Description
Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur (NKA) is a border village with a population of 1,380 residents in the Bert area of Armenia’s Tavush Region. This community, whose territory connects with Azerbaijan, lives and works under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict every day. Along with the economy these difficult and dangerous times have also had a negative impact on educational advancement and school attendance. The primary school in the village is in need of complete remodel in order to provide elementary and high school aged children the opportunity to learn in a clean, new and safe environment. This school, which has 180 children in attendance, is housed in three buildings of which currently two are in use.
The gym has been renovated through local sponsorship from the village, but the classrooms are in still in poor condition.
As part of the Paros Foundation’s ongoing efforts to rebuild the infrastructure of this large village, Michael and Patricia Starzer of Lakewood, Colorado have agreed to underwrite the complete renovation of an entire floor of the elementary school. Their sponsorship will enable us to rebuild five classrooms on the first floor. The remodel will include the hallways, the boys and girls bathrooms, updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Once phase 1 is completed we will fundraise for phase 2 renovations, which will include other classrooms, the library, a science lab, and the cafeteria.
The Paros Foundation, with the help of generous donors Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian of New York, has already successfully renovated the Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur medical center and kindergarten, and provided five families with their own agribusiness for their economic development. These projects have had a huge impact on the community. It is of strategic importance to support these villages in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of this village, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan.
Gallery Images
The Need
Students attending the primary school in the village of Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur are in need of new, clean, and warm classrooms so they can attend and concentrate on their studies. A normal functioning school that is safe and functional is important for this community.
Short Term Impact
In the short term materials five classrooms on the first floor will be remodeled including, the hallways, the boys and girls bathrooms, updates to the heating system, new lighting, new paint and new flooring. Supplies will be purchased locally and locally labor will be used whenever possible.
Long Term Impact
Once phase 1 is completed, phase 2 renovations will begin, which will include other classrooms, the library, a science lab, and the cafeteria. For years to come, children in this village will be able to attend school in a safe and functional environment and progress towards successful futures.
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.
Our Donors (1)
- Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Patricia Starzer $30,000 Apr 27, 2015
Updates: Images & Information
Paros staff, NKA mayor and school staff and administration gathered together with the students and their families to hold a ribbon cutting and official opening celebration.
Today a window at the school was damaged due to Azeri sniper fire. The window is being replaced.
The renovation work has been completed at the NKA school. Five classrooms, two restrooms and the hallway are all renovated with new furniture. This completes the first phase of work at this school.
Work began in the two restrooms. One restroom is for males and the other for females.
A local crew was hired and work at the NKA school has begun. In the coming months the crew will renovate five classrooms, two restrooms and the hallway including new doors, some windows, upgrades to the heating system, paint, electrical and new furniture.