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The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative and overhead costs allowing 100% of all donor contributions to go directly towards projects and supported organizations.

Donations to The Paros Foundation Projects for Prosperity are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To sponsor a project through The Paros Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization (Tax ID 20-5094630), or learn more about specific projects in need of funding, please contact us using the information below.

Contacts

2217 5th Street

Berkeley CA 94710

info@parosfoundation.org

(310) 400 9061

Project Category: Education

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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future (Marine A.)

Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Marine A.

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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 Gyurmi, 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 Marine, a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards her education. Lusine lives at home with her father, mother, sister and brother. Her parents are farmers. At times Marine’s father leaves for Russia to find a job. Their monthly income is 48000 AMD which is not enough to take care of the family and pay the tuition fee of Marine who has just entered University. Marine graduated from the school with high performance. During her free time, she draws and read books. She has been a part of Nor Luyce NGO since 2016. She has successfully finished Mentoring Phase, Skill-Building Phase and now she is in the Scholarship phase. Marine has been very passive, shy and closed-off, and she had fears of expressing her ideas. However, thanks to the great work that her mentor did, Marine became very active, she takes part in all the group meetings and actively expresses her ideas. She has been volunteering her time at the organization scanning and filling out budet documents. The requested scholarship funds will help Marine continue her studies and cover the costs of her tuition, uniform, books, stationaries, winter clothing and her transportation fee for one year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRfI9_4b0Q

Region

Shirak

City / Village

Gyumri

Start Date

September 2019

End Date

February 2021

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

Marine A., 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.

Long Term Impact

The long-term goal is that Marine A., 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.

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Oknooshoon Phase 2

Oknooshoon Project Phase 2

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Description

Nairi Krafian, a young Armenian-American volunteer has established a project called Oknooshoon in Armenia, which is literally a hybrid of the words help (oknoutyoun) and dog (shoun) in Armenian. As a pre-veterinary student who is passionate about both her homeland and animals, her goal is to improve the public perception, and in turn the quality of life, for rescued dogs in Armenia. Nairi has partnered with The Paros Foundation in order to introduce dog therapy in Yerevan, help provide education to improve the public perception of stray and rescued dogs and minimize their poor treatment.

Oknooshoon aims to improve the human-canine bond in Armenia, to benefit both populations simultaneously. This project will implement animal therapy for children in need with rescue dogs trained as therapy animals. Phase one of Oknooshoon’s Animal Therapy Program was a pilot in which the therapy dogs were trained as adults, lived at the shelter, and were handled by shelter personnel. Phase two is a second pilot in which rescue dogs will be trained as puppies, raised and handled by Oknooshoon employees in a home. This change will create a more sustainable and effective program, with the dogs being trained at a young age, living in clean homes, and receiving individualized attention. Phase two will also include research to determine the effectiveness of this therapy method for children, education to improve animal welfare, and efforts to strengthen Oknooshoon’s team and business model.

$24,000 is needed in order to fund this project. The costs include handler training education, dog training supplies, transportation, veterinary care, administrative supplies, employee compensation, and organizational development expenses. In addition, Nairi will be attending the Watson Institute Program in Colorado in order to improve and expand Oknooshoon’s capacity.

Region

Yerevan Երևան

City / Village

Yerevan Երևան

Start Date

January 2019

End Date

December 2020

Gallery Images


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Oknooshoon participates in a variety of community events.


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Oknooshoon providing therapy to children at the Kharpert Home for Special Children.


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Oknooshoon works on the proven model that animal therapy has dramatic benefits for humans.

The Need

Armenia lacks animal welfare advocacy, evident in their enormous stray dog population and their poor handling of the situation. The pet industry has grown, but there is still a strong stigma against rescue and mix-breed dogs, and the human-canine bond is quite week. Armenia also lacks accessible dog therapy programs with minimum standards, certification processes, program assessment, and impact measurement. Oknooshoon plans to improve the general misconception around rescue dogs and fill the gap in healthcare by introducing animal-assisted therapy to youth in need through phase two of this project.

Short Term Impact

The dogs trained by Oknooshoon will lead a much happier and healthier life than if they stayed in the shelters. Simultaneously, the children receiving animal-assisted therapy will receive psychosocial benefits.

Long Term Impact

By publicizing the effects of dog therapy and providing animal welfare education, Oknooshoon will help improve the stigma around stray and shelter dogs. This will present opportunities to expand dog therapy all throughout Armenia and increase dog adoptions from shelters.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website and on all relevant press regarding this project. In addition, sponsors will also be included in an Oknooshoon e-newsletter in 2019.
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March 12, 2020

Oknooshoon dog handler and “Dobby” visit residents at Warm Hearth, who greatly benefit from their interactions.

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National Poetry Recitation Contest 2019

National Poetry Recitation Contest 2019

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Description

The National Poetry Recitation Contest (NPRC) was created in 2010 by a Peace Corps Volunteer and her Armenian counterpart living in Hrazdan. The goal of the National Poetry Recitation Contest is to create an opportunity for Armenian students in grades 7-12 to enhance their spoken English, critical thinking and public speaking skills by studying and reciting poems and speeches in English. Students also develop a valuable peer network of fellow English speakers from all over Armenia.

Watch Video

Region

Throughout Armenia

City / Village

Throughout Armenia

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

July 2019

Gallery Images


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Students greatly benefit from their public recitation of poetry.


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A national competition for poetry inspires students to do their best!

The Need

Provide transportation funding so 1200 students can travel to one of 12 regional poetry contests planned for spring 2019. Make sure 72 finalists can compete in the National finals at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan on May 4, 2019 and attend a 5-day Creative English Summer Camp in July 2019 for 72 National Finalists in Hankavan.

Short Term Impact

Enable English language school students from every community in Armenia to take part in a national poetry recitation contest and Creative English Camp. Provides opportunity in building language skills, critical thinking ability, self-confidence and a valuable peer network.

Long Term Impact

Help Armenia’s brightest and best 12-17 year olds, the future leaders of Armenia! Building and showcasing stronger English comprehension through this competition assists the youth in proficiency of the English language for their futures.

Sponsors Benefits

Your support will allow an additional 500 students to take part in the contest this year and send an extra 12 kids to camp. Help bright, ambitious students from villages like Berd, Knatsakh and Shinuhayr travel to their nearest regional contest and on to the finals in Yerevan, Camp will be held in Hankavan.
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March 11, 2019

The Contest is underway! 1486 students are competing from every marz. This weekend contests were held at Ijevan, Gavar and Kapan.

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Stepanavan School #2 Improvement

Stepanavan St. Gregory The Illuminator School #2 Improvement Project

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Description

The town of Stepanavan is located in Armenia’s northern portion of the Lori Region. More than 10,000 people live in this ancient town. Stepanavan can trace it earliest settlements to the 4th century. Stepanavan was devastated by the 1988 earthquake including losing one of its primary schools. The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church raised the funds to build a new school for the children in Stepanavan. Vartkes Barsam, a philanthropist and active member of the Armenian community of Los Angeles served as project manager and oversaw the construction. The school was opened on 2003 and has served more than 525 children per year since. While the school has been well maintained, it is time to address some of the larger needs of the school starting with the heating system, school windows, bathrooms and to create a kitchen and dining hall.  Following these important capital improvements, the balance of the school will receive a cosmetic renovation including new lighting and a fresh coat of paint.

A new boiler room will be built adjacent to the school and two large capacity boilers will be installed to heat new radiators throughout the school (which also have to be installed.) New windows throughout the school will also be installed to improve the efficiency of the overall heating of the school. This phase of work will cost the following:

$6,000 Construction of a new boiler room.
$95,000 Installation of two new boilers, pipes and radiators throughout the three floors of the school.
$44,000 Installation of 540 square meters of new double pain windows throughout the school.

Region

Lori / Լոռի

City / Village

Stepanavan / Ստեփանավան

Start Date

Immediately

End Date

Four months from start date

Gallery Images


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The current gas heating system and old windows is unsafe and inefficient at the Stepanavan School


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Peter Abajian, Paros Executive Director visited the school to inspect the conditions and solidify the scope of work to be done.


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The old water distribution system throughout the school also needs to be redone.


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The bathrooms at the Stepanavan school need to be renovated and modernized.

The Need

School #2 in Stepanavan serves more than 525 children. The school needs a new heating system and new windows to help provide a safe and comfortable environment for the children in which to learn.

Short Term Impact

In the near term, more than 525 children and the school’s staff will enjoy a safer and more comfortable learning environment. The local economy will benefit with locals labor and materials utilized whenever possible.

Long Term Impact

In the long term, thousands of children and staff will benefit from the renovations completed at the school. Because of better heating, the school will better accommodate a variety of after school programming for the children in the colder winter months.

Sponsors Benefits

All sponsors of this project will be recognized on The Paros Foundation website, on a plaque at the Stepanavan St. Gregory The Illuminator School #2, and in appropriate press related to this important project. Visits can be arranged to Stepanavan for sponsors during their visits to Armenia.

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Updates: Images & Information

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October 18, 2018

Diane Barsam visited the school with Paros Project Manager, Gegham Minasyan to discuss the school’s needs and to formalize plans for future assistance.

August 12, 2019

With enough funding available to replace all of the exterior windows, work began on removing and replacing all of the windows.

 September 12, 2019

Work on all of the exterior window replacement is complete and minor temporary repairs were made to the walls around the new windows until such time that funding is available for the school’s interior remodel. The next effort will be to replace the school’s heating system.

November 29, 2022

The school’s heating system has been replaced with new radiators, pipes, and boilers throughout the entire 3 story school providing much needed heat during the winter. 

July 2, 2023

Today our crew has started renovation on the school’s gym roof. 

July 15, 2023

Gym roof renovation has finished. The students now have an insulated gym roof to allow them to play comfortably. 

August 28, 2023

The multiple bathroom renovations have begun. We can’t wait to give the students new and clean restrooms. 

October 22, 2023

The first bathroom renovation is finished! We will soon start construction on the next set of bathrooms. 

December 13, 2023

All 14 bathroom renovations are complete! With the support of our donors were able to renovate every bathroom at the Stepanavan St. Gregory the Illuminator School #2.  

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Recycling in the Border

Recycling on the Border

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Description

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

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

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

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

Region

Tavush

City / Village

Ten Tavush border villages

Start Date

January 2020

End Date

February 2020

Gallery Images


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


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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Sponsors of this project will be listed on The Paros Foundation website, and in relevant press related to this important project.
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Students, school and Paros staff at the School in Paravakar following the recycling collections.

Paros Staffer, Peter Barsamian, helps load recyclables into the truck bound for Yerevan.

Paros staff and students following a recycling pick up.

Students help load recycling materials onto the truck bound for Yerevan's recycling center.

Paros and ISSR staff spent the entire day collecting and registering materials at each village school.

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Truck loads of recyclables were collected and transferred to the center in Yerevan as a result of the recycling contest.

Many schools expressed interest in continuing a recycling program beyond the contest dates.


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January 14, 2020

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

 February 18, 2020

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

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Movses Kindergarten

Kindergarten Renovation for Movses Village

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Description

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

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

Region

Tavush Տավուշ

City / Village

Movses Մովսես

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

August 2019

Gallery Images


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


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


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


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


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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

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March 18, 2019

Work at the kindergarten in Movses began today!

 April 27, 2019

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

 April 30, 2020

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

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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2018

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2018

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Description

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

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015, and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of both current and new children. Our goal is to provide 185 backpacks and school supplies for the children attending the center. A donation of $30 will help obtain a backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

June 2018

End Date

July 2018

Gallery Images


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Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.

Short Term Impact

185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive proper backpacks and school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.
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Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2019

Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach 2019

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Description

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

The Heros Humanitarian Foundation has partnered with The Paros Foundation to bring their Packs on Backs initiative to Armenia. After the successful distribution of 380 backpacks and school supplies to children in Gyumri and Vanadzor in the summer of 2015, and 225 backpacks to the children at the Kharpert Children’s Home in the summer of 2016, we have decided to continue to work together and impact more children in Armenia.

Our next distribution will be for the kids attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center in Gyumri. Socially vulnerable children attend the center after their school and receive both humanitarian and educational support through a holistic approach. The Paros Foundation established the Debi Arach Children’s Center on April 15, 2015 and has since provided children each week the necessary academic, psychological, social and humanitarian support they need to succeed. Gyumri’s devastating history has left more than 100,000 residents homeless, and plagued with unemployment and rampant poverty. These families often struggle to provide their children with life’s basic necessities; therefore making backpacks and school supplies a distant priority. Children at the center were recipients of backpacks and school supplies during our first distribution in 2015. This distribution will meet the ongoing needs of both current and new children. Our goal is to provide 185 backpacks and school supplies for the children attending the center. A donation of $30 will help obtain a backpack filled with supplies for one child. School supplies will be grade appropriate and include a combination of pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, rulers, highlighters, and crayons. In-kind donations of the items listed are also welcomed.

Region

Shirak Շիրակ

City / Village

Gyumri Գյումրի

Start Date

February 2019

End Date

July 2019

Gallery Images


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Children will receive backpacks filled with several needed school supplies.

The Need

It is very difficult for a child to learn and excel in their studies without a proper backpack and essential school supplies. In addition, without the proper supplies these children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis, hence severely hindering their educational growth and minimizing future opportunities.

Short Term Impact

185 children from Gyumri’s poverty stricken communities attending the Debi Arach Children’s Center will receive proper backpacks and school supplies to aid in their educational advancement. Local school supplies will be purchased whenever economically feasible in turn boosting the local economy.

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

Your donation to sponsor the Packs on Backs Armenia: Debi Arach project will be recognized on The Heros Humanitarian Foundation website and in their printed materials. Your name will also be listed as a sponsor on The Paros Foundation website and in appropriate press related to this important project.
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June 26, 2019

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

 June 28, 2019

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

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NKA School Remodel – Phase 4

NKA School Remodel-Phase 4

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Description

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

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

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Region

Tavush

City / Village

Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur

Start Date

June 2019

End Date

May 2020

Gallery Images


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


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


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


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

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

June 11, 2019
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June 11, 2019

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

September 2, 2019

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

May 4, 2020

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

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Noyemberyan Kindergarten Expansion

Noyemberyan Kindergarten Expansion

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Description

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

Region

Tavush Տավուշ

City / Village

Noyemberyan Նոյեմբերյան

Start Date

March 2019

End Date

March 2020

Gallery Images


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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Bathroom at the Noyemberyan Kindergarten #2.


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


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


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The connecting hallway will also be reconstructed.


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Another interior room at the kindergarten #2 in Noyemberyan.

The Need

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

Short Term Impact

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

Long Term Impact

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

Sponsors Benefits

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

March 22, 2019
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February 13, 2019

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

 March 22, 2019

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

 April 6, 2019

New windows were delivered and installed today.

 May 11, 2019

Work on the interior subflooring and walls is progressing well.

 September 11, 2019

Much of the interior work is complete.

 January 6, 2020

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

 May 15, 2020

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