Purity Naanyu Nairuko

ICMS Bachelor of Business student Purity Naanyu Nairuko, a Maasai woman from Kenya, shared her remarkable journey from defying cultural norms to pursuing higher education abroad with the support of an ICMS International Scholarship.

Born and raised in the Maasai community in Kenya, Purity confronted societal expectations and overcame financial barriers to achieve her academic aspirations.

“I am from the Maasai community and, back in the day, women’s education was not a priority, and at a young age of fifteen, a Maasai girl would be married off without hesitation.

“But we are slowly evolving. I’m proud to say I’m one of the few who have been able to come abroad; I am actually the only one in my location who has been here, and I battled mockery from my community and peers for choosing to pursue education over getting married.”

Reflecting on her initial reaction to receiving the ICMS scholarship, Purity said, “It was a moment of immense happiness and pride.

“Receiving the call that I was selected as one of the ICMS International Scholarship recipients was an incredibly gratifying and momentous occasion for me. I felt a rush of emotions joy, excitement, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment all at once.”

Impact of ICMS Scholarship

“As a young Maasai woman, adhering to the cultural expectation of early marriage presented a significant challenge.

“However, receiving the scholarship alleviated the immediate financial burden, allowing me to embark on my journey without the anxiety of covering tuition fees and accommodation for the initial trimester in Sydney.

“For international students, cost is one of greatest barriers to obtaining a degree abroad. Being able to be here means that it is possible for me to earn a degree in what I’m passionate about. After college, I intend to use my entrepreneurial skills and open my own business in Kenya.

“This scholarship has had a profound impact in my life and future, and just knowing that someone else invested in me, and believes in me, really boosts my confidence.”

Future proof

“Academically, the scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to pursue higher education at a prestigious institution without the financial constraints that often hinder students’ progress.

“In terms of my career goals, winning this scholarship serves as a stepping stone towards achieving long-term success.”

Support for future business leaders

“The scholarship provides comprehensive support and resources to its recipients, empowering them to succeed academically, professionally, and personally,” Purity said.

“The most important aspect is that it provides access to academic support services which includes all study resources and guidance.

“I also like the fact that we get the chance to meet mentors from different fields since the college provides at least two Master Classes every trimester that helps foster future business leaders.”

Advice for future scholarship winners

“One thing that I learned from my application process is that other people really see my potential.

“However big and scary my goals are, I was afraid of the outcome but I learned that if you don’t try you will not find out what would have happened so just go for it and believe in yourself.”

About The ICMS Professional Scholarships Program

The ICMS Professional Scholarship Program has awarded over $13million worth of scholarships. It is unique in its volume of giving and in its huge diversity and range of scholarships.

“Over 13 years ago, I had the privilege of creating a program with equitable methodologies, which has been described by independent auditors, Michael Tomlinson & Associates, as ‘the jewel in the Crown of civic leadership and engagement’,” ICMS Professional Scholarships chair Ann Whitelock said.

“We also received commendation for the exceptional scholarship program that supports increasing numbers of students to enroll at ICMS.”

While over 90% of scholarships are funded directly by ICMS, the program is also supported by a network of industry partners who invest funds towards tuition and accommodation, and who sit on selection committees and panel interviews during the rigorous selection process.

“Our scholarships are about embracing diversity. The range of scholarships continues to develop to meet the breadth of the diversity of students that we have at ICMS, and ensure that opportunities are available for all types of new and current students,” Whitelock said.

“It is a truly global scholarship program with recipients coming from many diverse countries and territories.

“The recipients demonstrate attributes such as high academic or extracurricular achievement and for many this scholarship award is what enables them to be here at all. We’re incredibly proud of them all.”

For more information about the ICMS Professional Scholarship Program, click here.