The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has been creating jobs in Bangladesh since 1975, starting and operating small cottage industries in rural areas around the country.
Our objective is to create jobs for rural, poor, head-of-household women.
Our goal is that these enterprises will become strong enough to eventually be independent of MCC.
Some have already achieved independence, others are nearly ready, some have failed and we have closed them down, and still others are yet too young and fledgling for independence from MCC.

We also assist by exporting and marketing other non-MCC handicraft producer groups who have similar objectives as our own program, and are in need of technical and marketing assistance. There are about 700 people (about 95% are women) wh are involved in making varieties of handicrafts.
We strive to develop a uniqueness in our enterprise and in the products they produce. For example, the raw materials we use tend to have a unique quality, natural, environmentally friendly, recycled, etc.
Raw materials such as: waste jute from local carpet mills, to make handmade paper from water hyacinth a troublesome plant, spreading into the waterways of Bangladesh, to make rope and string for products ranging from earrings to furniture. The water hyacinth is also used in handmade paper and all colourful items coconut fibre a by-product from our desiccated coconut processing enterprise, to make mats, brushes and wall hanging, leaves from palm leaves from palm trees and keya plants for baskets, jewelry and decorative items.

MCC Principals: We work in a spirit of love and respect. The very poor are the main beneficiaries of our programs. We assist people to help themselves and encourage self-reliance. We help without regard for caste or creed. We intend that our efforts carry a strong message of hope and peace to the people of Bangladesh.