Access For All Program
Transforming
Lives Through Education
Overview of the Program
The Access for All (AFA) Programme by Sunbird Trust aims to bridge the gap in educational opportunities for children from remote and conflict-affected regions of Northeast India. By addressing financial barriers, the programme ensures that underprivileged children gain access to quality education, empowering them to build brighter futures and contribute to their communities.
The key objectives of the AFA Programme are:
Providing Tuition Fee Sponsorships
Increasing Student Enrolment
Improving Academic Performance & Retention
Promoting Longterm Socio-Exonomic Benefits
Why Access for All?
Education in Northeast India faces challenges:
Conflict and Isolation
Decades of violence have disrupted access to education.
Economic Barriers
Many families cannot afford tuition fees.
Resource Gaps
Schools lack basic infrastructure and learning materials.
Impact
51000+
Annual Scholarships Provided
500+
Students Supported in Higher Education
75+
Students Supported in Sports
120%
Students Supported in Skill Developement
35+
Alumni Returned to Serve Their Communities
Types of Sponsorships
School Education
Need-based
sponsorships for students
from Nursery to Grade 10,
helping them access
consistent, quality
education in remote and
underserved areas.
College Education
Merit and need based
scholarships for
undergraduate,
postgraduate, and
professional courses,
enabling students to
pursue higher education.
Sports & Skilling
Support for vocational
training, career skills, and
sporting excellence,
empowering students to
thrive in fields like boxing,
tennis, and more,
alongside their education.
Featured Story
Born into a farming family in Manipur, Haobijam Abokson Singh always dreamed of uplifting his community. With Sunbird Trust’s support, he became a civil engineer, rose through the ranks in the private sector, and returned to give back. Today, Abokson leads infrastructure projects for Sunbird in Arunachal Pradesh building schools in remote corners, and hope in the hearts of many.
A Sustainable Model of Shared Ownership
Students Who Earn Their Sponsorship
Our scholarships aren’t handouts, they’re a shared investment. In return for support, students contribute their time and effort: tending kitchen gardens, helping maintain school spaces, and leading peer initiatives. It builds dignity, not dependency. Responsibility isn’t taught, it’s lived.
Parents Who Co-Fund in Kind
Many families can’t cover the financial co-payment. But they step up in other ways – bringing sacks of rice, donating firewood, or volunteering during construction. Every act of giving counts. Because when parents contribute, they own the outcome.
Alumni Who Complete the Circle
Those who were once sponsored now give back. Some return as mentors, others as teammates. Many even repay their sponsorship by funding other students. Their success fuels the next child’s chance. It’s not just impact. It’s a legacy.
Voices of Gratitude
I am incredibly grateful to Sunbird Trust for their unwavering support since my undergraduate years in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Their belief in my potential has driven my education, and their prioritization of my needs during critical moments ensured I had the necessary resources. With their help, I’m close to completing my Master’s degree in Italy on a full scholarship. I look forward to giving back as a successful alumni and donor, supporting Sunbird Trust’s mission to transform lives through education. My success is a testament to their support, and I’m eager to pay it forward.
Dollar Konjengbam Singh
I thank the Sunbird team for coming to my rescue at a critical time in my career. Their timely and sustained assistance helped me transcend my financial difficulties and complete my studies. Inspired by this initiative, I will remain an active and lifelong contributor in this noble endeavor.
Dr. Benjamine Khiangte MD (Med), DNB (Gastro), PGDGM (Geriatrics), CEBDM (Diabetes) Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Coming from an under-resourced agrarian background in the river island of Majuli in Assam, I am truly grateful to Sunbird Trust for sponsoring my education at a prestigious IIT (Indian Institute of Technology). This opportunity has been life changing for me, providing me the chance to pursue my dreams and further my education. The support I have received has not only lightened the financial burden but also inspired me to work hard towards my goal.
Probin Pegu, Second Year, IIT Rourkee
I want to become an Olympian one day. I’m so thankful to Sunbird Trust for giving me this chance and getting me into boxing. I hope to fulfill all Sunbird’s hopes and dreams for me one day. I want to make Sunbird Trust proud!
Gunshalu
