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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IIRI Awarded Grant for New,
State-of-the-Art Computer Lab

IIRI is the recipient of a $62,700 grant from The Champlin Foundations, to be used to set up a second, state-of-the-art computer lab for use by adult learners.   The 25-station computer lab will double the agency’s capacity for computer- based learning. The Champlin Foundations, one of the oldest philanthropic groups in Rhode Island, are comprised of three private foundations that make primarily capital needs grants to tax exempt organizations.

“This computer lab, featuring new adult learning software and state of the art hardware configurations, will greatly benefit our adult learners,” according to Nazneen Rahman, Education & Training Director at IIRI. “Computer knowledge is essential in today’s technological savvy marketplace for students to gain employment even at entry level jobs, or to get better paying jobs.  Our adult learners are highly motivated to improve their computer skills.  Students and teachers also report that the hands-on lessons on the computer make the learning experience more interesting and rewarding.  We are extremely grateful to The Champlin Foundations for recognizing the importance of computer-based learning and for funding this second computer lab.”  

Each year, 700 adult learners attend a variety of classes at IIRI in the areas of English as a Second Language, Work Readiness Skills, GED, Citizenship Preparation and Computers Training.  For more information, contact Carmen Cabrera at 784-8605 or Karen Mlyniec at 784-8609.