The YMCA from its initiation in 1844, is widely known as an Association of people who have joined together, irrespective of religion, race and caste, for the development of the wholesome development of an individual. Its symbol, the Equilateral Triangle stands for the development of the body, mind and spirit, that is entire human person. Thus through its various programs such as sports, healthy recreation, seminars, conferences, etc., the YMCA caters to the needs of the people, particularly the young people.

The Bangladesh YMCA gives great importance to the development of the total community. It organizes development oriented programs for the poor and underprivileged people in the society.

Considering that the majority of people in Bangladesh live in villages, the YMCAs in Bangladesh gives a priority concern for rural development. Thus, even the YMCA that are located in urban areas have rural development programs.

Unemployment problem in the present are diversifying the moral values and social and family responsibilities of young people. The YMCAs for creation of self-employment or employed by others among the vagrant school dropout youth and women of both urban and rural areas are providing vocational training in various trades like Sewing, Carpentry, Agro-Mechanics, Electronics & Electrical. 

All these courses are designed for a period of six months to make the target youth skilled in the respective trade in order to create job opportunities for them and also  with a view that they could contribute to the national building program at large.

Every year a total of 400 youths are being provided the following training in 12 Vocational Training Centers located in the various local YMCAs in Bangladesh.

After completion these trade courses many of them have been working different  Tailoring shops, Garments Factories, , Engineering & Electrical Workshops and Furniture Marts for earning their livelihood and to help their family to lead a better life.

Many young people are unemployed after completion their studies from the Higher Schools, Colleges and Universities. The YMCAs are planning to provide need based Training like Computer Training with a view to create job opportunities for them. The generous support of the Norwegian YWCA YMCA made it possible for us to provide these  trainings for the deserving youths  in Bangladesh. Other Educational Programs in most YMCA Centers included Language Courses, Secretarial Science Courses, Typing Courses, etc.