The Centre for Training and Documentation (CFD) works to strengthen the abilities of religious leaders so that they can become catalysts for full and sustainable development. CFD started operating in early 1996 to contribute to efforts of rebuilding Rwandan society after the events of 1994. The main focus was to meet the pastoral and social challenges of the Rwandan people in general and in particular religious denominations. To ensure this mission, various programmes have been implemented, namely:
- Basic theological education and continued training of religious leaders;
- The fight against HIV/Aids, psycho-social support and counselling;
- Christian-Muslim dialogue for peace and reconciliation;
- Fighting against domestic violence
- Research and documentation.
Although the Centre was created on the initiative of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, it serves to promote the training of all religious leaders, to strengthen the cohesion and cooperation of all the Churches, and promote their mutual commitment and solidarity. The centre collaborates with Protestant and Catholic churches, and the Muslim community through its programme of Christian-Muslim Relations. Thanks to its programmes, the Centre has managed to establish and maintain good relationships with different partners, among them different religious communities that collaborate with the centre in different programmes.
As activities of the CFD have broadened, the centre sees itself as a real forum for the exchange of ideas and experience, and joint decision making for Christian and Muslim communities. This was also possible because of the support from local political and administrative authorities at the grassroots level who participated in the forum.
The organisation has provided training to religious leaders, seminar trainings to groups of Christians and Muslims on various themes related to peace and development, organised conferences in religious communities, schools and universities, and produced many booklets on various themes.
