A foundation called Rainbows4children has completed construction of the Nicolas elementary school providing education for 100 children who are the children of disabled veterans. The goal is to complete the school up to grade 12 during the next 3-4 years. The foundation completed the Nicolas Kindergarten School in 2005 for 160 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years of age.
The foundation, which is registered in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, has worked with the Tigrai Disabled Veterans Association, which has 100,000 members, to build the schools. Rainbows4children was founded by Max and Kathryn Robinson in the memory of their son, Nicolas. told VOA they were very impressed by the Tigrai Disabled Veterans Association. In particular they found the members hard working and determined to build a better future for themselves and their families, and so they wanted to help too.
The Robinsons plans to add a library and laboratories for the older children, as well as a sports field and playing areas. They are looking for sponsors to help finance these proposals. Some children will study up to grade 12 and get the chance to go to university. Others will receive vocational training for water management, including irrigation systems, water collection projects and provision of clean drinking water which is a critical need in Tigrai.