This social expression of the Focolare is not merely the work of human hands, but of people united with Jesus in their midst. His presence gives meaning, strength, and direction to all their activities.
The Focolare Carpentry was a small act of love that grew into a social enterprise, transforming the lives of more than 300 underprivileged youth and now providing work to about 100 people.
This social expression of the Focolare brings together two initiatives: free vocational training for out‑of‑school youth through the Focolare Carpentry Training Center, and furniture manufacturing through St. Joseph the Carpenter Manufacturing, Inc. To simplify things, I will refer to both as Focolare Carpentry.
Its story began with Carlo Degasperi, an Italian focolarino who opened a small workshop to help two young men who could not afford schooling. There, he taught them carpentry and the values he lived as a focolarino. Strict yet deeply loving, Carlo fostered a spirit of craftsmanship that quickly drew clients. As demand grew, he welcomed more young men and expanded to larger spaces. Today, more than 323 young men have been trained.
In 1989, the Italian NGO Azione per un Mondo Unito (AMU) recognized the project’s impact and provided a grant that enabled a major leap forward. A modern facility was built on a 3,680 square meter property in Cainta (Rizal), owned by the Work of Mary.
The facility housed both the manufacturing operations and the training center, complete with classrooms, a dormitory, and kitchen and dining areas. Over time, the center earned government accreditation and now offers a TESDA‑certified apprenticeship program. We are currently working toward becoming an Enterprise‑Based Education and Training Center.
To remain faithful to our origins, we defined three core purposes:
1. To uplift out‑of‑school youth through skills training;
2. To support the Focolare Movement’s mission of universal brotherhood, guided by the Economy of Communion, and
3. To express love through our work, ensuring that the quality of our products and services reflects the spirit that inspired our beginnings.
We often ask whether this love reaches our customers. Many tell us it does.
Our impact may be small compared to the scale of the need, but we remain hopeful. We believe the Focolare Carpentry is not merely the work of human hands, but of people united with Jesus in their midst. His presence gives meaning, strength, and direction to everything we do.
As long as God allows, we will continue — serving through our craft, transforming lives through love, and making not only furniture, but building hope and community.
Gino Bulan
