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We Are Proud to be a Part of GlobalTies U.S.!
The World Affairs Council of Rhode Island is a Community Based Member (CBM) with GlobalTies U.S. of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
We introduce international leaders to the State of Rhode Island by organizing local programs with state agencies, businesses, educational institutions and other special focus groups. WACRI sees this an important part of our work in both global education as well as "Citizen Diplomacy."
World leaders, ranging from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Mexico's President Felipe Calderon developed close ties to the United States through their experience as Global Ties participants. The leaders who participate in international exchanges - and the communities that host them- benefit from greater knowledge, further understanding, and deeper relationships. These shared experiences result in stronger local communities and a more peaceful, prosperous world.
We had the honor of welcoming the International Visitor Leaders Program's distinguished delegation of Public Health leaders from 14 African nations. During their visit to Rhode Island, these Public Health leaders and experts had the opportunity to explore the various ways Rhode Island tackles issues of Public Health such as immunization and disease prevention.
While in Rhode Island, the delegation visited multiple Universities, a non-profit, as well as the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). At Brown University's Public Health program, ranked #3 nationally, they engaged with faculty and researchers specializing in immunization, pandemics, and epidemic response. At the University of Rhode Island, they participated in discussions on Dengue Fever with Dr. Alan Rothman, an infectious disease physician and research professor with the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. Beyond academic institutions, the delegation witnessed community health initiatives firsthand at the Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), gaining insight into how the organization delivers essential health services to over 40,000 Rhode Islanders. Their visit to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) included meetings with key leaders across all divisions, providing a thorough understanding of state-level health service implementation and policy initiatives.
This meaningful international collaboration represents a significant step toward global knowledge sharing in public health. By hosting these distinguished African leaders, Rhode Island has fostered valuable connections that will enhance public health practices across continents, benefiting both our communities and theirs.
Recently we welcomed the International Visitor Leaders Program's distinguished delegation of Education leaders from 13 different nations around the globe. During their visit to Rhode Island, these leaders were able to explore the various ways the Rhode Island Education system integrates different media and technology in the classroom. The delegation had the opportunity to visit the newly built East Providence High School, where they witnessed firsthand the innovative ways in which the school has adapted their educational curriculum to meet the demands of the digital age while seamlessly integrating interactive learning opportunities that engage students through cutting-edge technology and collaborative environments. The visit continued at Barrington Middle School, Rhode Island's top-performing school district, where delegation members engaged directly with Rhode Island educators to gain valuable insights into best practices that have established Barrington's reputation for educational excellence throughout the state. |
Following their school visits, the delegation met with esteemed faculty members from the University of Rhode Island's Feinstein College of Education and Brown University's Annenberg Institute, creating meaningful dialogue about educational innovation, research-based practices, and the future of teaching and learning in Rhode Island's academic landscape.
In addition to the above, the group also met with RI architect, Jay Litman and a member of his team. Jay is at the forefront of new school design and he and his team have worked on projects all over the world including the pioneering Garden City Elementary School in Cranston, RI. His designs incorporate the latest in pedagogic theory into the layout of the schools, making them places that students are excited to attend.
This meaningful international collaboration represents a significant step toward global knowledge sharing in education. By hosting these distinguished leaders, Rhode Island has created valuable connections that will enhance educational practices across continents, benefiting both our communities and those of our visitors.