Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
152 Madison Ave, S-803
New York, NY 10016, U.S.A.
T/1-212-689-5307
F/1-212-689-5317
e-mail: info@armeniafundusa.org
Armenia Fund USA Aids “Children’s Home” Orphanage
Press Release 04.21.06
NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA (Fund), East Coast Affiliate
of Hayastan Himnadram All-Armenian Fund, is pleased to announce
the successful implementation of a much needed heating system
restoration project in “Children’s Home” orphanage, Yerevan,
Armenia. Having started in November of last year, the project was
brought to its successful completion in January of 2006 through
the generous contribution of Mr. Agop Giritliyan. With project
implementation support from Armenia Fund USA’s Armenian affiliate,
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, the heating system’s restoration was
completed in January of 2006.
Constructed in 1937 and currently located in the district of Nork,
“Children’s Home” orphanage in Yerevan has been intended for
children aged 6 years and under. Today, it gives shelter to about 80
children, with an average of 150 children annually passing through
its portals. Once children reach the age of 6, they are relocated to
other orphanages (mankadoons) throughout Yerevan, Gavar, and other
towns. When necessary, the mankadoon in Gyumri, which specializes
in the care of children with various neurological illnesses and
disabilities, is accessed for those children with special needs.
Yerevan winters can be brutally cold with the winds of the surrounding
Ararat and Aragats mountains piercing Soviet-era stone structures
which house most of the city’s institutionalized children. But with
their hands tied by the socio-economic realities of a recovering
Armenia, many orphanages struggle daily with critical needs such as
overcrowding, poor plumbing/sanitation, and lack of heat.
That is why Liana Karapetian, director of the “Children’s Home”,
was so grateful when Armenia Fund USA – through the generosity of
Agop Giritliyan- was able to come alongside the “Children’s Home” in
order to address the serious need of a reliable heating system. The
outdated system from Soviet times had not been working since 1989,
and repairing it would have cost more than developing a new system
for the orphanage. Challenged to sufficiently heat the home for the
children – aged 0-6 years, Director Liana Karapetian had previously
been forced to rely on electricity- which then presented severe
budgetary challenges. But now, through Agop Giritliyan’s gift and
Armenia Fund USA’s efforts, a brand-new system utilizes natural gas-
a more economical and reliable resource for heat.
On behalf of the staff, management and children, “Children’s Home”
director Liana Karapetian expressed her gratitude to Armenia Fund
USA and the Giritliyan family, as well as to Hayastan Himnadram, for
the sincere compassion and concern for the children’s well-being in
cold winter.
Also, on the occasion of the successful completion of the project,
Naira Melkoumian, executive director/Hayastan Himnadram, visited the
orphanage. She announced Himnadram’s interest in undertaking another
project at the orphanage – this time directed toward repairing the
roof of the building.
Armenia Fund USA’s has distinguished itself by implementing
projects ranging from grassroots development projects to specific
problem-solving initiatives. With the support of its donors and
constituents, the Fund will continue in its mission of improving
Armenian lives by building foundations that will sustain the economic
growth and stability of the country and its people.
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: ARMENIA FUND USA, founded in 1992, was one of
the first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 18 international affiliates
and serves constituents in all states east of the Mississippi.
As a non-profit, non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the
Fund represents all Armenian constituents.
Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the 18 international
affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects in Armenia
and Karabakh, and having helped build 138 miles of roads, 100 miles
of waterways, 36 schools, 3 electric transmission networks, 210
residential buildings and 15 healthcare institutions.
Armenia Fund USA’s Mission is the development of strategic
socio-economic infrastructure in Armenia and Karabakh, focusing
on major projects such as major highways, schools, drinking water
to communities and humanitarian programs in education, training and
medical facilities. The Fund has adopted a policy to go “Beyond Bricks
and Mortar” to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.