The social action arm of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh’s Agricultural Workshop and Training School (MAWTS) marked 50 years of technical education excellence with compassion and service for underprivileged youth.
MAWTS, a Trust of Caritas Bangladesh, celebrated its golden jubilee on its own campus at Pallabi in Mirpur, Dhaka, on November 24.
The occasion was not only a milestone for the institution but also a testament to the enduring impact of Catholic contributions to development in a predominantly Muslim nation.
Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka, representing the Bangladeshi bishops' conference, talked about the universality of the Catholic Church and expressed hope that MAWTS would continue its human service work with honor and dignity.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario commended MAWTS for providing formation on human fraternity, value education, and self-employment, particularly in foreign languages, for those seeking opportunities abroad. He highlighted the institute's remarkable track record, noting that about 90–95 percent of MAWTS students do not face unemployment issues due to their excellent training.
Founded in 1973 by the Catholic charity Caritas, MAWTS emerged in response to the post-war reconstruction efforts following Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971.
The country needed skilled technicians to maintain a fleet of trucks, power tillers, and irrigation equipment crucial for rebuilding. The original vision aimed to empower rural youth with maintenance skills, providing not only vital support for equipment but also offering marketable skills to the younger generation.
Over the years, MAWTS has evolved into a comprehensive technical education facility, emphasizing inclusivity by welcoming students from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The institute's primary goal is to offer innovative, quality products and services for both national and international markets, generating revenue to fund its development and provide scholarships to underprivileged young Bangladeshis.
Currently, MAWTS enrolls 1,000 students, with approximately 200 benefiting from various forms of tuition assistance.
The institute has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of nearly 48,000 students who completed short courses and provided three-year course and diploma opportunities for a significant number.
Sebastian Rozario, executive director of Caritas Bangladesh, praised MAWTS for its tireless efforts to uplift the social status of the poor and oppressed. He highlighted the institute's role in promoting non-formal and lifelong learning, transforming individuals into skilled human resources, and fostering self-reliance through skill training.
Rozario also noted MAWTS's imminent transition to a "green" economy, emphasizing its pioneering role in manufacturing and supplying eco-friendly products aligned with the needs of the times.
James Gomes, the director of MAWTS, expressed a commitment to ongoing societal contributions, with plans to expand course offerings in agricultural mechanization, engineering, and additional language instruction in Japanese and Korean.
As MAWTS enters its next phase, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh stands proud, recognizing the institute's incomparable contributions to nation-building over the past five decades.
To elevate technical education further, MAWTS introduced a 4-year Diploma-in-Engineering course in 2004, gaining approval from the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB). Currently, 1745 trainees have completed the diploma course and actively engage in their respective professions, with many pursuing higher education both at home and abroad.
Esteemed dignitaries and guests graced the grand celebration.
Dr. Atiur Rahman, Emeritus Professor at Dhaka University and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, declared the event open. The Guest of Honor was Archbishop Bejoy N.'D'Cruz, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka Archdiocese.
The distinguished gathering also included His Eminence Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, CSC, Emeritus Archbishop of Dhaka Archdiocese, Bishop James Romen Boiragi, President of Caritas Bangladesh and Bishop of Khulna Diocese, Md. Ali Akbar Khan, Chairman of Bangladesh Technical Education Board.
-Asian News
