Our Approach

Carpets for Communities is committed to improving the livelihoods of the poor in Poi Pet Commune, Cambodia. Through our program, we are:

Empowering women to support their families. We provide women of needy families with carpet-making supplies, equipment, and vocational training. They use their newly-acquired skills to hand-hook beautiful, export-quality rugs out of their homes. The carpets are bought back from the women at prices that guarantee living wages. Through this program, the women gain a sense of pride, not only from making high-quality products, but also from being able to support their families through their earned income.







Increasing levels of school enrolment and attendance. Carpets for Communities targets women with children who forego school to work to support their families. With the money they earn, the women can relieve their children from work and send them back to school. Our social workers help families with the transition and partner with school teachers to monitor the children's attendance. Securing educational opportunities for the children today translates to improved livelihoods in the future.





Reducing the number of children at risk of trafficking, exploitation and other dangers. By facilitating children's return to school, we reduce the number of children working and begging on the Thai border where they are vulnerable to human-trafficking, exploitation, and negative health effects due to missed meals and constant exposure to the sun.




Investing in the development of Poi Pet Commune. Proceeds from carpet sales are reinvested into the rural communities where Carpets for Communities participant families live. The women play an active role in deciding where funds are most needed.