PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, October 12, 2007

The Paros Foundation
Contact Peter Abajian
(310) 400-9061 US Cell
(093) 99-80-99 Armenia Cell
Email: pabajian@gmail.com
Web:

MANANA YOUTH CENTER RECEIVES SUBSTANTIAL GIFT FROM THE PAROS FOUNDATION
New Program Space and Cutting Edge Technology

Yerevan, Armenia – On Friday, October 12, the Manana Youth Center
celebrated its move into new program space with a Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony. The Manana Youth Center educates children 8 to 22, in an
after school environment, all the aspects of photography, journalism,
filmmaking and animation. Event attendees included the Manana staff,
guests from the Tufenkian Foundation, leadership and guests of the
Paros Foundation, and children who participate in the exciting and
innovative programs at the Center.

"We are very excited to move into this terrific space and to make use
of our new computer, software and display technology," said Ruzan
Baghdasarian, Chairwomen of the Manana Youth Center. "This facility
will allow us to conduct our programs in a beautiful, safe and
comfortable environment for the children. This gift from the Strauch
Kulhanjian Family and the Paros Foundation will inspire our children
to learn and produce at an ever increasing level of excellence."

"I am pleased on behalf of my family and the Paros Foundation to
initiate this inspiring relationship and to be able to provide this
level of support to the Manana Youth Center. This is the second time
we have used our model of purchasing quality office space and
providing it rent free to NGOs that focus on nurturing and harnessing
Armenian artistic talent." said Roger Strauch, Chairman of the Paros
Foundation. "Our goal is to help Manana and our other NGOs have the
resources to execute their missions at the highest possible level of
quality and to expand their benefactor base. My hope is that our
involvement in the Manana Youth Center will motivate other individuals
and organizations to support their projects."

Manana Youth Center is a registered NGO in the Republic of Armenia.
The Center was founded in 1995 and offers media communications
programs for 200 children. The students have won major awards and
acclaims in domestic and international competitions particularly in
film making. Manana Youth Center’s principle organizational sponsors
are the Tufenkian Foundation () and
the Paros Foundation ( ). More
information on Manana can be found at .

"Twelve years ago when we started the Manana Youth Center, we only
dreamed of a space like what we have today thanks to the Paros
Foundation and the Strauch Kulhanjian Family." said Ruzan
Baghdasaryan. "With the continued assistance of the Tufenkian and the
Paros Foundations, I am confident we can provide our kids with a high
quality educational experience and earn appropriate international
recognition and support for our efforts."

The Paros Foundation, Executive Director Peter Abajian, is a Berkeley,
California based foundation and was formed in 2006 to support
non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Armenia. Since its
inception, it has identified and supports several important
organizations including the Paros Chamber Choir, the UNISON
NGO-Supporting People with Special Needs, Manana Youth Center and the
Vanadzor Museum of Fine Arts. The Foundation was founded by the
Strauch Kulhanjian family and takes a special interest in
organizations that nurture and harness Armenian artistic talent. The
Paros Foundation hopes to serve as a beacon for people and
institutions who seek guidance towards exemplary innovative NGOs in
Armenia. More information about the Paros Foundation can be found at
or by contacting Peter Abajian, Executive
Director at (310) 400-9061 (in the US) or (093) 99-80-99 (in Armenia).

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