Sunbird Trust: Building Bridges through Education in North East India

In a region often marred by conflict and remote living conditions, Sunbird Trust, a civil society organization, has been working tirelessly to promote peace and educational opportunities for thousands of young people across North East India.

A Decade of Education and Trust

Founded in 2014 by Col (Retd) Christopher Rego and his wife Myrna Rego, Sunbird Trust has spent the past decade building an informal yet growing community of educators, development professionals, and local leaders, all bound by a shared belief: that durable peace can be achieved through education.

The organization's work is concentrated in regions with fragile schooling systems, limited access, and weak infrastructure. By focusing on long-term educational partnerships, Sunbird Trust aims to break the cycle of unemployment, frustration, and violence that persists in many parts of the North East.

Community-Led Approach

Sunbird Trust's unique approach to development is rooted in living within the communities they serve. This strategy ensures that education is contextual, locally owned, and not externally imposed. Young professionals, often the first outsiders to live in these remote villages, navigate unfamiliar languages and deep scepticism, building credibility through consistency and daily engagement.

As trust deepens, communities reciprocate by donating land for schools and hostels, becoming active partners, and training local educators to lead institutions sustainably.

Resilience in Adversity

The COVID-19 pandemic tested Sunbird Trust's model, but the organization remained committed to its remote villages, even facing shortages themselves but supported by local families. This resilience was recognized by donors and communities, solidifying Sunbird's capacity and judgement as a credible grassroots partner.

Post-pandemic, Sunbird Trust expanded its reach, forming new CSR partnerships and strengthening internal systems. Young leaders moved into senior roles, maintaining a field-first culture while enhancing accountability.

Expanding Horizons

Today, Sunbird Trust operates across Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. It partners with 15 schools and 23 hostels, supporting over 12,500 children and having disbursed more than 54,000 scholarships. The organization is led by CEO Aliasgar Janjali, a former senior banker and Teach for India Fellow, reflecting its blend of professional governance and grassroots engagement.

In a region often defined by unrest, Sunbird Trust presents a quieter narrative, one built on classrooms kept open, teachers supported, and young professionals who choose to stay. In the long pursuit of peace in the North East, it demonstrates that institutions endure when people commit, and that education, carried patiently, may be the most lasting peacemaker of all.