By Nina Smith | Executive Director | Project Leader
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
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