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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
BENEFACTORS DONATE NOR JRABERD KINDERGARTEN
Montreal, October 16—
John and Lara Avakian of Montreal have generously undertaken to cover the full costs of building the kindergarten in the village of Nor Jraberd in Nagorno-Karabakh (NKR). This donation of US$45,000 is the first major investment in the newly announced Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project, under the auspices of AGBU Canada.
“The refugees of Nor Jraberd are in need of a healthy, socially and economically viable environment,” says Mr. Avakian. “This kindergarten is a first step towards providing them that.”
The kindergarten will be named in honour of John Avakian’s mother, Anahid, and its first pupil will be Mariana, Nor Jraberd’s first-born in 2001.
“When I met little Mariana this past August, I asked her what was the one thing she wanted the most,” recounts Mego Malkhassian, Canadian project manager. “She answered, ‘A kindergarten and friends to play with.’”
Upon hearing of Mariana’s dream and seeing her picture, John and Lara Avakian immediately committed to the project. “Mariana is our heroine,” says Mr. Avakian. “She gave us the direction and motivation to participate in this effort of nation-building.”
Excavations for the kindergarten are expected to start in early 2007, with the NKR Government providing the land and necessary infrastructure (roads, electricity and water).
This is part of AGBU’s Karabakh Repopulation Project. In early 2006, AGBU Canada undertook the rebuilding of Nor Jraberd in the Mardakert region of NKR. The future kindergarten will set the foundation for building an entire community in Nor Jraberd, complete with houses, a school, medical centre, pharmacy, church and outdoor sports facilities.
If you would like to contribute to the Nor Jraberd Repopulation Project or to learn about our upcoming events, please visit us at:
email: info@norjraberd.org