Building Research Partnerships
for Community Impact
Community Education & Research Trust (CERT) is a New Zealand charitable trust dedicated to advancing education, research, and community wellbeing through collaborative, community-focused initiatives.
About Community Education & Research Trust
Community Education & Research Trust (CERT) is a registered New Zealand charitable trust focused on education, research, and community wellbeing through collaborative and community-focused initiatives.
CERT identifies real community needs through rigorous research, then turns those insights into practical programmes that advance knowledge, capability, and wellbeing across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Registered NZ Charitable Trust ยท Charity No. CC64550Public-benefit work, grounded in evidence and delivered with communities โ not just for them.
Our Purpose
Four commitments guide everything we do for the communities we serve.
Identify Needs Through Research
Evidence-based understanding of what communities truly require.
Deliver Practical Solutions
Turning insights into tangible programmes and initiatives.
Advance Education & Capability
Building knowledge and skills that last a lifetime across our communities.
Empower Communities
Giving people the tools and confidence to shape their own futures.
CERT Board of Trustees
Hirosha Liyanage
Chair Person
Dr. Asanka Nilakshi Dissanayake
Trustee
Dr. Duy Hoang
Trustee
Dr. Lakshan Attanayake
Trustee
Jitesh Khosla
Treasurer
Piyumdee Dihansa
SecretaryOur Team
Dr. Ranjith Dickwella
CEO / Head of Research
Madusha Hansini
Head of Education / HRVolunteer Roles
Volunteers are the backbone of our community impact โ bring your skills to a role that fits you.
Research & Projects
Lead investigations, analyse data, and contribute to evidence-based programmes.
Admin & Finance
Support day-to-day operations, bookkeeping, and organisational planning.
Marketing & IT
Support CERT's digital presence through IT support, social media, and communications.
Training & Community
Deliver workshops, training sessions, and outreach initiatives.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Building Stronger Communities Through Research Collaboration
We bridge academic research with real community needs โ bringing evidence-based solutions, innovation, and access to funding to the people who need them most.
- 1 Creating practical, evidence-based research solutions for community challenges.
- 2 Supporting innovation and sustainable solutions for social development.
- 3 Bridging academic research with real community needs through meaningful partnerships.
- 4 Improving access to funding and resources for collaborative community projects.
Let's Build a Lasting Impact Together!
Advancing education, capability, and community wellbeing โ Ngฤ mihi, thank you for being part of the CERT family.
Get Involved