Strategic Partnership with North East Sunshine Trust (NEST India)

On 23 May 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between Lamka – City of Hope and the North East Sunshine Trust (NEST India) to strengthen collaboration in humanitarian response, community development, and sustainable social transformation. The MoU was signed by Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, President of Lamka – City of Hope, and Ms. Elizabeth Matthews Nongbri, President of NEST, Shillong, Meghalaya.

The partnership seeks to jointly design, implement, and monitor projects that bring hope, relief, and empowerment to underserved and displaced communities. Both organizations will mobilize and pool financial, human, and technical resources, develop evidence-based project proposals, and pursue fundraising strategies from national and international sources. A Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) will guide project planning, budgeting, and evaluation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Initially, the collaboration will focus on three priority areas:

1. Drug Rehabilitation, Skill Training, and Livelihood Centre – to address the growing crisis of substance abuse and promote recovery, vocational skill-building, and sustainable livelihoods for youth and families.
2. Long-term Coaching for UPSC and Other Government Job Examinations – to nurture civil service aspirants and strengthen youth capacity for leadership and public service.
3. Handloom Livelihood Project – to revive traditional weaving, enhance design and production quality, and create stable market linkages for local artisans.

Through shared knowledge, community outreach, and advocacy, this collaboration aims to deepen impact and promote inclusive growth. By combining NEST’s institutional expertise and resource mobilization capacity with Lamka – City of Hope’s grassroots leadership and community networks, the partnership represents a united commitment to rebuild lives, restore dignity, and sustain hope for the people of Lamka and beyond.

Expected Outcome and Way Forward: This strategic partnership between Lamka – City of Hope and NEST India is expected to create sustainable impact through collaborative programs that empower youth, restore livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience. The initial focus on drug rehabilitation and skill training, civil service coaching, and handloom livelihood development will provide pathways for recovery, education, and economic empowerment. Moving forward, both organizations will work through a Joint Coordination Committee to implement and expand these initiatives, mobilize resources, and scale successful models across the region—fostering an inclusive, resilient, and hopeful Lamka.