World Day Against Child Labor

As a licensed importer with Goodweave, a non-profit based in Washington, D.C. which is working to end child labor in the rug-making industry, I am very aware that children are still losing their childhoods to the rug loom.  Despite pronouncements by the Indian government that child labor no longer exists in the country’s hand-woven carpet sector, there are still innumerable shacks and village huts where children are coerced to work 16 or more hours a day weaving carpets for export to Europe and North America. These children are either paid a pittance for their efforts, or are exploited through outright bonded and forced labor. 

Goodweave is working to get these kids off the loom and back into school.  Each year, Concept Interiors Rugs donates a percentage of our profits to help their efforts.  By becoming aware of this issue and considering it in your purchase of rugs, you are helping children get an education and have hope for their future.

Today is World Day Against Child Labor....

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Sangita was in 3rd grade when she was forced to leave school because her family could no longer afford the tuition. When her family lacked the money for basic necessities like food, Sangita had no other option but to travel to Kathmandu and work in a carpet factory to send money home.  She was only 12 years old. After a few months of toiling at a carpet loom in a dark space, with little to no food, pay or rest, a GoodWeave inspector discovered Sangita and rescued her. Once at GoodWeave’s rehabilitation center, Hamro Ghar, Sangita was happy to continue the education she had abandoned years ago and live in a friendly environment with other children who escaped a similar plight. One year after being rescued, she was reunited with her family. Sangita is now 16 years old and in 9th grade at Nava Jyoti Secondary School in Makwanpur. GoodWeave continues to  sponsor Sangita’s tuition, school supplies and food.  She says, “It is only because of GoodWeave that I am here to talk about my life. Otherwise I would still be a child laborer in a carpet factory. I want to give many thanks to GoodWeave and its family for everything they have done for me. Thank you.”

Child working on a rug loom