In regions where food is scarce, children are the most vulnerable and education can all too often slip to the bottom of the priority list. Relief Riders International is able to help with our education and pediatric medical programs designed to keep children in school as long as possible. Whether it's providing basic supplies to children in India or building safe, outdoor play areas for kids in Turkey, RRI's education programs are always a highlight for Relief Riders who have plenty of time to engage with the sweet and curious local children receive their own gifts.

The latest UNICEF data for the two countries RRI currently works in - Turkey and India - show that their is still much work to be done in education.

In India only 66% of pupils graduate primary (elementary) school. Of those that go on to enroll in secondary (high) school attendance rates hover at around 59% for boys and 49% for girls.

In Turkey 94% of primary school pupils tend to graduate but of those that go on to enroll in secondary (high) school attendance rates are even lower than in India: 53% for boys and 43% for girls.

RRI's education programs are designed to help keep children in school by providing educational materials, sports equipment and most importantly de-worming programs. School based de-worming has been shown by MIT's Poverty Action Lab to be one of the most cost-effective and powerful ways to keep kids in school in the developing world.

In the Cappadocia region of Turkey RRI runs the Education through Play program that provides safe, outdoor play equipment to rural villages. Children in many rural villages in Cappadocia don't have access to safe places to play with their peers. Children have to make do with running in the streets and climbing dangerous, broken down buildings. O. Fred Donaldson said "Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn." Many studies have concluded that play is the most important developmental experience in which any child can engage. Through active, outdoor, play children develop their motor abilities, build strong bodies, increase their confidence and learn to regulate their energy. Playing in a safe space with other children gives kids practice at language skills, collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, persistence and empathy.