Description
The Aknashen School for Children with Speech Disabilities provides speech therapy to approximately 20 children ages 3 to 7 each year. With proper speech therapy, these children often avoid a life of difficulties if they can correct their speech disability prior to beginning their primary education. The Aknashen School is housed in a building donated to the School by the Village Municipality. The School is currently comprised of two small classrooms. The addition of two additional rooms with proper lighting and heating will dramatically improve the space for these children to engage in their therapy. In addition, the expanded classroom and multi-room space will also allow the School to expand its activities and bring in additional children.
Local villagers have a history of contributing to the well-being and renovation of the School. These same locals will be engaged with this project and stand ready to donate their time and talents to the successful implementation of this project.
Gallery Images
The Need
Children who do not develop proper speaking skills often face additional difficulties as adults and face ridicule by their peers. Most often, this problem is correctable with early intervention. The Aknashen School for Children with Speech Disabilities is the only school in the area-serving children for the surrounding villages.
Short Term Impact
Local villagers will be put to work for several months during the renovation project. In addition, the School will be able to provide services for a greater number of children. Building materials will be purchased locally in the Village when possible, helping the local economy.
Long Term Impact
A greater number of local children with speech disabilities will be served with an expanded area for classrooms. In addition, the multipurpose nature of the new classrooms will provide the opportunity to implement new methods of therapy for working with these children. In the winter months and inclement weather, the multipurpose classrooms will provide a safe play area for these children as well.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized with a plaque installed at the School. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on the Paros 100 website. Visits to the Aknashen School will be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
Our Donors (3)
- Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Esther Kulhanjian $2,500 Oct 6, 2012
- Mr. Alex Hachigian $1,000 Aug 16, 2012
- Mr. & Mrs. Adam & Rita Kablanian $3,800 Mar 12, 2012
Updates: Images & Information
The work on the hallway and classroom was completed in time for a New Year’s party for the children to take place in their new space! Be sure to view the video below!
To help with the renovation, the village’s mayor helped deliver sand and crushed stone as part of their local contribution.
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