R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-29-11
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum as it may deem necessary for the promotion of home and community classes in any city or town for instruction in the use of the English language, in the common rights and obligations of citizenship, and in the fundamental principles of the American plan of government. These classes may be established and maintained by the department of elementary and secondary education or by the school committee of any city or town, and may be held in the day or evening and, except as provided in this section, shall be open to any person over sixteen (16) years of age who cannot read, write, or speak the English language, and may be held in homes or in other suitable places approved by the school committee of the city or town or by the department of elementary and secondary education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-29-11