Save the date!
Join us
for the Rhode Island International Film Festival premiere of the film Home Across Lands on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at the Columbus Theatre in Providence. For more information please visit www.homeacrosslands.org
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International
Institute of Rhode Island's mission is to enable all area residents, especially
immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in
our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people. Read more
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Congratulations to the class of 2009!
Congratulations to the over 300 adult learners who recently completed IIRI’s English as a Second Language and Work Training Certificate Programs. Graduation ceremonies were held at the Woodridge Presbyterian Church in Cranston and IIRI’s main lounge. We are proud of all of our students for their hard work and dedication, especially in a year when many experienced job losses and other financial difficulties.
Above: Solange & other Work Training students visiting Citizens Bank
Among the honorees at this year’s ceremonies was student Solange Etuke. Solange achieved 96% attendance, logging 436 class hours in her morning Work Training class. Originally from Cameroon, where she was an assistant manager at an international exporting company, Solange came to Providence five years ago with her husband. She has two children, a 7 year old and a 19 month-old baby. In addition to participating in classes, Solange interned at the R.I. Foster Parents Association, where she learned new customer service and office skills. Solange observed “one of the most valuable things to understand is the major differences in business practices between Cameron and the U.S.” The Work Traning class gave her the insight she believes she needs to find a good job in this tough economy.
Above: Solange Etuke at IIRI
According to Education & Training Director Nazneen Rahman, “Solange is one example of the hundreds of hard working immigrant and refugee students who come to IIRI every year to learn English and improve their skills to help their families. We are pleased to be able to assist so many newcomers with classes that help them to become self sufficient, participating members of our community.
For more information about IIRI’s Education & Training classes, call 401-784-8605 or email Carmen.