There are moments in life when passion meets purpose, and for me, this moment came with Sunbird Trust. From the first day, I knew I’d stepped into something extraordinary — a place where compassion isn’t just an idea, but a way of life. My journey with Sunbird Trust began as the Executive Assistant to Col.
Christopher Rego, the visionary Founder and former CEO whose life’s work is dedicated to uplifting the marginalized people of Northeast India. I witnessed firsthand his and his wife Myrna’s dedication — a couple who, with warmth and care, remember each child’s name, each village, each story, and treat these children as their own. Their compassion is limitless, woven into everything they do, from meeting the smallest needs to making life-changing contributions that resonate through entire communities.
To learn from them was a privilege, each moment spent with them deepening my understanding of service and commitment. “True compassion does not just respond to need; it recognizes each story, each face, and calls them by name.” Today, as the Sponsorship Manager at Sunbird Trust, I feel the true depth of this mission. Every day brings encounters with students who, against the odds, cling to hope and aspire to learn.
I have met these young souls, heard their dreams, and watched them grow with a courage that humbles me. Sunbird Trust’s sponsorship program grants thousands of students in conflict-torn regions of Northeast India the chance to pursue education and fulfill dreams that once seemed distant. Supporting their journey toward education, security, and future employment feels deeply personal to me — offering them the same guidance and support I once wished for myself.
This role has not only deepened my ties to Manipur, my home state, but also broadened my understanding of Northeast India’s struggles and triumphs. “In every journey toward change, there will be challenges – but purpose gives strength to endure, and compassion lights the way forward.”
The work we do is not without its challenges. Navigating remote areas lacking basic amenities — where electricity flickers, roads are sparse, and connectivity is nearly absent — demands resilience. Yet, it is our shared sense of purpose that propels us forward, guided always by the legacy of Col. Christopher Rego, who taught us what it means to serve with humility and unwavering commitment.
Sunbird Trust has not only shaped my career; it has profoundly touched my heart and how I see the world. Reflecting on my journey here, I recognize the profound impact this work has had on me, solidifying a lifelong commitment to social change. The bond I have with this mission has left an indelible mark, tethering my heart to the people of Northeast India, a region often overlooked in economic and social development and whose stories inspire me to strive harder every day to help build a brighter, more inclusive future.
About the author:
Ringkila J Tainamei hails from Manipur and works as the Sponsorship Manager at Sunbird Trust. With a Master’s degree in Literature, a B.Ed., and academic training in Psychology, Literature, and Journalism, she brings strong experience in education, mentoring, and student support. Her professional journey spans teaching, school administration, and counselling, which continues to shape her work with sponsored students. Outside of work, Ringkila enjoys creating art and designs, travelling, and exploring architecture and scenic landscapes.
