Centre of Excellence for Rural Development
Empowering Communities. Building Resilience. Creating Lasting Change
CERD works with vulnerable and underserved communities across Pakistan to improve lives, expand opportunities, and build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future
The Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD) is a national non-profit organization working to improve the lives of vulnerable and underserved communities.
With experience across health and nutrition, education, protection, WASH, livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, GBV, women empowerment and community development, CERD works with communities, government institutions and development partners to deliver practical and sustainable solutions.
Our approach is rooted in community participation, accountability, inclusion and long-term resilience.
We are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984. We are proudly certified by the Pakistan Centre of Philanthropy (PCP) as a credible civil society organization (CSO).
What We Do
Turning Community Needs into Sustainable Solutions
Health & Nutrition
Improving access to essential health and nutrition services for vulnerable communities, with particular attention to women and children.
Climate Resilience
Helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from climate-related shocks and natural disasters
Protection & Inclusion
Promoting human rights, protection, women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and safe communities.
Interest Free Loan
Through interest-free and Shariah-compliant financial support, CERD helps eligible community members develop or strengthen income generating activities while promoting financial inclusion.
WASH & CS
Improving access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene and essential community infrastructure
Education & Skills
Expanding access to education, vocational training, digital skills, and opportunities for young people and women.
Our Impact at a Glance
Above $30M
Programme and Services delivery
20+ Years
of Humanitarian and Development Experience
Multiple Districts
Working in multiple districts across Pakistan
Impact Stories
Clean Water Brings Hope and Health to the Community of rugged mountains of Upper Kohistan
For years, women like Fatima, a mother of four, woke before dawn to walk an hour to the nearest spring. “Carrying heavy pots uphill was exhausting,” she shared through her husband “Our children often fell sick from dirty water.” With clean water now at their doorstep, women no longer endure backbreaking labor, children are healthier. The community’s gratitude towards PPAF and CERD is immense
From Slippery Slopes to Safe Passage: A Story of Dignity and Access
For over four decades, the inhabitants of Rahim Abad, a small hamlet perched on the steep slopes of Upper Kohistan, lived in a state of profound isolation. There was no proper road, no levelled path only a treacherous, jagged track of loose stones, boulders, and hardened mud. This was not merely an inconvenience; it was a daily battle for survival.
