RugMark USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending child labor in the Southern Asia regions where carpets are made, has unveiled Faces of Freedom, a photo exhibition in New York City. Running through Sept. 26 at the Odegard New York showroom, the exhibit showcases the faces of former child weavers alongside their stories.
The exhibition also aims to raise awareness of RugMark's certification process to ensure that no child labor was used in making a rug. “It's not small fingers that make the best carpets, it is experienced hands -- that’s what the RugMark label guarantees," said Stephanie Odegard, president and founder of Odegard Inc., RugMark USA’s longest standing member and host of the event.
The RugMark label ensures that a rug was made by adults and that a portion of each rug’s purchase price goes to educate former child laborers. RugMark operates 13 schools and rehabilitation centers in weaving communities in South Asia. More than 3,500 children currently attend school with RugMark's support.
Photographs in the exhibit were taken by U. Roberto Romano, an internationally acclaimed photographer and child labor activist for more than 20 years. The exhibit is available for viewing by appointment only. For more information, visit www.facesoffreedom.rugmark.org.
