• Search for:

    Welcome to the Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD)

    At the Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD), we are dedicated to transforming rural communities across Pakistan. As a registered non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 2017, we are committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering local populations.

    Our Credentials

    • Certified by the Pakistan Centre of Philanthropy: This recognition underscores our commitment to transparency and effective resource management.
    • Registered with the Economic Affairs Division (EAD): We adhere to government standards and collaborate closely with public sector initiatives.
    • Certified by the Charity Commission of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: This certification highlights our adherence to best practices in charity management and our dedication to community service.

    Our Impact CERD stands out as a leading non-governmental organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). With a diverse portfolio of projects and partnerships across multiple sectors, we aim to address the unique challenges rural communities face. Our initiatives also extend into select districts of Punjab and Sindh, amplifying our reach and impact.

    Our Approach We believe in a holistic approach to rural development, focusing on:

    • Empowerment: Engaging local communities in decision-making processes.
    • Sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly practices that ensure long-term benefits.
    • Collaboration: Partnering with stakeholders, including government bodies, local organizations, and international NGOs, to enhance our outreach and effectiveness.

    Join us in our mission to uplift rural communities and create sustainable futures for all. Explore our projects, learn about our initiatives, and discover how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference!

     

    CERD at a glance

    Our Experience

    At CERD, we bring extensive experience in implementing impactful development projects across various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Our work spans numerous regions, including:

    • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Hangu, Bannu, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, D.I. Khan, Karak, Laki Marwat, and all three districts of Kohistan.
    • Tribal Districts: North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, and Mohmand.
    • Frontier Regions: Various areas that require tailored development interventions.
    • Punjab: Mandi Bahauddin, Layyah, and Gujrat.
    • Sindh: Selected districts for targeted initiatives.
    • Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT): Engaging with communities to address urban-rural challenges.

    Our extensive field experience allows us to understand the unique socio-economic dynamics of each region. We leverage this knowledge to design and implement culturally sensitive and community-driven programs, ensuring sustainable development that meets local needs. Through our collaborations and partnerships, we continually adapt our strategies to maximize impact and foster resilience within these communities.

    Our Impact and Partnerships

    Since its inception, the Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD) has established itself as a key humanitarian partner for UN agencies and international organizations. We have successfully implemented a wide array of programs focused on:

    • Gender and Human Rights Protection
    • Community Services
    • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
    • Community Physical Infrastructure
    • Livelihood Development
    • Child Protection
    • Food Security
    • Health and Nutrition
    • Education
    • Disaster Management
    • Human Resource Development
    • Agriculture and Livestock Programs

    Our extensive efforts span across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the newly merged Tribal Districts, addressing the diverse needs of these communities.

    With over $29 million in financial delivery over the past decade, CERD is supported by a highly qualified and experienced team, operating through a network of offices in Islamabad and throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Tribal Districts. Our strong relationships with the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at both provincial and district levels enhance our effectiveness and ability to implement impactful initiatives.

    Collaborative Networks

    CERD is proud to be an active member of several influential networks and organizations, including:

    1. Human Resource Development Network (HRDN): Engaging in all activities and forums to promote capacity building and knowledge sharing.
    2. Pakistan Centre of Philanthropy (PCP): Collaborating on initiatives that enhance charitable practices.
    3. Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad: Partnering to drive research and policy development for sustainable growth.
    4. Trainers Network, Islamabad: Contributing to the development of training resources and methodologies.
    5. Humanitarian Clusters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tribal Districts (Ex-FATA): Coordinating with various stakeholders to enhance response strategies and resource allocation.

    Through these partnerships and our extensive experience, CERD continues to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable communities, fostering resilience and sustainable development across the regions we serve.

    COVID-19 Pandemic Response

    CERD, in an effort to effectively cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, took the following steps:

    • Rapid Need Assessment and food assistance to 4156 Families at district Swabi.
    • Designing Printing and dissemination of IEC material for awareness raising and prevention measures in current pandemic for Merged Districts.
    • Awareness and Prevention drives through CERD official Social Media Pages, Website and SMSs.
    • Psycho Social Support initiative for All over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including newly merges districts.
      • Hiring of an experienced Psychiatrist
      • Establishment of advisory Help line.

    Commitment to Ethical Standards and Protection

    At CERD, we recognize that humanitarian workers must uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct to ensure the safety and dignity of the communities we serve. Any instance of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by humanitarian aid workers fundamentally undermines the principles of humanitarian action and constitutes a serious protection failure within the aid community. Such violations not only inflict harm on those we are obligated to protect but also jeopardize the credibility and trustworthiness of all humanitarian agencies.

    In response to this critical issue, CERD has established a comprehensive SEA policy that sets forth minimum standards aimed at safeguarding beneficiaries and community members from sexual exploitation and abuse. This policy is designed to:

    • Establish Clear Expectations: Clearly outline the expected conduct of all CERD employees and related personnel.
    • Promote Accountability: Ensure that all staff are held accountable for their actions and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
    • Provide Training and Resources: Equip our team with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to incidents of SEA.
    • Create Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Offer safe and confidential channels for individuals to report any concerns or incidents without fear of retribution.

    Our SEA policy is fundamentally about protecting the integrity of our work and the individuals we serve. By prioritizing these standards, CERD reaffirms its commitment to ethical humanitarian practice and the well-being of vulnerable populations in all our programs and initiatives.