Tavush, Armenia— On a very warm day in village of Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur, Jean-Marie Atamian and his family announced their fifth major gift to The Paros Foundation. This gift will facilitate renovation work on the village school's auditorium, adjacent offices and specialty classrooms and the immediate replacement of the both of the school's boilers prior to the onset of the cold winter months.
The visit of Atamian, along with his family and friends coinciding with the school's opening day, marked an important milestone in the village's development. Major infrastructure including the medical center, kindergarten and now substantial portions of the school in this important border community are rebuilt and in excellent condition. This was accomplished with the significant financial commitment from the Atamian family, and notable support for the school from the Starzer family. The Paros Foundation began implementing these major infrastructure projects in Nerkin Karmir Aghpyur in the fall of 2012. In addition, the Foundation's Agribusiness projects have taken hold for six village families, who are now benefiting from this economic model. The Foundation will be expanding this project to include other village families who possess the desire and are able to work.
Roger Strauch, Paros Foundation Founder and Chairman along with Tavush Region Governor Hovik Abovyan joined Jean-Marie and Lori Atamian and their children, Stepan and Narine for the celebration.
"As an Armenian in the diaspora, I have only two choices to help in this village. I can either take up arms and help defend this border, or I can help rebuild this village," said Jean-Marie Atamian. "I want to thank The Paros Foundation for implementing this excellent work and I look forward to our next project."
Following the opening ceremony of the school, guests participated in a tree planting in the school's courtyard. The group then visited other sites in the village and held a strategy session with the Mayor to determine future activities.
In 2012, The Paros Foundation began identifying and implementing valuable projects in Armenia's Tavush region border communities. The foundation's Prosperity on the Border initiative looks to bring about positive change through a combination of infrastructure, educational and economic development projects in villages along the Armenia – Azerbaijan border. The Paros Foundation underwrites all administrative costs allowing 100% of contributions to be allocated directly to their intended purpose. For more information or to sponsor a project, please contact (310) 400-9061 or email peter@parosfoundation.org.
