July 17, 2015 – RI Future

July 17, 2015July 17, 2015

Whitehouse helps to overhaul federal education law with Every Child Achieves Act

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The United States Senate passed the Every Child Achieves Act Thursday, which eliminated many of the provisions set forth in former President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind law. While No Child Left Behind was criticized for pressuring educators to teach to a test, the Every Child Achieves Act encourages communities to improve schools by finding strategies that work for each student.

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse helped to craft portions of the law as a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

“As I listened to Rhode Islanders on this issue, I heard the same things over and over again: we need to protect federal funding for local districts, give more control to teachers and local officials to design education plans, and get rid of high-stakes testing that has harmed students and teachers by placing too much emphasis on test scores,” Whitehouse said in a press release.

Under the new law, yearly testing will remain for grades three through eight, and once during high school. But, funding and improvement strategies are no longer tied just to the outcomes of these tests. Now, a number of factors will be considered, such as graduation rates, the enrollment rates for Advanced Placement classes, incidents of bullying and violence, and teachers’ working conditions.

Whitehouse penned a number of provisions in the law concerning a range of topics, such as middle school success, after school programs, support for students suffering from addiction, grants for an American History and Civics program, and support for unique, high-ability leaners.

Whitehouse also helped to author language in the bill that requires states to properly assess the needs of students when they enter a juvenile justice facility. States must make sure that students have access to education opportunities while in these facilities, and that the credits they earned while in that setting will transfer to a regular school when they return.

“Overall, these policies are intended to ensure that troubled children who enter the juvenile justice system are given an opportunity to reform their behavior and get ahead, rather than being marginalized and falling further behind in their education,” the press release said.

Another large provision that Whitehouse wrote is designed to give schools a fast-track process for schools to obtain relief from regulations that can act at barriers to school-level innovations. These schools will be able to do a number of things, including extend the school day for struggling students, own their budgeting and accounting, and manage human resources. For a school to participate in this fast-track program, they must demonstrate support from administrators, parents, and at least two thirds of the teaching staff. These schools will also be allowed to form advisory boards to get the opinions of the business community, higher education, and community groups, and use those opinions to influence school planning. These “innovation schools” will remain part of their district, but also be used as locations for experimentation, and serve as a model for other schools in the district.

Whitehouse also partnered with Senator Jack Reed (D- RI) on a third provision, which authorizes funding to provide grants to educational agencies to give students better access to modern library materials, as well as arts-related education and outreach programs.

“Our core goal is to provide all of our kids with the best possible education, and I’m confident that the changes made by this bill will result in real improvements in our schools,” Whitehouse said.

July 17, 2015July 19, 2015

Pinwheels for Gaza

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Dexter Field in Providence was the site of an emotive, almost overpowering memorial to the 522 children who lost their lives in the senseless war between Israel and Gaza which began one year ago on July 7. One black pinwheel was created for all of the 521 Palestinian children and the one Israeli child who lost their lives. Each pinwheel was then labeled with the name of the child and planted in the grass near the corner of the park by Martha Yager of the American Friends Service Committee.

Passersby asked questions, explained the memorial to their children, or sat in quiet contemplation.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of the 4 young Palestinian cousins who were killed while playing soccer in front of a stunned international press corp.

“The story is no more horrific than any of the others,” said Yager in her release for the event, “but it put a human face on the random carnage of war.”

I wrote quite a bit about the local reaction to last year’s devastating war in Gaza. Interested readers might check out:

Emergency Solidarity Rally in support of Israel

Two communities, two rallies, one war

Rally in Providence stands with peace

As the ceasefire fizzles: A rally for peace in PVD

Forum: Understanding the Israel-Gaza Crisis

Video: Common ground found at Israel/Gaza forum

Solidarity, from Ferguson to Palestine

Here is a complete list of names and ages of all 522 children being remembered:

Ahmad Nae’l Mahdi, 16, Hussein Yousef Kawari’, 12, Basil Salem Kawari’, 9, Abdullah Mohammed Kawari’, 12, Qasim Jabr Odeh, 11, Seraj Iyad Abdel ‘Al, 8, Mohammed Ali Kawari’, 15, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Masri, 14, Aseel Ibrahim Al Masri, 15, Yasmin Mohammed Al Mutawaq, 3, Mohammed Mustafa Malaka, 2, Ameer Iyad Areef, 12, Mohammed Iyad Areef, 10, Nidal Khalaf Al Nawasra, 4, Mohammed Khalaf Al Nawasra, 2, Raneem Jawdat Abdel Ghafoor, 1, Sulaiman Saleem Al Astal, 17, Musa Mohammed Al Astal, 15, Meryam Atiyyeh Al ‘Arja, 9, Abdullah Ramadan Abu Ghazal, 4, Abdel Rahman Bassam Khattab, 6, Saad Mahmoud Al Haj, 17, Fatima Mahmoud Al Haj, 14, Ismail Hasan Abu Jame’, 17, Saher Salman Abu Namous, 2, Anas Yousef Qandeel, 17, Nour Marwan Al Najdi, 10, Safa Mustafa Malaka, 6, Anas Alaa’ Al Batsh, 7, Manar Majid Al Batsh, 13, Marwa Majid Al Batsh, 7, Amal Bahaa’ Al Batsh, 1.5, Qusai Issam Al Batsh, 12, Mohammed Issam Al Batsh, 17, Hossam Ibrahim An-Najjar, 15, Mu’ayyad Khalid Al A’raj, 2.5, Ziyad Maher An Najjar, 17, Sara Jehad Sheikh Al Eid, 4, Hamza Ra’ed Thary, 5, Ahed Attaf Bakr, 10, Zakariya ‘Ahed Bakr, 10, Mohammed Ramiz Bakr, 11, Ismail Mohammed Bakr, 10, Ibrahim Ramadan Abu Daqqa, 10, Yasmeen Mahmoud Al Astal, 5, Hosam Mahmoud Al Astal, 8, Afnan Wesam Shuheebar, 8, Jehad Issam Shuheebar, 11, Waseem Issam Shuheebar, 8, Mohammed Ibrahim Intaiz, 13, Mohammed Salem Intaiz, 13, Yamin Riyad Al Hamidi, 4, Rahaf Khalil Al Jbour, 4, Mohammed Ismail Abu Msallam, 15, Ahmad Ismail Abu Msallam, 11, Walaa’ Ismail Abu Msallam, 14, Mousa Abdel Rahman Abu Jarad, 8 months, Haniya Abdel Rahman Abu Jarad, 2, Sameeh Na’eem Abu Jarad, 1.5, Ahlam Mosa Abu Jarad, 17, Samar Na’eem Abu Jarad, 14, Qasim Hamed Ulwan, 4, Emad Hamed Ulwan, 7, Rezeq Ahmad Al Hayik, 1.5, Sara Mohammed Bostan, 10, Abdallah Jamal Al Smeeri, 17, Amjad Salim Shaath, 15, Faris Jom’a Al Tarabeen, 3 months, Omar Eed Al Mahmoum, 17, Seham Ahmad Zourob, 11, Mohammed Ziyad Al Rahl, 5, Mohammed Rafeeq Al Rahl, 17, Omar Jameel Hamouda, 10, Nagham Mahmoud Al Zweedi, 12, Ru’ya Mahmoud Al Zweedi, 6, Waseem Rida Salhiyeh, 15, Mohammed Bassam Al Sorri, 17, Mahmoud Anwar Abu Shabab, 16, Dina Omar Azeez, 5, Aya Bahjat Abu Sultan, 17, Khalil Usama Al Hayya, 5, Hamza Usama Al Hayya, 4, Amama Usama Al Hayya, 6, Marwa Suleiman Al Sirsawi, 12, Dina Adel Isleem, 3, Heba Hamed Al Shiekh Khalil, 14, Tala Ahmed Al I’tiwi, 10, Dina Rushdi Hamada, 16, Saji Hassan Al Hallaq, 4, Kenan Hasan Al Hallaq, 6, Mohammed Hani Al Hallaq, 2, Ibrahim Khalil Ammar, 13, Iman Khalil Ammar, 9, Asem Khalil Ammar, 4, Rahaf Akram Abu Jom’a, 4, Abdel Rahman Al Iskafi, 12, Marah Shakir Al Jammal, 10, Ahmed Sofyan Al Jammal, 9, Samia Ahmed Al Sheikh Khalil, 2, Shadi Ziyad Isleem, 16, Fadi Ziyad Isleem, 10, Ali Ziyad Isleem, 11, Mohammed Rami Ayyad, 3, Mohammed Ashraf Ayyad, 3, Najiyeh Jehad Al Helou, 15, Maram Ahmed Al Helou, 2, Kareem Ahmed Al Helou, 5 months, Karam Ahmed Al Helou, 5 months, Nirmeen Majid Daher, 10, Othman Raed Al Jammal, 11, Ghada Subhi Ayyad, 13, Azmi Khalid Badwan, 16, Sha’ban Jamil Ziyada, 12, Mohammed Ayman Al Sha’ir, 6, Heba Akram Al Sha’ir, 7, Razan Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 14, Jawdat Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 13, Aya Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 12, Haifaa’ Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 9, Tawfeeq Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 4, Ahmed Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 8, Nour Eddin Tawfeeq Abu Jame’, 4, Ayyoub Tayseer Abu Jame’, 10, Nujoud Tayseer Abu Jame’, 6 months, Fatima Tayseer Abu Jame’, 8, Rayan Tayseer Abu Jame’, 2, Rinad Tayseer Abu Jame’, 1.5, Batoul Bassam Abu Jame’, 4, Suheila Bassam Abu Jame’, 2, Bisan Bassam Abu Jame’, 1, Sajed Yasser Abu Jame’, 7, Seraj Yasser Abu Jame’, 4, Sarraa’ Yasser Abu Jame’, 3, Hosam Hosam Abu Qeenas, 7, Anas Mahmoud Mu’ammar, 17, Abdallah Yousef Daraji – Al Moghrabi, 2, Mohammed Rajaa’ Handam, 15, Yasmin Nayif Al Yazji, 4, Hatem Nayif Al Yazji, 3, Arwa Yasser Al Qassas, 4, Samar Yasser Al Qassas, 3, Israa’ Yasser Al Qassas, 7, Yasmeen Yasser Al Qassas, 10, Nesma Iyad Al Qassas, 10, Lamya Iyad Al Qassas, 13, Yasin Ibrahim Al Kilani, 9, Yasser Ibrahim Al Kilani, 7, Sawsan Ibrahim Al Kilani, 11, Reem Ibrahim Al Kilani, 12, Ilyas Ibrahim Al Kilani, 4, Dana Mohammed Daher, 1, Abdallah Abu Hjayyir, 16, Alaa’ Abdel Majeed Abu Dahrouj, 17, Othman Salim Bree’im, 17, Fadi Azmi Bree’im, 17, Abedl Rahman Awad Al Qarra, 17, Ghaidaa’ Nabil Siyam, 7, Mustafa Nabil Siyam, 9, Abdel Rahman Nabil Siyam, 6, Dalal Nabil Siyam, 9 months, Ahmed Ayman Siyam, 15, Ameen Ayman Siyam, 17, Iyad Mohamemd Sabbah, 17, Fatima Ahmad Al Arja, 16, Mona Rami Ikhriwat, 1.5, Shahd Mu’een Qishta, 9, Mohammed Ahmad Al Baddi, 3 months, Mahmoud Ahmad Al Qassas, 10, Abdel Nasser Sa’di Meslih, 17, Nour Ra’ed Abu Hwishil, 6, Obaida Fadel Abu Hwishil, 9, Ibtihal Ibrahim Al Rmahi, 3, Iman Ibrahim Al Rmahi, 15, Wesam Alaa’ Al Najjar, 17, Mu’een Mohammed Siyam, 5, Khalaf Atiyeh Abu Snaimeh, 16, Rabee’ Qasim Abu Ras, 9, Salma Rajab Al Radee’, 6, Ayman Adham ElHaj Ahmad, 16, Hazem Na’eem Aqil, 15, Rawan Ayman Sweedan, 7, Jana Rami Al Maqat’a, 3, Mohammed Mansour Al Bashiti, 7, Zeinab Safwat Abu Teer, 4, Mohammed Akram Abu Shaqra, 17, Mohammed Na’eem Abu T’eema, 12, Adham Ahmad Abu Eeta, 4, Hadi Abdel Hameed Rab El-Nabi, 3, Abdel Rahman Mahmoud Rab El-Nabi, 1, Mohammed Jehad Matar, 12, Amna Jehad Matar, 11, Do’aa Ra’ed Abu Odeh, 17, Meryam Shayboub Al Shinbari, 11, Abed-Rabbo Shayboub Al Shinbari, 16, Ali Shayboub Al Shinbari, 9, Abed-Rabbo Jamal Al Shinbari, 17, Soha Abed-Rabbo Meslih, 2, Mohammed Akram Al Kafarneh, 15, Mahmoud Ismail Al Astal, 17, Nada Tha’ir Al Astal, 5, Ameen Tha’ir Al Astal, 4, Anas Hatim Qdeeh, 7, Mahmoud Sulaiman Al Astal, 17, Ahmad Mohammed Al Najjar, 17, Mahmoud Jehad Abdeen, 12, Nabil Mahmoud Al Astal, 13, Ameer Adel Siyam, 12, Mohammed Ahmad Siyam, 7, Ibrahim Abdel Rahman Al Sama’neh, 17, Waleed Sa’ad Al Harazeen, 8, Abdel Kareem Anwar Al Darazeen, 5, Mohammed Anwar Al Darazeen, 3, Nour Mohammed Abu Dbagh, 12, Ahmad Ramzi Abu Qadous, 13, Walaa’ Mohammed Al Qabid, 15, Ahmed Mohammed Al Qabid, 11, Ahmed Waleed Sammour, 9, Hadi Salah Abu Hasanein, 12, Abdel Azeez Salah Abu Hasanein, 14, Do’aa Sami Sa’ada, 11, Anwar Abdel Qader Younis, 2, Ameer Hamoudeh Abu Shahla, 2, Islam Hamoudeh Abu Shahla, 3, Ameera Hamoudeh Abu Shahla, 1, Samir Hussein Al Najjar, 1.5, Mutaz Hussein Al Najjar, 6, Ghaliya Mohammed Al Najjar, 1.5, Bara’a Salah Al Riqib, 11, Rawan Khalid Al Najjar, 17, Ahmad Khalid Al Najjar, 14, Hadi Suleiman Al Najjar, 7, Yousef Jamil Hamouda, 15, Fadi Salim Baraka, 14, Sameeh Jibreel Jneed, 5, Yousef Emad Qadoura, 11, Hind Emad Qadoura, 10, Mohammed Mousa Olwan, 9, Yousef Abdel Rahman Hassouna, 11, Mahmoud Hazim Shbeer, 12, Ahmed Hazim Shbeer, 10, Jamal Salih I’lyan, 8, Bara’ Akram Meqdad, 7, Mohammed Nahidh Meqdad, 13, Ahmed Jaber Washah, 10, Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Shaqfeh, 7, Mohammed Emad Baroud, 10, Mansour Rami Hajjaj, 9, Abdel Samad Mahmoud Ramadan, 16, Hanan Salem Al Far, 15, Ali Hasan Al Howari, 11, Rami Khalid Al Riqib, 16, Hussein Yasser Abu Saqer, 16, Dalia Nader Al Agha, 17, Dina Nader Al Agha, 14, Iyad Nader Al Agha, 17, Fadel Nader Al Agha, 11, Tamer Ahmed Al Najjar, 16, Israa’ Naeem Balata, 13, Alaa’ Naeem Balata, 14, Yehia Na’eem Balata, 8, Hadeel Adbel Kareem Balata, 17, Mohammed Abdel Nasser Al Ghandour, 15, Jood Yousif Abu Eedeh, 8 months, Halima Mohammed Suleiman, 1.5, Baraa’ Mohammed Suleiman, 6, Haneen Hosam Hamouda, 13, Rahaf Alaa’ Abed-Rabbo, 2, Jamal Mohammed Abed-Rabbo, 1.5, Ali Ahmed Shaheen, 16, Aya Ismail Al Batsh, 12, Mohammed Taleb Asaaf, 8, Osama Ahmed Al Helu, 5, Rahaf Mohammed Farahat, 1 month, Nada Izzo Al Ja’al, 2, Mohammed Raed Abu Jabr, 3, Sama Raed Abu Jabr, 1.5, Toqa Salah Abu Jabr, 1, Leen Anwar Abu Jabr, 2.5, Salma Anwar Abu Jabr, 1.5, Hala Ahmed Abu Jabr, 6, Reeham Taysir Abu Mashi, 14, Sara Ahmed Abdel Ghafour, 1, Samaa’ Mohammed Al Najjar, 15, Mohammed Atta Al Najjar, 1, Rafeef Atta Al Najjar, 3, Mona Jehad Al Najjar, 1, Omar Waddah Abu ‘Amer, 12, Abdel Ghani Waddah Abu ‘Amer, 11, Emad Waddah Abu ‘Amer, 10, Issa Waddah Abu ‘Amer, 8, Ez Eddin Waddah Abu ‘Amer, 4, Mohammed Ahmed Abu ‘Amer, 12, Marah Ahmed Abu ‘Amer, 10, Yasser Ahmed Abu ‘Amer, 9, Marwa Ahmed Abu ‘Amer, 5, Suleiman Ahmed Abu ‘Amer, 2, Mohammed Jamil Al Najjar, 12, Layali Wael Al Najjar, 2, Jana Fayiz Breeka, 3, Lama Fayiz Breeka, 1, Osama Fayiz Breeka, 16, ‘Hala Ahmed Mu’ammar, 2, Yazan Ahmed Mu’ammar, 3, Aya Sami Al Ramlawi, 9, Mos’ab Ahmed Islaih, 17, Mohammed Mustafa Abu Hammad, 14, Mohannad Ashraf Al Qarra, 17, Zaher Mahmoud Al Najjar, 7, Abdallah Nidal Abu Zaid, 4, Shama Wael Abu Zaid, 16, Bisan Iyad Abu Zaid, 12, Mohammed Omar Dheer, 10, Maria Omar Dheer, 12, Tasneem Mohamed Dheer, 8, Mu’min Omar Dheer, 9, Ghaidaa’ Omar Dheer, 7, Salama Mahmoud Dheer, 12, Mohammed Mahmoud Dheer, 7, Arwa Mahmoud Dheer, 16, Yamin Omar Dheer, 5, Ibrahim Ahmed Al Hashash, 15, Bilal Ahmed Al Hashash, 16, Alaa’ Bahaa’ Al Ghareeb, 16, Alaa’ Ramadan Khader Salman, 17, Osama Mohammed Sihweel, 17, Sujoid Abdel Hakim Olwan, 11, Lama Ahmed Al Khalili, 5, Deema Ashraf Al Khalili, 4, Ziyad Ashraf Al Khalili, 3, Leena Alaa’ Al Silik, 9, Omniya Mohammed Al Silik, 8, Malak Jalal Al Silik, 7, Abdel Azeez Mohammed Al Silik, 3, Abdel Haleem Mohammed Al Silik, 5, Abed Wael Al Shamali, 16, Shaimaa’ Ibrahim Al Sheikh Ali, 1 week, Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Khousa, 1, Shahd Ibrahim Abu Khousa, 10, Yazan Emad Abu Khousa, 3, Retal Basheer Abu Khousa, 1, Mohammed Mohammed Abu Shamala, 9, Ibrahim Mu’tasim Kalloub, 4, Mohammed Akram Al Smiri, 14, Ibrahim Akram Al Smiri, 10, Asmaa’ Abdel Haleem Abu Al Kas, 15, Mayar Jamal Abu Msabeh, 10, Salah Mousa Hejazi, 8, Layan Nael Al Silik, 3, Ola Jalal Al Silik, 15, Nour Ezz Al Ja’al, 5, Hosam Ra’fat N’eem, 16, Mahmoud Ashraf Al Khalili, 7, Hadeel Amer Al Bayoumi, 14, Aseel Amer Al Bayoumi, 16, Hasan Mohammed Al Bayoumi, 14, Rinad Ashraf Al Assar, 1.5, Lama Ra’fat Al Assar, 7, Malak Shakir Abu Shouqa, 2, Mohammed Ammar Shalat, 10, Faris Mohammed Siyam, 11, Othman Fawzi Abdeen, 17, Ahmed Saleem Abdeen, 17, Sama Nael Al Birrawi, 10 months, Fayiz Tareq Yaseen, 16, Mohammed Ahmed Al Neirab, 14, Mu’men Ahmed Al Neirab, 8, Mahmoud Ahmed Al Neirab, 10, Lujayn Basim Al Farra, 4, Abdel Rahman Basim Al Farra, 8, Nadeen Mahmoud Al Farra, 16, Mohammed Mahmoud Al Farra, 12, Yara Mahmoud Al Farra, 8, Maysoun Ra’fat Al Breem, 7, Haytham Ahmed Al Smeeri, 12, Raneen Ali Al Qarra, 15, Fadi Nasser Al Qawasmeh, 17, Omar Shakir Barbakh, 15, Mu’tasim Mohammed Al Najjar, 12, Nagham Shareef Al Namla, 10, Jehad Suleiman Abu Omran, 12, Khalil Ibrahim Sheikh El Eid, 4, Aya Ibrahim Sheikh El Eid, 5, Abdel Kareem Ibrahim Sheikh El Eid, 2, Hala Bassm Madi, 3, Jana Bassm Madi, 2, Yousef Ahmed Madi, 3, Ibrahim Anwar Al Sha’er, 16, Emad Ahmed Ahmed, 17, Yehia Salim Al Tarabin – Al Mahmoum, 13, Do’aa Mustafa Al Mahmoum, 4, Bisan Mustafa Al Mahmoum, 12, Heba Mustafa Al Mahmoum, 9, Obada Mustafa Al Mahmoum, 2, Asmaa’ Salim Al Tarabin – Al Mahmoum, 16, Ibrahim Suleiman Al Masri, 5, Khalid Suleiman Al Masri, 4, Mohammed Ahmed Abu Sha’ar, 17, Anas Ibrahim Hammad, 4, Mohammed Anas Arafat, 5 months, Ameer Ra’fat Zorob, 15, Odai Ra’fat Zorob, 13, Shahd Ra’fat Zorob, 10, Khalid Ra’fat Zorob, 8, Ahmed Mustafa Zorob, 15, Mohammed Musrafa Zorob, 12, Waleed Mustafa Zorob, 6, Mu’tasim Musrafa Zorob, 2, Rawan Nash’at Siyam, 8, Rami Nash’at Siyam, 15, Ameen Yousef Abu Madi, 8, Yousef Shadi abu Madi, 7, ‘Hala Shadi Abu Madi, 10 days, Aseel Sofyan Ghaith, 3, Nour Mohammed Abu ‘Assi, 1 month, Haitham Yasser Abedl Wahab, 15, Ayman Yasser Abedl Wahab, 13, Lama Yasser Abedl Wahab, 9, Mohammed Yasser Abedl Wahab, 2, Ibrahim Fathi Eeeta, 13, Ahmed Fathi Eeeta, 7, Mohammed Fathi Eeeta, 5, Ibtisam Bassam Al Neirab, 12, Doha Bassam Al Neirab, 15, Ola Bassam Al Neirab, 3, Mohammed Omar Salih, 17, Rana Raed Abu Suleiman, 10, Ahmed Rami Abu Suleiman, 2, Lama Rami Abu Suleiman, 3, Mohammed Rami Abu Suleiman, 11, Jana Rami Abu Suleiman, 3, Emad Naseem Saidam, 17, Mohammed Nidal Abu Mehsin -Al Nims, 17, Yousef Mahmoud Abu Taha, 16, Riziq Ismail Abu Taha, 1, Somoud Ahmed Al Roumi, 5, Ameen Ahmed Al Roumi, 15, Mohammed Shu’aib Al Bahabsa, 17, Rajab Abdel Rahman Al Shrafi, 9, Abdallah Abdel Hadi Al Majdalawi, 13, Rawan Ahmed Al Majdalawi, 9, Mahmoud Ahmed Al Majdalawi, 8, Ahmed Mohammed Abu Nijm-Al Masri, 17, Raghad Mohammed Nijm-Al Masri, 3, Shaimaa’ Wael Qasim, 14, Remas Salem Khattab, 5, Tareq Eid Abu Mashi, 12, Dalia Atwa Khattab, 13, Ismail Wael Al Ghoul, 14, Mustafa Wael Al Ghoul, 1 month, Malak Wael Al Ghoul, 6, Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Okal – Hejazi, 9, Mohammed As’ad ‘Okal – Hejazi, 10, Aya Mohammed Abu Rijl, 3, Monthir Mohammed Abu Rijl, 6, Saqr Bassam Al Kashif, 7, Tareq Ziyad Abu Khatleh, 15, Amr Tareq Abu Al Roos, 15, Ahmed Khalid Abu Harba, 14, Yousef Akram Al Iskafi, 16, Ismail Sameer Shallouf, 17, Muneer Khalil Abu Dbaa’, 14, Maria Mohammed Abu Jazar, 2, Firas Mohammed Abu Jazar, 2, Nour Bahjat Wahdan, 2, Ghena Younis Saqr, 2, Ahmed Hatim Wahdan, 13, Hussein Hatim Wahdan, 9, Aseel Mohammed Al Bakri, 4, Asmaa’ Mohammed Al Bakri, 4 months, Mohammed Amjad Uwaida, 13, Amal Amjad Uwaida, 5, Hammam Mohammed Abu Suheeban, 11, Kamal Ahmed Al Bakri, 4, Khalid Ziyad Al Hindi, 15, Osama Hussein Lafi, 11, Ibrahim Ahmed Al Najjar, 16, Ibrahim Zuheer Dawawsa, 10, Bilal Bassam Mish’al, 15, Mahmoud Maher Hassan, 14, Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Haddaf, 8, Mahmoud Khalid Abu Haddaf, 15, Aya Anwar Al Sha’er, 13, Ez Eddin Saleem Abu Sneima, 12, Ahmed Mohammed Al Masri, 14, Maidaa’ Mohammed Aslan, 1.5 month, Ali Mohammed Daif, 7 months, Mustafa Rabah Al Dalu, 14, Sara Mohammed Daif, 2, Nour Mahmoud Abu Haseera, 2, Maysara Ra’fat Al Louh, 10, Farah Ra’fat Al Louh, 7, Mustafa Ra’fat Al Louh, 6, Saher Mohammed Al ‘Abeet, 11, Mohammed Emad Al ‘Abeet, 15, Iman Younis Al Louh, 17, Hassan Srour Tamboura, 13, Abdallah Tareq Al Reefi, 6, Ziyad Tareq Al Reefi, 13, Omar Nasser Al Reefi, 4, Raed Ahmed Khdair, 5, Mohammed Hamdi Salim – Abu Nahl, 17, Mahmoud Tal’at Abu Shreetih, 13, Ahmed Nasser Kellab, 17, Yousef Nasser Kellab, 15, Abdallah Nasser Kellab, 9, Seba Rami Younis, 4, Abdallah Shehda Abu Dahrouj, 3, Abdel Hadi Shehda Abu Dahrouj, 2, Badr-Eddin Hashim Abu Mnee’, 17, Mohammed Wael Al Khodari, 16, Zeinab Bilal Abu Taqiya, 1, Hussein Khalid Ahmed, 8, Tasneem Issam Joudeh, 14, Raghad Issam Joudeh, 12, Mohammed Issam Joudeh, 8, Osama Issam Joudeh, 6, Ahmed Radad Tanboura, 15, Amna Radad Tanboura, 13, Lama Khader Al Nabeeh, 4, Omar Hosam Al Breem, 16, Mohammed Hosam Al Breem, 13, Daniel Tragerman, 4

July 17, 2015

A lesson in the use of Narcan

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Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Rhode island, far outstripping auto accidents. To help alleviate this plague Jonathan Goyer trained AIDS Project RI staff on the use of Narcan, which is used to reverse the overdose effects of heroin and opioids.

Goyer is the executive director of Project Weber, a non-profit that works with male sex workers on health issues. He has used opioids himself, and overdosed in 2013. Narcan saved his life. Since then Goyer “has experienced long-term sobriety,” and works as a recovery specialist.

In the videos below Goyer describes the symptoms of opioid overdose, tells the story of his own battles with addiction, and describes how to administer Narcan to save a life.

If you encounter someone experiencing an overdose, said Goyer, “First, call 911.”

Narcan is available at any pharmacy. Most insurance plans cover Narcan with a low co-pay. Narcan is not a controlled substance, and has no effect on anyone not overdosing. Narcan is available as a third-party prescription, because no one ever administers Narcan to themselves. Narcan is for helping non-responsive people in the throes of an overdose.

If you have family or friends who are at risk, or work regularly with people who are at risk for heroin overdose, consider getting trained in the use of Narcan.

July 17, 2015

RI Latinas graduate from civic leadership program

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The Latina Leadership Institute (LLI), a program designed to engage Rhode Island Latinas in their communities, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2015 at the State House on Thursday evening. Offered by the Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund (RILCF), the goal of the program is to create and inspire Latinas to take leadership positions within the state. There were seven graduates honored at the ceremony.

The program required the seven women to attend weekly Saturday learning seminars, as well as submit a research project and work together on a group fundraiser. Over the course of their time with LLI, they were also given the chance to network with other prominent Rhode Island Latinas, including Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, who gave the keynote address at the ceremony. Gorbea is the first Latina to hold an elected state office in New England, and one of the founders of the RILCF.

“The LLI is a wonderful example of what happens when people start things,” Gorbea said. “When I created the Civic Fund, this was the last thing on my mind that would come out of it. But how wonderful it is.”

Gorbea said the women who become alumni of the institute show commitment to a new beginning, and signal a bright future for the state. She added that those who graduate must never give up on trying to make a positive change in their communities, even though being a Latina in a position of power can seem daunting at times. Although the opportunities for them to make a change might not always seem significant, Gorbea encouraged them to push through.

“When people talk about seizing opportunities, its not those big ones, its those little tiny steps that get us somewhere else,” she said.

Gorbea said that she is lucky to hold the office of Secretary of State, because she believes she can directly transform how people participate in the democratic process. She told the graduates to embrace their ability to transform government as well, saying that by working to rebuild, strengthen, and expand their communities, they can change Rhode Island for the better.

“That’s why civic leadership is so incredibly important,” she said. “It involves bringing people together in new ways.”

Governor Gina Raimondo addressed the graduates as well, saying that they, as women, have an obligation to get involved in their communities and within the state. She said that better decisions are made when everyone has a voice in the discussion, and that includes Latinas.

“We know you have a commitment to be engaged, and I never want you to questions yourselves,” she said. “I want you to be confident, constantly develop yourselves, and never ask yourselves “Should I be here,” or “Should I be doing this,” because you have to.”

Raimondo also spoke on the power that women in the State House currently have. Thursday afternoon, she signed a bill that required businesses to make accommodations for pregnant women. She also announced that, as the first female governor, she has opened a lactation room in the State House for women who need it.

Two members of the class were given the chance to give their own speeches at the ceremony as well. Andrea James-Gomez remarked in her speech that LLI has given herself and her classmates the tools to move forward in their respective careers through both their group and solo projects.

“Not only did we research, but we had the opportunity to become passionate about the things that are important to us,” she said.

James-Gomez also said that the program did not just give the class the chance to develop themselves as career women, though. They also formed a sisterhood, helping each other to grow as people as they apply what they learned because of the institute. Olga Encarnacion, another member of the class, agreed.

“We empower each other as Latinas. That alone is an important lesson,” she said. “This is just the beginning, and this is not the last time you will see us.

Along with James-Gomez and Encarnacion, the other five graduates were Ivonne Cam, Michelle Carrasco, Miguelina Perez, Yajaira Reyes, and Jahaira Rodriguez. A special LLI Alumni Award was also given to Sabrina Matos, the first Latina member of the Providence City Council. The Rhode Island Welcome Back Center also received a Community Partner Award for its assistance to the LLI and the RILCF.

July 17, 2015

RI reporters think legislature is more corrupt than executive branch

Rhode Island journalists think the legislative branch is more corrupt than the executive branch, according to a new survey by the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard Law School.

Responding local reporters said corruption, both the illegal and legal kind, is only “slightly common” in the Ocean State executive branch of government compared to both kinds of corruption being “very common” in the legislative branch.

The study made note of this discrepancy in Rhode Island and New York. “Among the states in which legislative branches score 4, New York and Rhode Island are particularly interesting since illegal corruption is perceived to be only “slightly common” in the executive branches in these two states,” it said.

Respondents were asked to rank state-level corruption as either 1) Not at all common; 2) Slightly common; 3) Moderately common; 4) Very common; or 5) Extremely common. Author of the analysis, Oguzhan Dincer, an economics professor from Illinois State University, wouldn’t say how many Rhode Island reporters participated but he did say RI was not one of the state’s for which they had difficulty getting responses.

The study looked at both illegal and legal corruption. “We define illegal corruption as the private gains in the form of cash or gifts by a government official, in exchange for providing specific benefits to private individuals or groups. It is the form of corruption that attracts a great deal of public attention,” says the paper. “A second form of corruption, however, is becoming more and more common in the U.S.: legal corruption. We define legal corruption as the political gains in the form of campaign contributions or endorsements by a government official, in exchange for providing specific benefits to private individuals or groups, be it by explicit or implicit understanding.”

Rhode Island was one of 10 states which ranked illegal corruption in the legislative branch as being “very common” and no state did worse than RI in this category. But a full 11 states ranked worse than Rhode Island when measuring legal corruption.

You can read the whole paper here.