Relief International, which began life-saving operations in 2012 to assist Syrian refugees living in camps and host communities in Jordan, held multiple activities for Syrian children in commemoration of World Refugee Day this week. The activites served as a chance for Syrian children to experience the simple joys of being a kid.

More than 200 students enjoyed different recreational activities such as singing, storytelling and drawing supported by the Jordanian “Tales and Music Bus” Initiative inside the Azraq camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan. In addition, the RI team hosted puppet shows and storytelling activities for more than 100 Syrian students in a kindergarten in Almanshiah, located in the Mafraq governorate. Currently, RI is working to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions in 45 schools in the Irbid and Mafraq governorates. RI found that using puppets was an effective and entertaining way to communicate messages to the students. Puppets are now being used by RI’s Jordan team to teach children healthy hygiene practices such as handwashing.

“It’s nice to put a smile on a child’s face while you are teaching,” one of the kindergarten staff tells RI.

As part of RI’s education program, staff held a special day of activities for Syrian students at the RI education centers in both the Zaatari and Azraq camps. Activities included karate shows, art exhibitions, balloon shows, face paintings and puppet shows. Since 2013, RI’s education program has assisted more than 7,000 Syrian refugee students, helping them catch-up in school and get back on track with their studies.