Child labour is a fact of life in poor countries. Does GoodWeave believe in abolishing child labour by decree?
GoodWeave believes in abolishing child labour child by child, loom by loom factory by factory, employer by employer, exporter by exporter, importer by importer, retailer by retailer, and consumer by consumer. Restoring childhood to the children of the world is possible and we all can take action.

Don't child carpet weavers earn the same wages as adult weavers?
Child weavers often work as bonded labourers and never see a penny for their work. Those who are paid make far less than adult weavers, and even adult weavers make less in environments where child labour is used because child labour drives down wages.

Some child weavers work at home, side by side with other family members. Aren't they better off than child weavers in factories?
Sometimes children working at home are worse off. It's easier for inspectors to enforce fair labour standards in a factory setting than in the privacy of peoples' homes. Anything can be hidden behind closed doors. It is legal for children to work in the home, as long as they attend school full-time and are not working against their will.

Isn't carpet weaving less dangerous than working with machinery or chemicals as some children do?
The health of child carpet weavers is very poor. Many develop respiratory illnesses, spinal deformities, arthritis, and cuts and wounds from sharp tools. Many sleep on the floor next to the carpet looms and are fed only one meal a day. This leads to malnutrition and stunted mental and physical development.

If children are forced to leave carpet weaving, won't they turn to crime or prostitution?
We hope not and we ensure that rescued children have an opportunity to go to school. When they're old enough, children rehabilitated by GoodWeave have the opportunity to learn a trade if they’d like to.

In many countries, carpet weaving is an ancient and honoured craft. Why deny children this form of cultural and intellectual expression?
Children who weave carpets are usually given the most mundane, repetitious tasks because they're too young to execute complex designs. Children shouldn't be doing any type of work that is dull, difficult, or physically exhausting. Learning at home alongside parents is legal as long as children are going to school. GoodWeave supports this tradition.

Won't the weaver’s craft disappear if children don't learn it?
The weaver's craft will disappear if weavers aren't paid a living wage. When apprentices are physically and intellectually mature enough to do complex work and are financially rewarded, their creativity will flourish.