News Release

09/04/07 The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) Seeks Volunteers

The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) is in need of Citizenship tutors to work one-on-one or with small groups of students studying for the U.S. Citizenship Exam. Currently, permanent residents pay $675 to take a test and be interviewed to become a U.S. citizen. Students who come to our free classes are especially motivated because of the high non-refundable fees. Most of our students need help in improving their language skills in order to pass the exam which is difficult for many second language learners. Tutors help build students’ oral comprehension skills on the 100 History and Civics exam questions and help improve students’ writing and reading skills that are needed for the citizenship interview. In the last four years, tutors have helped over 50 students pass the exam!

Our citizenship classes are offered on Saturdays from 10am-1pm at the William Hall Branch Library (1825 Broad Street, Cranston) and Wednesday nights from 4:30-7:30 at the Knight Memorial Library (275 Elmwood Avenue, Providence). All materials are provided and no previous experience is necessary. Little training is required and is provided. You are welcome to stop by one of our classes and meet other tutors and students. If you are unable to stay for the full 3 hours of class, you are welcome to help for part.

We are also in need of tutors for our ESL and children’s classes. Classes start the week of September 10 and we will know the specific classes that need tutor assistance later in September.

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please call Karisa Tashjian, Literacy Program Coordinator at 401-455-8185 or email at ktashjian@provlib.org. For more information: www.rifli.org.