phase 1

Read Updates

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.

Khndzoresk is a village in the South-East of Armenia to the south of the Goris – Stepanakert highway near Artsakh. Currently, the village school, which has 306 children in attendance and 20 staff members, does not have running water or functional restrooms. Students and staff share an outhouse-style squat bathroom with no working sinks.

The Paros Foundation will oversee the renovation of the school bathrooms including addressing such elements as windows, doors, flooring, lighting, paint, sinks, faucet and toilet. Phase 1 includes the renovation of three restrooms. Phase 2 will address the remaining four bathrooms. Furthermore, this project will include the installation of new water and sewer lines to the school building. Our partner on this project, the Armenian Network of America, Los Angeles Region, has already raised funding towards the new water and sewer line. The Armenian Network of America, Los Angeles Region will also help oversee the renovation process.

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Khndzoresk

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One month from start date

Gallery Images

One of the seven restrooms at the Khndzoresk School.



Current substandard sinks at Khndzoresk School.



Leaking sewer and freshwater piping to be changed at the Khndzoresk school.



Outdoor fresh water supply to bring into the Khndzoresk school restrooms.



The Khndzoresk School

The Need

Students need dignified and clean restrooms 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

306 children and 20 staff members will have running water and functional restrooms. 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

Hundreds of children will benefit from modern, dignified bathrooms to use while attending school for years to come. In addition, epidemics and health issues will be avoided through improved sanitation.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed in the entry way of the school, on the Paros Foundation Website and the Armenian Network of America Website.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61424″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

August 17, 2016

The renovation of three bathrooms that are part of this phase 1 renovation are complete. The children and staff at the school are very pleased with the outcome!

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2016 Operating Budget

Read Updates

Description

The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. 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. Additionally, they are served a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they would otherwise not have. Furthermore, the Center addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities. The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

To date, the center has already had several important successes. The children as a whole have gained several pounds since they have started attending, demonstrating their need for nutritious and consistent meals. Additionally, three children have been taken out of boarding schools and brought to our center and now live back at home with their families. 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.

Currently the center is working on funding year two 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 with field trips to educational sites throughout Armenia, hold forums for guest speakers and provide educational and vocational training opportunities. $65,000 is needed to cover operating costs for the Center.

Watch Video

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

April 2016

End Date

March 2017

Gallery Images

Beautiful art work from the children from an art class on nature.



Students celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Armenian Army and thanking all of the soldiers for their service.



The interior of a home hit by sniper fire in Aygepar. Photo credit: Hetq



Monthly birthday celebrations at Debi Arach celebrating all student’s birthdays for that month.

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 120 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 2016 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=24
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61411″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

April 30, 2016

The Debi Arach Children’s Center held a huge celebration to mark its First Anniversary. Children, staff, & guests enjoyed entertaining games, songs, dances as well as a hearty dinner.

 July 11, 2017

The Mobile Dental Clinic has arrived at the Debi Arach Children’s Center and will provide dental screenings and treatment for the children and staff during the rest of the month.

 July 21, 2016

The children enjoyed a fun day at the 2nd Annual SERVICE Armenia Carnival hosted by SERVICE Armenia 2016 participants, Paros staff and volunteers.

 September 1, 2016

Today Nelly started university! Read all about it and see her picture below.

 October 3, 2016

Today, the children from the center went on an excursion to Gyumri’s oldest standing fortress (“Black Fortress”). They had the opportunity to learn about the history of the fortress and spend a exciting day out.

 November 29, 2016

The kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center received new winter boots through the Paros Share-a-Pair Operation Winter Boots project.

 December 24, 2016

On December 24th, the center hosted a wonderful Christmas celebration for our students and staff. The children enjoyed a great meal, followed by a surprise visit from Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause! The children all received a wonderful bag of candy to take home for the holidays.

 January 25, 2017

Thanks to the generous support of the Assarian Family Foundation today we officially launched the Vocational Training Program at Debi Arach! (For more information please see the Debi Arach Vocational Training project.)

 February 14, 2017

Sponsors (and friends) of the Debi Arach Children’s Center received a warm Valentine’s Day greeting from the children and staff at Debi Arach. Special thank you to our volunteer Sarah Derderian who put this together!

Computers for Kids 3

Read Updates

Description

The need for computers is imperative to the development of student’s future. Access to a computer and the Internet helps students obtain innovative skills allowing them to use modern means to complete their homework assignments and open the doors of communication for opportunities all across the world. Many schools, children’s centers, and orphanages are unable to provide access to computers and internet to their student’s due to the high costs of obtaining the items and monthly charges associated with Internet usage.

We hope to be able to purchase and distribute computers to schools, children’s centers and orphanages and give more and more students the opportunity to broaden their skills and abilities. Donations of new and used computers in excellent condition are also welcomed. Sponsorship of this project will include computers and Internet connection for a year for each computer purchased (or donated) for the chosen location.

Region

All

City / Village

All

Start Date

August 2018

End Date

September 2018

The Need

Unfortunately, due to the high cost of computers and the subsequent expenses obtaining Internet access, many schools, children’s centers, and orphanages are unable to provide their students with this necessity. Hence, many students do not receive the same opportunities as others to excel in their studies and learn new technological skills that will positively impact their futures.

Short Term Impact

Students at schools, children’s centers and/or orphanages who do not have computers nor internet access will receive computers with internet access for their use.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, this project has the potential of impacting the lives of hundreds of students and help them gain computer skills that will create greater future opportunities, including career advancements.

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Computers for Kids project will be recognized by the school, children’s center or orphanage on their website and in their printed materials, and 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 school, children’s center or orphanage when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61400″]

Updates: Images & Information

August 8, 2018

Work stations were purchased and delivered to the Ghoghanj Children’s Center to enable them to expand their computer classes and computer education for their students.

  

Tsap-Tsapik Music Education Program

Read Updates

Description

The Tsap-Tsapik Music Education Program is aimed at developing inclusive education through music in Armenia. The program was founded by Sevana Tchakerian, whose approach and content is unprecedented in Armenia. Currently, there is no music education program for preschool children in Armenia, except occasional choir practice. The Tsa-Tsapik Early Music Education Program aims at introducing preschool children in Armenia to the musical world through a playful and diversified pedagogic approach. In addition, this initiative aims to educate children who are underprivileged, for geographical, sociological, physical or psychological reasons and cannot afford to attend music in private schools in Yerevan.

Through this program Sevana, who is also the Program Director, provides open instruction to everyone without discrimination, helps develop children’s curiosity for musical practice, while valuing them and giving them the opportunity to express themselves. Music researchers have found correlations between playing music and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. Music helps develop children’s language, math and listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as relieves their stress, and is an excellent way to teach children with special needs. The program is more complete and focuses on the discovery of sounds and rhythms, instrumental exploration and body awareness, in addition to singing. To ensure the sustainability of the project, the priority is to empower the local teaching corps by sharing new teaching resources and working directly with both the teachers and the students via infield workshops.

Sponsorship of this project will allow Sevana to launch this program in seven villages during the 2015-2016 school year, provide training and instruments for those villages and help develop inclusive education in Armenia. The training she will provide during the one year will educate around 30 teachers and benefit 350 students. The tools provided to the teachers, along with regularly updated teaching resources, can be used for many years following the implementation of the program in a village. Sponsoring seven villages for a year means providing music education to more than 1750 children in Armenia within 5 years.

The program will run from September 2015 to July 2016 in the seven villages (kindergartens, daycare centers).

September-December 2015: biweekly training sessions and workshops in centers A, B, C and D.

January-March 2016: biweekly training sessions in centers E, F and G

April-June 2016: weekly follow-up workshops in all seven centers

End of June 2016: open house workshops, gathering with the communities

Watch Video

Region

Armenia

City / Village

Seven villages throughout Armenia

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

One year from start date

Gallery Images

Program founder, Sevana Tchakerian, working with the children.



Music helps develo’p language, math, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as relieves their stress.



The program focuses on the discovery of rhythms, in addition to singing.



The program also helps children with discovering different sounds.



Children are able to explore instruments and have fun.



Little children putting into practice what they have learned from the Tsap Tsapik Music Education Program.

The Need

Although Armenia has achieved universal primary school enrollment, close to 80% of preschool age children do not attend preschools due to poverty and/or absence of preschool facilities, while 7,000 of the 8,000 children with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantages are systematically excluded from education. As music is an excellent vector of child development and inclusion, we want to develop the practice of inclusive education in Armenian villages by training the local teachers and educators to early music education, and by providing music instruments to the involved kindergartens and day care centers.

Short Term Impact

In the short term about 30 teachers will receive early music training and be able to administer the program to 350 underprivileged children all within kindergartens and daycares in seven villages. In addition, the kindergartens and day cares will receive musical instruments for the teachers and children’s use.

Long Term Impact

The long-term teachers will be provided with regularly updated teaching resources, which can be used for many years following the implementation of the program in a village. In addition, hundreds of additional students will partake in the program in the coming years. Hundreds of underprivileged children in villages will develop improved language, math and listening skills, self-esteem, creativity, motor coordination, as well as improve their general well-being.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support of this project will be recognized at the seven villages, your name listed as a sponsor on the Paros Foundation website, on social networks, and in appropriate press related to this important. The Paros Foundation will happily arrange a visit to the villages and a meeting the children when you are in Armenia.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61391″]

Adopt A School Restroom – Hatsik 3

Read Updates

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 of the school bathroom 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

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

June 2014

End Date

August 2014

Gallery Images

This restroom at the Hatsik Village school is the third restroom to be renovated and is primarily used by the school staff.

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 a new bathroom 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 a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation website.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61365″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next

Video Update

July 14, 2014

Renovations work began in order to renovate the third restroom at the Hatsik Village School.

August 28, 2014

The work has been completed and the staff at the Hatsik Village school now has a new and fully functioning restroom.

Adopt A Restroom, Nor Geghi Kindergarten

Read Updates

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 of the school bathroom 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

Kotayk

City / Village

Nor Geghi

Start Date

2015

End Date

One month from start date

Gallery Images

The condition of the staff restroom at the Nor Geghi Kindergarten prior to renovations.



The condition of the student restrooms at the Nor Geghi Kindergarten prior to renovations.



Materials that will be used for the Nor Geghi restroom renovations.



A villager works to cover his damaged roof in Aygepar before the rains. Photo credit: Hetq



Tiles and sub flooring completed.



Four local residents were hired to complete renovations.



Staff restroom after renovations.



Student restrooms after renovations.

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 a new bathroom 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 a modern, dignified bathroom to use while attending school.

Sponsors Benefits

Donors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the school and on The Paros Foundation website.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=12
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61350″]

Packs On Backs Armenia: Kharpert Home

Read Updates

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 this summer, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia. Together we have decided our next distribution will be for the kids living at the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

The Kharpert Home is an orphanage located in the village of Nor Kharpert currently serving 225 children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities. The orphanage is a state run facility that receives governmental support to provide these vulnerable children with their basic care and education. The Paros Foundation has worked with the Kharpert Home several times in the past implementing excursions for the children to amusement parks and/or other appropriate venues in order to provide these children with both valuable community experience and needed recreation. Of the 225 kids living at the center 55 attend local specialized schools, while the remaining 170 attend classes at the orphanage.

Sponsorship of this project will help give 55 children at the Kharpert Home regular backpacks and school supplies in addition to 225 drawstring backpacks filled with custom supplies for their specific needs. Some of the these items will include: arts & crafts supplies -beads, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, yarn, sewing kits and some minor hygienic needs- deodorant, toothpastes and toothbrushes. A donation of $30 will help obtain either 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

Ararat

City / Village

Nor Kharpert

Start Date

May 2016

End Date

August 2016

Gallery Images

Children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children.



Children from the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

The Need

Children with disabilities in Armenia are one of the most vulnerable groups of people due to the stigmas associated with having a disability and the lack of resources and programs to care for them. At the Kharpert Home, things are very different and the children receive wonderful care and support through an experienced staff and administrative team. Unfortunately, at times the aid from the government and their budget does not permit them to provide needed educational necessities and/or additional hygienic and extracurricular supplies for the children. These supplies serve as important tools for therapy, as well as educational aids.

Short Term Impact

225 children living at the Kharpert Home for Special Children will receive drawstring backpacks filled with custom supplies for their specific needs. Additionally, 55 of these children who attend school outside of the Home will also receive proper backpacks and school supplies. Local supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, 225 children living at the Kharpert Home for Special Children will be able to obtain supplies needed for their therapeutic and extracurricular advancements. In addition, the effects of this project will bring joy to these children. 

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Kharpert Home 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. [vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=6
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61325″]

Updates: Images & Information

Previous
Next
June 28, 2016

SERVICE Armenia participants assembled the backpacks to deliver to the Kharpert Home for Special Children.

 August 5, 2016

Children at the Kharpert Home received their backpacks.

Scholarship For A Sustainable Future: Arevik Q.

Read Updates

Description

Nor Luyce works with young girls, ages 14-17, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyumri, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive roles models and emotional support. The reduction of isolation is provided by mentors and by field trips, which expose the children to various work and educational settings. In addition, Nor Luyce’s program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child’s plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education.

Nor Luyce is trying to provide Arevik, a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Arevik lives at home with her parents, two sisters and brother. Her father is unable to work due to heart issues while her mother’s income, as a nurse, is not enough to support their whole family. Arevik has chosen to follow her mother’s footsteps in the medical field and is currently attending the Gyumri Medical College studying Pharmacy. She hopes to have her own pharmacy one day. Arevik is also very interested in archeology, law and reading books and has in the past taken dance and drawing classes. Her ultimate dream is to one day travel to Venice. The requested scholarship funds will help Arevik continue her studies and cover the costs of her tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

Watch Video

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2013

End Date

2014

Gallery Images

The Need

Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.

Short Term Impact

Arevik, who currently lives in Gyumri’s, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation for one year.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that Arevik, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful life.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsor will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl’s progress during their university studies.
[vp_give_donor_wall
donors_per_page=6
show_total=false
show_modal=true
form_id=”61299″]

Updates: Images & Information

February 9, 2015

After receiving the scholarship funds, Arevik and her sister Lusine were both in need of winter coats in order to stay warm during Gyumri’s cold winter. Due to their families financial limitations, their mother was unable to purchase the coats. Upon hearing about this situation, our generous donor, Mr. Candan, who funded both sisters scholarships, covered the costs for the girls to have brand new and warm coats.