Established in 1954, St. Joseph’s School of Industrial Trades located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, provides free training in carpentry, machinery, welding and sheet metal work, repairing and rewinding of electrical appliances, and small engine mechanics for poor boys of religious denominations, especially for school dropouts of both rural and urban areas. The school also puts emphasis on character formation as well as on the value of education so that these young men will be able to contribute to the welfare of their families and to the development of the country.

Managed by the St. Joseph Province of Brothers in Bangladesh, the school serves students who are from historically underserved, underrepresented, and economically poor families. In addition, many students come from tribal communities–ethnic groups who are double minority–for being ethnic and Catholic.

St. Joseph’s School of Industrial Trades can accommodate 120 students on site in the hostel, with an additional 30 students coming to campus each day for instruction from a team of 42 staff members and 4 Holy Cross brothers.

Through the generous support from benefactors, the Holy Cross Mission Center was able to provide funding for necessary painting and repairs to the school building and for new machines with modern technology. These new machines will aid students in receiving the necessary training to be adequately prepared for prospective jobs upon the completion of their studies.