Tavush Region, Armenia--The village of Nerkin Karmir
Aghbyur, located in the Bert area of Armenia's Tavush Region celebrated the
re-opening of its kindergarten on August 31, 2014 following the complete
renovation undertaken by The Paros Foundation. The project was generously
sponsored by the New York based Atamian Family through The Paros Foundation's
100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity initiative.
Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur is home to 1,380 brave residents.
During the conflict with Azerbaijan, it was the single most damaged Armenian
village, losing nearly 400 homes to the devastation. Today, this community
still lives with the risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict. 70% of
their land remains uncultivated due to the dangers of farming on the border.
Little opportunities remain for residents, making unemployment and migration a
huge problem. Village children are among those greatly affected by these dangerous
living conditions. For years the kindergarten could only serve 25 village
children due to its poor physical condition and location, with part of the
building and playground being exposed to Azerbaijan.
"The beautiful children of this village deserve to
start their education in a safe and warm environment that is conductive to
learning. This is one of the most attractive school renovations I've seen
anywhere in Armenia," said sponsor Jean-Marie Atamian. "Several years
ago my family decided to invest in Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur because of the
strategic and economic importance of the village. Our border villages protect
Armenia's territorial integrity and secure the country's food supply.
Accordingly, we feel that it is absolutely critical for the residents of our
villages know that they are not alone and that the diaspora stands with them in
their fight to safeguard Armenia."
The renovation of the kindergarten, a two story 4,600
square foot building, included a new roof, doors and windows, flooring, heating
system, restroom, plumbing, electrical and staircase. The facility was also
completely painted with attractive wall murals and was furnished with beds and
closets for the children. Substantial repairs were also made to the building's
foundation and first floor to repair damage sustained from Azeri shelling. The
project included the construction of Armenia's first "security wall,"
a cement, steel and stone wall which surrounds the renovated playground and
protects the children from being easy targets while they play and attend
school.
During renovations, Azeri sniper fire continued and
damaged several parts of the building, including a newly replaced water pipe,
the roof and gutters, a bold reminder of how tenuous the situation remains, and
that we must continue to support and invest in the residents of Nerkin Karmir
Aghbyur.
"My parents, George and Ines Atamian, inspired us to
help build a prosperous nation for future generations. Having now completed the
renovation of the medical clinic and nursery school we will move on to equally
important projects in this village. We urge everyone to join the extraordinary
work being carried out by The Paros Foundation by financing similar
infrastructure projects in Armenia's other border villages," said Atamian.
"On behalf of the Paros Foundation we extend our
deepest gratitude to Jean-Marie Atamian and his family for their continued support
of our projects and this border village," said Peter Abajian, Executive
Director of The Paros Foundation. The Paros Foundation underwrote all
administrative expenses associated with this project, allowing 100% of the
Atamian Family's contribution to be allocated to the kindergarten.
Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3
organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To
sponsor a Paros 100 for 100 Project for Prosperity, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder
Not: Yalnızca bu blogun üyesi yorum gönderebilir.