For Immediate Release ~ May 7, 2007
Contact: Sarkis Kotanjian ~ 818-243-6222
Modern Ambulances on their Way to Hadrut
| Modern ambulances are capable of operating on low quality gasoline |
Armenia Fund is proud to announce that four new, modern ambulances have been ordered for the Hadrut Region in Nagorno Karabakh. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the region has never seen a system of emergency medical transportation. This would mark the first time that not only new ambulances will be available to the 12,000 residents of Hadrut, but also establishing a dispatch center within the Hadrut Regional Hospital. The hospital will undergo major renovation thanks to the generosity of Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region’s major donors who brought forth their participation during Telethon 2006. The live televised fundraiser broke records by raising more than $13.7 million for regional development projects.
The Russian made ambulances are designed for rugged terrain as well as the ability to operate on low quality gasoline. In addition to this advantage, spare parts are affordable and readily available in local mechanic shops throughout Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Three ambulances were sponsored by Los Angeles based donors: Dr. & Mrs. Harout and Rita Mesrobian, Mr. & Mrs. Isaac and Frieda Vartanian, and Mr. & Mrs. Gevorg and Arax Voskanian. The fourth ambulance was donated by Fundo Nacional Armenia – the Fund’s Argentinean affiliate. Armenia Fund will report on further progress through its website at www.armeniafund.org
Much Needed Water Arrives in Martakert, Nagorno Karabakh
| Newly manufactured pipelines are being placed in Martakert |
Armenia Fund is pleased to announce that the construction of a key section of the water pipeline to the Martakert Region of Nagorno Karabakh has been completed. The borderline village of Vaghuhas with an ever growing population of 600 residents is the first to reap the benefits of this strategically important pipeline. The 9km section along with 4 water distribution stations surrounding Vaghuhas was generously sponsored by Armenia Fund’s Argentinean affiliate – Fundo Nacional Armenia – and proceeds from the 2005 Telethon.
Vaghuhas and the neighboring villages were almost entirely deprived of drinking and irrigation water. For a few hours per week, the villagers received water through a dilapidated network of pipelines. The Vaghuhas water supply network was built in 1975 and had never been repaired.
Armenia Fund will now move to the next phase by constructing a water pipeline network for Mets Shen, Maghavuz, and Varnkatagh villages of Martakert. The water main will be connected to this new 30km pipeline network. This portion is largely sponsored by Armenia Fund’s French affiliate – Fonds Armenien de France.
French Cities Sponsor Classroom Furnishings in Armenia
Through the tireless efforts spearheaded by Fonds Armenien de France, school children in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh not only enjoy modern school buildings built by the Fund, but also well furnished classes and facilities. Since 2004, the French affiliate has launched a campaign dubbed “Let’s Give Them a Classroom” - “Donons-leur un Classe”.
| New sets of furniture ready for use by eager students |
From 2004-2007, the Fund has furnished schools in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh totaling well over $288,000.00 USD. School furnishings and classroom supplies were provided to the Haterk School #1 (Martakert, NKR) and the local village school in Karmir Shuka (Martuni, NKR).
The municipal government of Vaulx en Velin in France is currently funding the furnishing of two classrooms in six secondary schools in Artik (Shirak Region, Armenia) through Fonds Armenien de France. Armenia Fund is grateful to the city governments of Lion and Valence for sponsoring similar furnishing projects. The French affiliate is planning to establish contacts with relevant government offices in Paris with the aim of funding similar projects in Armenia.
Youth Fine Arts and Film Nominations Underway
Armenia Fund’s Presidential Youth Award for Fine Arts and Film was established in 2004 through a generous endowment fund by Robert Boghossian & Sons Fund. The award has three major categories: Fine Arts and Film, Literature, and since 2005, Classical Music. The purpose of the award is to encourage young Armenian artists and promote their further development in the spheres of art and culture. During Armenia Fund’s Annual International Board of Trustees’ Meeting, President Kocharian presents the award to the young aspiring artists in a special ceremony that is held at the Presidential Palace. The award consists of a $2,500 monetary scholarship and a special recognition certificate by the President.
| One of the finalists, Gayane Khachatrian presents her piece |
On a yearly basis, the number of applicants has consistently grown. Out of the 46 applicants in 2007, 28 have made it to the final round. The breakdown of the finalists is as follows: 5 nominees in film, 2 nominees in clothing/material art, and 21 paintings and photography.
One of the last year’s awardees, Hrimpsime Davtian was on hand during the nominations. According to Hripsime, the award has not only been an assessment of victory, but has obliged her to paint more and better. “I need to remain worthy of the award I received,” added Hripsime. Arthur Hovannisian, another recipient of the 2006 award, recently had his art works on display at one of Moscow’s most prestigious art galleries.
The 2007 awards will be announced by President Kocharian during a special ceremony on Monday, June 18, 2007.
Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160 million in development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698
