Approximately 150,000 children are forced to work in the Indian carpet industry—the vast majority in the Uttar Pradesh region. Rugmark was established to systematically break the cycle of illegal child labor by rescuing children from the looms and implementing an ongoing loom inspection and certification program. After rescue, the children are enrolled in a Rugmark Centre to restore their childhood through a comprehensive education and rehabilitation program.
Rescue of child carpet weavers, counseling, education, vocational training, games and sports, health care, music and art, social and environmental education, leadership building, and integration into mainstream schooling.
By offering educational opportunities, vocational training, and a network of support to former carpet slaves, Rugmark is restoring childhood to a generation of young Indian boys and girls and providing their best chance at a bright future.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
Ford Foundation Report