Sunbird Trust

Sunbird Trust is a Bengaluru-based non-profit working in some of the most remote and conflict-affected regions of North East India, with the belief that education is a powerful catalyst for peace. Founded in 2014 by Col. Christopher Rego (Retd.), drawing on his experiences in Mizoram and Manipur, Sunbird Trust works across Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh to support children, youth, and communities through education, scholarships, school infrastructure, teacher training, and livelihood development. Over 11 years, the organisation has impacted nearly 5 lakh lives, supported over 65,000 annual scholarships, and built or upgraded 38 schools and hostels. It is a certified Great Place to Work. Youtube Video >

Key programmes include:

School Transformation Program (STP): Sunbird Trust partners with remote private schools in conflict-affected areas to improve infrastructure, teaching quality, nutrition, and overall school environment, transforming them into centres of learning and peace.

Access for All Program (AFA): A scholarship programme that sponsors children from economically marginalised families in North East India, covering education costs, nutrition, and overall well-being, enabling them to pursue schooling and higher education.

Government School Transformation Program (GSTP): Working in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, this programme improves infrastructure and pedagogy in government schools in the Shi Yomi District, with endorsement from the state's Minister of Education.

Teachers Training Academy (TTA): Based in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, the TTA builds teaching capacity in extremely remote areas, improving learning outcomes in communities with limited access to trained educators.

Skill Development: Sunbird Trust runs livelihood and skill development programmes for youth from North East India, equipping them with employable skills and pathways to economic independence.

Sunbird Emerging Leaders' Fellowship (SELF): A fellowship programme developing the next generation of community leaders from North East India.

Solar Energy & SALT Farming: Sunbird Trust also runs community development initiatives including solar lighting for remote villages and Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) farming, a sustainable agriculture method suited to hilly terrain, supporting food security and livelihoods in tribal communities.

Sunbird Trust is a strong fit for professionals who want to work in one of India's most underserved regions, contributing to education, peacebuilding, and community development in a team that values deep field engagement and long-term social change.