Rescue and educate "carpet kids" in South Asia

Dear GlobalGivers,

By now, you probably know how our organization rescues children from slave-like conditions and transitions them from carpet loom to classroom.  But you may not know about what happens after that. What becomes of these “carpet kids” when they grow up?

From the early stages to young adulthood, GoodWeave cares for the most vulnerable children in weaving communities, in many instances for years. I want to give you one touching and powerful example—about a beneficiary that I recently reunited with on a trip to Nepal.

We first met Akkas back in 2007.  He was just 12 years-old and our inspectors found him in the middle of one of his shifts that lasted from 3a.m. to 8p.m. He was small for his age and lamented how he had to “drop his dream” of going to school after his parents sold him to a debt broker for the equivalent of $7.

When I recently visited Kathmandu, I paid a visit to the Lab School, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country. There, I saw Akkas, so much bigger and stronger than before but with his recognizable smile and charm.  

Thanks to GoodWeave’s intervention of rehabilitation and education, Akkas is a healthy and athletic 16 year-old, who recently won numerous gold medals in track and field, including in the 100-meter dash and the long jump. Most importantly, he is living his dream of learning.

On behalf of Akkas, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Your support literally transforms lives.

With gratitude,
Nina Smith

Links:

• Learn more about Akkas and other rescued children.

Dear GlobalGivers,

This winter, we told you about a wonderful annual tradition in our Nepali rescue center. Almost none of the children we care for have ever had a birthday party, and many can't even tell you their birth date. So on the first day of every new year, we host an "(un)Common Birthday" celebration.

The residents of Hamro Ghar ("our home") are unlike most children. They have been treated as commodities for much of their young lives, put to work weaving rugs in dimly-lit and dusty loom sheds. But on January 1st, we made sure they felt like every other kid.

The images of their smiling faces speak for themselves. They danced, enjoyed a festive meal with cake, opened gifts, and received birthday cards from GoodWeave supporters around the world. When you see the photos here, or the full album on our Facebook page, please know that you are part of the reason they are smiling.

In March, GoodWeave's life-changing work was featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy in an article (attached) entitled "A Charity Braves a Shadowy Industry to Rescue Children." In it, they tell the story of 11 year-old Manju who was the first child rescued by GoodWeave in 2012. While her hands still bear the scars of her hazardous work, she has a contagious joy about her and our social workers report that she is one of the brightest students.

Thank you for helping us create new beginnings for Manju and all our beneficiaries, on January 1st and everyday.   

With gratitude,

Rebecca

Links:

• "A First Birthday Party" photo album