Rug designer and artist Madeline Weinrib was recently appointed International Ambassador for Project Mala, a non-profit organization committed to building schools and eliminating child labor in the carpet-weaving region of India. In support of the organization’s efforts, she has designed the Mala carpet and will be donating 100% of the sales to its cause.

“I’m thrilled and honored to serve as an Ambassador for Project Mala,” said Weinrib, who has supported the organization since the 1990s. “During my travels I have encountered a number of charities, but none that match the commitment, passion, or effectiveness of Project Mala. Visiting the Project Mala schools and watching them grow has been a truly humbling and powerful experience.”

Madeline Weinrib at Project Mala school

To date, Project Mala has built a total of 10 primary, middle and secondary schools and has enrolled over 7,500 children from 45 rural villages throughout the Uttar Pradesh region of India. Operating with a lean staff primarily composed of volunteers, Project Mala not only builds and operates the schools, but also provides students with two meals per day, healthcare services, school supplies, clothing and vocational training.

The Project Mala Carpet

For the Mala carpet, Weinrib wanted to create a piece that would lend itself to a variety of different interiors. “The simple palette and timeless styling of the Mala carpet make it a universally flattering and versatile design.” It’s hand woven in India by artisans, made from 100% New Zealand wool, and is inspired by vintage Moroccan carpets. Available on her website and at ABC Carpet and Home, it comes in three sizes: 6’ x 9’, priced at $1,600; 8’ x 10’ priced at $2,400 and 9’ x 12’ priced at $3,200.