Female weaver with children attending a RUGMARK Day Care Centre, Laxmi, Kathmandu Nepal

"Because of RugMark my children now have an education, and I wasn't able to give that to them."

My name is Laxmi and I am 28 years old. There are four people in my family including my two children.

I am from Ramechhap District, which is in the eastern region of Nepal. It is one of the most remote areas of the region and about 350 -400 km far to the east from Kathmandu. I came to Kathmandu seven years ago in order to get employment, and the factory where I work provides lodging for me and my family close by to where I work.

My day starts early, at 5am; I get myself and my children ready, as I have to start work at 6am. I work together with my husband weaving rugs until 8 pm for six days a week. The best part of my day is when work finishes and I can watch TV; the worst part is weaving the rugs!

I have two daughters, aged 8 and 6. The elder one goes to school under RugMark Nepal's sponsorship education programme and the younger one attends the RugMark Day Care Centre while I am working. The Day Care Centre is fully funded by RugMark Nepal, and they provide full sponsorship for my older daughter who is in Grade 1 - admission fees, tuition fees, books and stationery, dresses, and food allowance.

The only thing that I hope for is that my children go to a good school and have a bright future. I want to earn money, as without money you can't make any changes in life.

Because of RugMark my children now have an education, and I wasn't able to give that to them. I hope that RugMark continues to support my children for a long time to come and that they can provide education to all the children of rug workers.