The Wal-Mart Foundation recently gave a donation of $25,000 to the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI).
In addition, 16 students toured the Providence Wal-Mart store and participated in a roundtable discussion with Wal-Mart Store Manager Martin Elizardo. The students had an opportunity to utilize their language skills and learn about different job functions in the store by asking questions and talking to company associates.
“RIFLI helps adults develop the basic skills that all employers require of their employees,” said Chris Buchanan, Wal-Mart senior manager of public affairs. “We are proud to not only grant RIFLI a check for $25,000, but to offer our stores and workers as resources for people trying to improve their employment skills.”
“The investment that Wal-Mart has made in our program has allowed our adult immigrant students to develop the critical skills they need to find and keep a good-paying job,” said Karisa Tashjian, literacy program coordinator for RIFLI. “Many of our students have gone on to obtain employment or enter postsecondary or training programs.”
RIFLI has been designated in the top 15 of adult education programs in the state by the R.I. Department of Education. •
