UNIVERSITY GREENHOUSE FOR FOREST TREE SEEDLINGS

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Description

The National Agrarian University is a joint partner in this project. The greenhouse will be essential for the full training of the students during the course of the academic year. Further, the forestry professors and graduate students will conduct various research on part of the surface. The rest of the surface will be tended by our workers to grow various seedlings aimed for our reforestation projects.

We will build a 3,300 square foot greenhouse on the grounds of the National Agrarian University in Vanadzor. The greenhouse will have an automatic irrigation system. In addition, we will build 30 metal tables to support 1500 boxes for plant containers and develop our own design for a seedling container. Each table will support 3,000 containers containing one seedling each. The total capacity of the greenhouse is 90,000 seedlings. If the budget is fully raised, we would like to have two sets of 90.000 containers in order to allow two shifts per year.

The greenhouse will enable us to have a greater variety of forest tree seedlings including some rare and endangered species. This is very important in order to increase bio-diversity in the forests. It will also improve the success ratio of the plants in the afforestation areas as the saplings will go in the ground with soil around their roots.

The Greenhouse budget includes the construction of the actual greenhouse, the installation of an irrigation system, tables, containers and the required shading nets. Details are available upon request.

Region

Lori

City / Village

Vanadzor

Start Date

June 2021

End Date

October 2023

Gallery Images

Forest bound seedlings will be grown quickly in a similar greenhouse.



Once built, the greenhouse will have tables and drip irrigation installed.



The greenhouse will become a teaching classroom on the grounds of the Agrarian University in Vanadzor.

The Need

To help our reforestation projects in Armenia, we need many different species of good quality seedlings. At the same time, the proper schooling of forestry graduates and future reforestation experts requires that they gain practical instruction. A greenhouse is essential to complete their education and to help reforestation. Indeed some forest tree species are difficult to grow in open-air nurseries. Within the controlled environment of a greenhouse the success rate of rare species and productivity of the seedlings will be increased.

Short Term Impact

Short term impact: 5 workers will be hired to work in the greenhouse and many students will profit from this unique learning tool.

Long Term Impact

The long-term impact of the project is to support reforestaton projects in Armenia in order to increase the forest coverage and improve the nature of this attractive mountainous country. It will also help the training of future forestry specialists.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors to this project will be listed on the Paros website, as well as on the website of My Forest Armenia. One major donor may name the greenhouse. A plaque with all donors will hang inside the greenhouse. For each $1,000 donation a donor may name one table. Donors who visit Armenia can have a guided visit to the greenhouse and the reforestation sites.

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October 1, 2023

The greenhouse has been constructed and is serving as a great benefit for the university students in instruction on forestry.

Matching Challenge for Getahovit School

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Description

Getahovit is a village just outside of Ijevan in Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community is home to more than 2,000 residents. Getahovit’s school is in terrible condition and needs a complete renovation.
The school was built in 1971 and serves 250 children in the first to twelfth grades. The community of Getahovit and the school’s leadership has tried to maintain the school the best they can given their extremely limited resources. However, crumbling plaster, lack of heating and non-functioning bathrooms make for a terrible environment for these children to learn. To properly renovate the school, this large project will be addressed in phases. Firstly, the school needs to have a functioning heating system prior to the start of winter. This effort, combined with the repair of the school’s roof, changing of the balance of old windows and the start of renovations one of the school’s wings including classrooms and bathrooms will serve as a huge source of inspiration for this community.
To kick off this important project, Hovhannes Mardirossian and his wife Anahit, whose mother taught at the school for 45 years, have announced a matching challenge grant for phase one renovations. For every dollar raised towards this effort, they will contribute a matching amount up to $25,000 for a total of $50,000 for phase one!

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Getahovit

Start Date

October 2021

End Date

October 2023

Gallery Images

The overall poor conditions at the Getahovit school make learning uncomfortable and unsafe for the more than 250 students.



Mold and crumbling plaster can be seen throughout the school in the Getahovit village.



Members of the Paros team inspect conditions at throughout the school at Getahovit.



The entrance to the Principal’s office at the Getahovit school.



In 2020, the old boiler at the school in Getahovit ceased to function leaving the school and its 250 children without heat for the cold winter months.



Missing tiles an flooring throughout the school create unsafe conditions for the students in Getahovit.

The Need

The village school in Getahovit is in very poor overall condition despite the fact that more than 250 children attend. The most immediate need is to replace broken heating system prior to the start of winter.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the most immediate need is to replace the school’s boilers to provide heat for the school prior to winter. The 250 students will immediately benefit from the new heating system. As the renovations progress, workers’ salaries and material purchases will benefit the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the longer term, the entire village of Getahovit will benefit from having a school that meets modern safety and comfort standards. The school’s environment will inspire students and staff for years to come.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press, and on a plaque installed at school. Visits to the school can be arranged for donors visiting Armenia.
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October 8, 2021

Work began today to build a new boiler room to house the new boilers for the school as the old boilers are no longer working and beyond repair, and winter will be here soon. 

November 24, 2021

The new boilers have been successfully installed and tested.  This will allow the school to be heated.  A portion of the school’s radiators were changed as part of this emergency work.  The rest of the school’s pipes and radiators will be changed as soon as funding is raised.  

August 11, 2022The rest of the school has now been equipped with new piping and radiators for its heating system. September 8, 2022Work at school is going well with renovations now complete for the Chemistry Lab and the addition of new office space. September 12, 2022

Everyone at the Getahovit School was so excited to welcome Mr. & Mrs. Hovhannes & Anahit Mardirossian who visited the chemistry lab and toured the rest of the school. The work at the school was made possible through the generosity and match provided by the Mardirossians and their family & friends.

August 2, 2023

A 3rd boiler has been added to the school’s heating system to heat the additional wing of the school to keep the children warm during the winter.

October 19, 2023

Donors visit the school and see all the great work that has been done. We are grateful for all their support and without them this project would not have been possible. 

Hatsik School Auditorium

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Description

The village of Hatsik is located about ten minutes from the city of Armavir in Armenia’s Armavir region about 60 kilometers from Yerevan. Hatsik is home to 2,560 residents. The village has one school with 260 children in attendance. In 2013, The Paros Foundation and its SERVICE Armenia program began the renovation of one of the two buildings on campus. Over the course of four years, renovations were made to three bathrooms, twelve classrooms, the hallways, gym and locker room. The facade of the building was also repaired. The school’s auditorium needs to be renovated to facilitate school gathers and performances. This renovation will include the replacement of the windows and doors, rebuilding of the stage, new electrical, new paint and new seating. The renovation will also include the cosmetic renovation of the hall immediately in front of the entrance to the auditorium.

Region

Armavir

City / Village

Hatsik

Start Date

February 2018

End Date

May 2018

The Need

260 children in the school at Hatsik do not have a proper auditorium to conduct plays, hold gatherings and performances. The school and its students have a vibrant and active schedule and would greatly benefit from this renovated facility.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, the school would immediately benefit from a renovated auditorium. Materials and labor would be purchased locally, which would benefit the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, both the school and the village would benefit from a new gathering and performance space. In addition to furthering the education of the children at the school, Armenia’s culture will be promoted via a new emphasis on performance and the fine arts.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, in appropriate press released to this project, and on a plaque installed in the Hatsik School Auditorium.
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February 11, 2018

New windows arrived and are going to being installed. The rough electrical work has been completed.

April 10, 2018

Work in the Hatsik School is almost complete! Our construction crew Is working on both the tile flooring and the painting in the hallway and auditorium.

May 15, 2018

The Hatsik School Auditorium is now complete with a new stage and chairs, new interiors, tile, paint, new windows and electrical!

Terchoonian Home Restoration

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Description

The site of the Terchoonian Home, located in Gyumri Armenia, holds great historical significance. It was an orphanage during the Armenian Genocide managed by the Near East Relief, a social and economic development organization established in 1915. It later became a military headquarters for the Soviet army. In 1988, the building was heavily damaged during the devastating Spitak Earthquake. Due to support by the Terchoonian Family, and the hard work and dedication of the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and Romen Gozmoyan, the building was purchased and renovated. The Terchoonian Home Orphanage opened its doors again in 2003 through the generous donation by the Terchoonian Family honoring the late Vahan Terchoonian. The Terchoonian Family chose Gyumri as it was the city Terchoonian found refuge in after escaping from Turkey, before eventually immigrating to the United States.

Today, the orphanage houses 84 children and operates a school that serves a total of 115 children with 54 individuals on staff. This historic building, specifically its third floor, is in need of emergency repairs prior to another harsh Gyumri winter. Sponsorship of this project will help urgently complete renovations, which include repairs to fix several leaks in the roof, replacement of 32 windows on the third floor (several of which have been boarded up because there is no glass in them or they don’t close), new doors for the third floor corridor (at each staircase), balcony, bedrooms and classrooms, and new carpeting for the rooms with water damage where children stay. Furthermore, the exterior walls on the third floor are made of asbestos panels, which have been poorly installed, are not water tight and have caused the third floor carpeting in the rooms to become damp and foul over time. The asbestos panels will be replaced with a new exterior wall that will be weather/water tight. Additional repairs are also needed, such as repairs to water pipes and partial renovation of two bathrooms (including drain pipes and the addition of a shower stall), but will be addressed after the above urgent needs are met. These renovations to the orphanage are important to not only keep the children and staff safe, warm and protected from illnesses that may arise due to poor conditions, but also to help preserve a building that holds such significance for Armenian history in its walls.

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

May 2015

End Date

August 2015

Gallery Images

There is damage to both the interior and the exterior of many of the windows.



The Terchoonian Orphanage, which was an orphanage during the Armenian Genocide, still serves as an orphanage today in Gyurmi, Armenia.



The orphanage is in need of several emergency repairs in order to withstand another harsh winter.



Repairs will improve the overall living conditions of the children and staff.



Repairs will also keep the children and staff warm and protected from illnesses that may arise due to these poor conditions.



Many of the interior walls have water damage.



A closer look at the damage to the windows.



32 windows in total need to be replaced.

The Need

The Terchoonian Home, which has several leaks, and damage to their building, is in need of emergency renovations in order to withstand another winter and keep its children, students and staff, safe and away from illness that may arise. Additionally, preserving this building is of high cultural importance due to its historical significance. 

Short Term Impact

The short-term impact of this project will include repairs to several leaks in the roof, repairs to 32 windows on the third floor, installation of new doors for the third floor corridor, balcony, repairs to the bedrooms and classrooms, new carpeting for the children’s rooms and replacement of the asbestos panels on the third floor with a new exterior wall that will be weather/water tight. All materials will be purchased in Armenia, thus providing a boost to the local economy. In addition, local labor will be hired to complete the construction work whenever possible, thus providing locals with temporary jobs. 

Long Term Impact

In the long term, additional repairs will be made such as repairs to water pipes and partial renovation of two bathrooms (including drain pipes and the addition of shower stall). The success of this project will provide a proper, safe and warm facility for current and future children attending or living in the Terchoonian Home. The amount of illnesses and colds will be decreased with the elimination of leaks and water damage. Furthermore, a building that holds great historical significance will continue to be preserved for years to come. 

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Terchoonian Home Restoration Project will be recognized on a plaque at the Home, on the Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project. The Paros Foundation will gladly arrange a visit to the orphanage when you are in Armenia. [vp_give_donor_wall
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August 1, 2015

Work is completed on the living quarters at the Terchoonian Home. Roof repairs, new flooring, doors and windows, lighting and electrical, paint and new bathrooms including indoor bathing facilities dramatically improving the living conditions for the children.

Zorakan Village School Revitalization

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Description

In 2013, a Peace Crops volunteer first submitted the Zorakan village school as a potential Paros project. The school needs an extensive remodel. The school’s campus includes a large two story building which houses the While the Tavush regional government recently installed a new roof at the school, we need to complete the renovation. The scope of work includes installing a new heating system, new windows and doors in 14 classrooms, three new bathrooms (teachers, boys and girls), renovations throughout two hallways (upstairs and downstairs), new furniture, new flooring installation, paint and electrical work. The school will be renovated in two phases.  Phase one will completely renovate the second floor and will include the installation of the heating system. The school campus also includes a second large building that use to house the gymnasium, but this building must be torn down and rebuilt due to structural problems. This project will focus only on the building which houses the classrooms.

The remote village of Zorakan located in Armenia’s Tavush region has a population of about 1,000 people. It was populated by Azeris until 1988 and had a different name, Verin Kerpilu. During an armed conflict, the Azeri population fled the village and Armenian refuges from Azerbaijan were placed in the village. At the time, the entire village population was refugees from Azerbaijan; they later changed the name to Zorakan in honor of two marshals from their home village Chardakhlu. There are approximately 270 households, most of the villagers cannot find work outside their homes and survive by making a living from their land, from their gardens and fruit trees. Some of the husbands (and single men) find work in Russia and are gone much of the year, leaving their wives to raise the families. There are 135 children who attend the secondary school along with 26 teachers and technical workers. Along with the school, the village has a mayor’s office, a post office, four small stores, a health post and a culture house.

The budget to renovate and furnish this two story building of the school is $125,000.

Phase one efforts will include renovations to the second floor classrooms hallway. Funding for phase one is $55,000. Second phase work will be determined based on the response from the government regarding their participation.

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Zokran

Start Date

May 2018

End Date

September 2020

Gallery Images

Zorakan Village School.



Main entrance to the school with broken and dangerous glass blocks.



Main entrance to the school with broken and dangerous glass blocks.



Worn out interior, including walls, doors, ceiling and floors.



Former metal and wood shop space currently being used as a kitchen and cafeteria.



The teacher’s restroom.



Floor Plan

The Need

Children cannot achieve their greatest potential attending classes in substandard classrooms. A renovated, safe and warm environment will allow students to study in a clean, healthy and appropriate atmosphere.

Short Term Impact

Local villagers will be employed during the renovation project. In addition, the school will be able to provide a safe environment for the children.

Long Term Impact

A proper facility for students to learn in will help these village children reach their fullest potential. The growing student population at the school, their teachers and other school workers will take pride in the fact that people care about them and their school

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 Foundation website. Visits to the Zorakan School will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.

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June 1, 2018

Following negotiations with the educational office of the Tavush regional governor, new windows for the second floor were delivered today as their contribution towards this important project, and the reconstruction of the second floor of the Zorakan School has begun.

July 1, 2018

The new boilers have been delivered and installed. Sassoun, our heating specialist has also installed the new heating pipes and radiators, and has pressured tested the entire system. Now the village administration will work with the gas company to move the gas pipes to the new location within the school as part of their contribution to this important project.

July 4, 2018

Our work crew is making excellent progress on installing the sub floors and continuing work on the electric and walls.

September 1, 2018

The first day of school welcomed students and staff into several of the renovated classrooms on the second floor. Everyone is excited! Thank you to all the donors thus far that helped make this phase one renovation possible.

October 26, 2018

As part of our Journey through Armenia trip, participants visited the school in Zorakan. They were so moved by the students and staff, and need to continue this renovation, that several in the group immediately committed to supporting the renovation of the boys and girls bathroom.

December 18, 2018

Work on the two bathrooms at the Zorakan school began now that funding is available!

March 1, 2019

Construction of the two bathrooms is complete.

May 31, 2019

With the school year complete, our construction crew began work on the first floor, entryways and stairwells.

July 15, 2019

Our SERVICE Armenia participants came to volunteer at the school and worked on several of the classrooms, stairwell and hallway.

December 25, 2019

Work on the inside of the Zorakan school is now completed. When the weather permits, our crew will do some repairs and pave the exterior entryway of the school.

May 20, 2020

Work has begun to pave the exterior of the school and repair the badly damaged stairs that lead to the village.

September 21, 2020

Zorakan Village School rennovations, including the exterior stairs of the school,   are complete! A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the school’s opening.

Debi Arach Children’s Center 2021 Operating Budget

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Description

The Paros Foundation launched the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri, Armenia on April 15, 2015 with the help of generous donors. The center, which provides 180 children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support, has since been a source of positivity in this city. The residents of Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city have endured very devastating realities since the tragic 1988 Spitak Earthquake. More than 100,000 residents were left homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty for years to come. In turn, the fate of children in Gyumri has also been affected. Dealing with the difficulty of finding means to feed and care for their families, many parents are unable to provide their children with the proper guidance, supervision, educational aid and the financial resources for them to excel in school and have successful futures. The Debi Arach Children’s Center, which in Armenian means “moving forward,” helps these socially vulnerable children through a holistic approach providing them with both humanitarian and educational support. The center provides counseling and group therapy with a psychologist on staff, homework help and tutoring for almost every subject the children learn in school including English, Math, Art/Design, and Computer classes. Additionally, they are served a nutritious meal everyday, helping them receive the calories and/or nutrients they would otherwise not have. Furthermore, the Center addresses a very important hygienic need by providing the children in attendance with supervised bathing facilities. The goal is to help hundreds of children develop a vision for a successful future, and to give them the skills they need to reach these goals. This project is impacting the lives of hundreds of socially vulnerable children by helping them gain the guidance and support they need in order to create greater future opportunities, and become successful individuals and good citizens.

To date, the center has already had several important successes. At least nine children have been taken out of boarding schools, attend our center and now live back at home with their families. Many of the children who were receiving poor grades in school are now achieving top scores. The children have become socially well adjusted and much more healthier than before with the continued consumption of multi-vitamins and a daily well-balanced meal. Staff trainings have begun with an academic counsel of professionals from the United States and Armenia to ensure that the children are receiving the best care, treatment and methods for their development.

The center is working on funding year five 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. $80,000 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. In 2019, with the long term commitment by Dr. & Mrs. Gary and Linda Assarian (MI) the vocational training program was renamed the Assarian Vocational Training Program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idA8y2UEDp8

Region

Shirak / Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri / Գյումրի

Start Date

April 2021

End Date

March 2022

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 180 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 2021 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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March 4, 2021

Due to the pandemic, schools and children’s centers were closed throughout Armenia.  Debi Arach reopened as soon as it was allowed to.  Children are provided a fresh mask each day, food is served in individual containers and extra sanitary steps are taken to prevent the virus’ spread. 

May 1, 2021

Debi Arach has won a small grant from the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.  The grant is titled “American Summer” and is aimed at teaching students about American culture through food, music, sports and movies.  This program will run throughout the summer months.

October 25, 2021

As part of our SERVICE Armenia Young Professional’s trip to Armenia, participants helped distribute warm winter boots and scarfs for the students at Debi Arach. This project is very valuable as winter boots are expensive and most of the children walk to Debi Arach after school (and Gyumri is very cold.)

New Windows for Yeghvard Kindergarten

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Description

Yeghvard is a small border village in Armenia’s Syunik Region. It has a population of just under 300 people. Despite its population and border village status, Yeghvard has a vibrant kindergarten with almost a dozen children attending. The kindergarten does not have a gas connection for its heating needs, and old wooden windows make the space difficult to heat and operate in the winter months, thus leaving the children unable to attend.

Region

Syunik

City / Village

Yeghvard

Start Date

July 2021

End Date

July 2021

Gallery Images

Yeghvard’s Kindergarden is a special place for the children that attend.



Because of cold and inadequate windows at the Yeghvard Kindergarten, children can only attend in the warmer months.



Play time at the Yeghvard Kindergarten.



New windows would allow for a year-round program at the Yeghvard Kindergarten.

The Need

The Yeghvard Kindergarten needs new windows to help create a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the children to benefit from early education.

Short Term Impact

In the short term, new windows will be installed at the Yeghvard Village Kindergarten. These windows will be purchased and installed locally, thus creating a modest benefit to the local economy.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, children in the village of Yeghvard will benefit from a safe, clean and comfortable environment to attend kindergarten year-round.

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website, on a plaque at the kindergarten and in all relevant press related to this project. Visits can be arranged for sponsors to this kindergarten during their trips to Armenia.
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July 28, 2021

Work to replace the old windows was completed at the kindergarten along with the installation of new electric heaters. 

Recycling on the Border 2

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Description

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

Following the success of the first Recycling on the Border project, The Paros Foundation has partnered with the Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities NGO, or ‘ISSD’ to implement their second recycling initiative in ten border villages in the Tavush region. The proposed project involves going to several schools and providing specially marked recycling bins for paper and plastic. The children will then be educated on the benefits of recycling and why it is important. Schools will be given three months to collect the recycling, when it will then be picked up and transferred to the proper recycling facilities.

Some new components have also been introduced. In order to provide incentive first and second place prizes will be given out to the schools who have collected the most paper and the most plastic at the end of the competition. The schools participating will also need to choose 5-10 students to be student ambassadors (depending on the size of the school). The model for the student ambassadors is as follows:

• One student from each grade, starting from the 4th grade
• The rest of the ambassadors will be from the older grades (whomever wants to participate up to 10 total ambassadors)
• The student ambassadors’ role will be to represent their school in the recycling competition. They will make sure the other students are recycling properly, the bags are tidy and prepared correctly, etc.

In addition to the recycling competition, older students from all the schools are invited to participate in another competition where they must develop a business idea involving recycling. Students can choose to work alone or with a team to come up with new ideas involving recycling and creating a business.  The ideas will be evaluated and the best one(s) will be given funding in the form of materials/equipment needed to start the business up to 1,000 USD. Every two weeks, students will meet with ISSD representatives to discuss both the general recycling competition and the business idea competition. Winners of this competition will be brought to Yerevan on an excursion to talk with other business people and develop their winning idea.

Region

Tavush / Տավուշ

City / Village

March 1, 2021

Start Date

April 2021

End Date

June 2021

Gallery Images

Children learning about recycling.



Recycling bins at the primary school in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

In the short term, a three month recycling contest will be launched to build excitement about the project in ten border schools in Tavush. The schoolchildren will learn about the benefits of recycling and start making it a regular practice in both their schools and households. A modest economic benefit will be realized through this project through the employment of a driver and trainers. In addition, students will have the opportunity and guidance to come up with their own recycling based businesses.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, communities will be more informed about modern waste and waste management, and, hopefully develop the practices as a normal part of their culture. The project will involve more than 1,800 children. Additionally, those that come up with winning business ideas will be given the opportunity to make those ideas a reality and greatly impact their future and the future of recycling in Armenia.

Sponsors Benefits

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

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April 19, 2021

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

June 6, 2021

Today the contest winners were determined! The School in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur collected the most plastic per student and the School in the village of Aygepar collected the most paper per student. The school from Tavush won first place for their business idea involving recycling and will receive 1,000 USD to start their business. Both the schools from Aygehovit and Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur will also receive funding to start their business idea. Congratulations to all the schools that participated!

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Ani H. – Gohar G. – Anna & Gohar G.

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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 the following young girls from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce their out of pocket costs towards their education:

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

2021

Ani H.
Ani was born on October 25, 2004 in Gyumri, Shirak region. Her family consists of four people including her mother and two siblings. Her mother does not work, and her father has passed away due to a car accident.

Ani is attending the local medical college and is making good progress. In her free time she likes to read, listen to music, and play the piano. She has been attending Nor Luyce since 2017. According to her mentor, due to the hardships in her life, Ani was in a difficult mental state and found it hard to express her opinion and was closed-off. Thanks to hard work, Ani is in a better mental place now. She is developing her skills and has become more active. She comes up with various initiatives and ideas on her own. She is well on her way to becoming an established and stable individual who knows her goals and how to achieve them.

Ani is going to become a nurse as soon as she graduates. Ani needs assistance in buying books, winter clothes and boots, and the necessary medical supplies for her practicum/internship.

Scholarship needed: $500

Gohar G.
Gohar Galoyan was born on December 27, 2000 in Gyumri, Shirak region. She has six people in her family including two sisters and a brother who are all married and live separately. Gohar lives with her father and mother.

Gohar is studying at the Shirak State University in the Department of English Language and Literature. In her free time she likes to paint, sing, and play the piano. Gohar has been attending Nor Luyce since 2014. According to her mentor, she initially had low self-esteem, which she only talked about with her mentor, but on the outside she acted as if she had very high self-esteem. As a result of personal one-on-one meetings, Gohar admitted that she is now showing her true self and, in her words, she has now got rid of her inner complexes and is living more freely and calmly. Gohar is now in Nor Luyce’s senior group of mentees. She has progressed very well during the Skill-Building phase and has been very active and enterprising during her time at Nor Luyce.

Gohar’s family lives in poor social conditions and needs assistance paying her tuition.

Scholarship needed: $770

Gohar & Anna G.
Gohar and Anna are sisters. Gohar was born in 2002 and Anna was born in 2005 in Hovuni Village. Their family consists of nine people including her father, mother, grandmother, three brothers, and a sister.

Gohar joined Nor Luyce Mentoring Center in 2016. She has been actively engaged in Nor Luyce activities up to now. Gohar is very punctual, modest, active and smart. She has also conducted volunteer work and presented a topic for other mentees in the organization.
Gohar’s sister Anna joined Nor Luyce in 2018. She is also very punctual like Gohar. Anna is a little shy compared to her sister, however, she has a good skill of self-advocacy. Both Anna and Gohar are going to become nurses and they have applied to the local Medical College. Since Gohar’s and Anna’s family is socially vulnerable, it is hard for them to cover the tuition fee.

Scholarship needed for both: $1,000

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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

Ani H., Gohar G. and sisters Anna and Gohar g., who all currently live in Gyumri’s, will receive the financial support they need, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of their college tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothes and transportation.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girls’ progress during their university studies.
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GOALS for #everygirl EBRD Community Initiative

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Description

We are back-to-school and Girls of Armenia Leadership Soccer (GOALS) is getting ready to relaunch its girls soccer leagues. Because of the recent pandemic children have been mostly isolated at home and most after-school activities had been either canceled or moved online. Children have been isolated from each other and haven’t been able to partake in physical activities. We are very eager to bring sports back to regional Armenia and give the opportunity to our girls to get back on the field.
As you know health and hygiene education are more relevant than ever. GOALS has developed a new curriculum to ensure that our 80 teams across 8 regions of Armenia are practicing not only a healthy physical lifestyle, and keeping to hygiene norms, but also have a safe space to work on mental health.
The topic of health and hygiene is underrated in Armenia, especially among rural communities. We know that by incorporating learning about health and hygiene into our sports activities we will be able to fundamentally improve the lives of over 1000 girls. Our anticipated indirect impact is estimated at over 5000 community members across Armenia. This is your chance to contribute to the overall wellbeing of our girls and Armenia. Your contributions will go towards ensuring our communities have the tools necessary to organize safe and healthy sports activities, this includes, uniforms, sports equipment, medical kits, masks, thermometers, etc.
Every dollar you contribute to this project will be matched by our amazing partner.
Subject to its rules, funding raised through this campaign will be matched by the EBRD Community Initiative to a maximum of EUR 50,000. The EBRD Community Initiative is a program dedicated to support staff who are engaged with local organizations helping communities in the EBRD countries of operations.

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

80 Communities

Start Date

September 2020

End Date

April 2021

UPDATE:

Dear Supporters and friends of GOALS,

The pain and sorrow that we face as a nation and as a people are inexplicable. For the past 44 days, we have endured unimaginable crimes against our nation. We are mourning the loss of thousands of heroes who fell during brave battles and the loss of our historical lands. We are left with an empty feeling of despair but in these difficult times, we must remember that this is not the end. We will continue to fight for what is right and for our nation. We will continue to stand strong and united.

The past month’s events disturbed our way of life and changed priorities. Now we have a country to rebuild and families to support. Over 30,000 children have been displaced by war, and they need our love and support in these difficult times. We have an obligation to protect their childhood, their right to family life, education, and leisure.

War and military conflict negatively impact on the mental wellbeing of both adults and children. We have evidenced this during the past month while working with children from Artsakh and Armenia. From day one of the war GOALS started organizing activities and games for children that had been displaced because of the war, trying to give them a sense of normalcy. GOALS is committed to the inclusion and expansion of all activities for children displaced by the war. We will continue to increase our efforts and services and evolve to accommodate current needs.

As Armenians and allies around the world, I call on you, supporters of GOALS and beyond, to help us make a change in the lives of these children. Now they need us more than ever. Without your donations, we will be unable to continue carrying out these activities, let alone scaling up our efforts. We will not be able to provide organized leisure activities, outdoor exercise, and a safe haven from all the pain and uncertainty for our children.

Remember that all donations will be matched by the EBRD Community Initiative to a maximum of EUR 50,000. The EBRD Community Initiative is a program dedicated to support staff who are engaged with local organizations helping communities in the EBRD countries of operations.

United, we are stronger.

Gallery Images

The Need

Throughout Armenia, there are limited opportunities for girls to play soccer. Despite having a strong desire to do so, girls cannot find the resources necessary or sporting groups that make experiencing the game a possibility. In addition, organized sport participation has several benefits to youth development such as leadership skills, teamwork skills, confidence building and improved overall physical health. The GOALS organization helps give young women the chance to play soccer through their GOALS Leagues, Media, Coach and Referee trainings, Camps and After-school Clubs while helping Armenian communities change the broader mindset limiting girls and women in many aspects of their lives and see that girls can and should be future leaders of their country!

Short Term Impact

GOALS will fill the gap of the lack of afterschool activities in the regions of Armenia and non-formal education and development opportunities. Along with providing immediate health and hygiene education through sports, we will also facilitate conversations around mental health and wellbeing in a post-COVID world.

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 will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, on the GOALs website and in all relevant press of this important project.
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