According to the International Labour Organization, 126 million children are currently engaged in 'the worst forms of child labour.' That's equivalent to one child in every ten worldwide. A significant number, 300,000, of these under-age children are employed in the hand-woven rug industries of India, Nepal and Pakistan.

Back-breaking work forces them to bend their young bodies over looms for hours on end, constantly breathing in tiny carpet fibres. Each day these children work, not only is their physical and mental health in jeopardy, but they have lost another precious day of childhood.

The RugMark Foundations in our exporting countries run three programmes:

• Licensing of exporters
• Monitoring and inspection of production areas
• Education and welfare

RugMark runs its own schools and rehabilitation centres, and partners with other organizations to support children's education. Other initiatives help create healthy, financially independent communities, providing health clinics, adult literacy and vocational training, and worker health and training seminars.

RugMark's educational programmes are designed so that children start with intensive literacy and numeracy training, preparing them for a formal education. Formal education programmes include language training, social studies, maths and science. Children also enjoy physical fitness and extracurricular pursuits in music and art.

RugMark schools encourage high academic standards, and every effort is made to help children continue their education through high school. Children over age 14 are encouraged to join vocational training programs supported by RugMark.

Once freed from the looms and given proper nutrition and support, children are capable of top academic and athletic achievements. In Nepal, for instance, 11 former child labourers are attending Little Angels - the top private school in the country (The children attend the school at reduced rates negotiated by RugMark Nepal).