Kambri Scholars Program: The gift of education
Growing up in a single-parent family with three younger siblings, Emily Piri realised that attending The Australian National University (ANU) might be out of reach without financial assistance.
"I remember being so nervous about the outcome of my application to the Kambri Scholars Program during my first year," she recalls. "When I received the email, I immediately called my mother, and we were over the moon."
Pramod Adhikari, whose parents grew up in rural Nepal without formal education, and his wife Sabitri were determined to make a difference in the lives of others.
"My parents recognised that education is the key to success in life," says Pramod. "My father was a primary school teacher. My mother never went to school. They wanted to assist students to receive a proper education. This willingness to assist disadvantaged people inspired us to establish the Kambri Scholarship supported by Goma and Govinda Prasad Adhikari in their honour."
Emily Piri is the recipient of Pramod and Sabitri’s scholarship. Through their giving, they hope to provide students like Emily with the stability needed to focus on their education and pursue their passions. "The enduring gift to anyone is a gift of education," says Pramod.
Now in her third year studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at ANU, Emily's story is one of resilience and passion, qualities she shares with the very people who made her scholarship possible.
For Emily, the Kambri Scholars Program is more than just financial relief; it has enabled her to fully immerse herself in her studies and extracurricular activities. She thrives in her courses, particularly in Electronic Systems and Design, and has rekindled her love of volleyball through the University's club. "This semester has felt like one of my best," says Emily. "I've made the effort to make more friends and attend more events on and off campus, and it's made all the difference."
As she prepares for her next semester, Emily remains deeply grateful for the opportunities the generosity of the Adhikari family has provided, knowing that it has helped her pave the way for a bright and promising future.
We were delighted to meet Emily. She was smart, humble, and dedicated to her studies. We are sure she will excel and contribute towards making a meaningful difference in her communities.
- Pramod and Sabitri Adhikari
Image: Goma and Govinda Prasad Adhikari. Photo supplied.
Thank you for supporting the Kambri Scholars Program
Through your generosity, 13 students were awarded a scholarship through the Kambri Scholars Program in 2024. Your gifts to the Kambri Scholars Program are matched dollar for dollar by ANU, helping more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars achieve their dreams.
The Program, launched in 2020 and managed by the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre, provides educational opportunities for Indigenous students to study at ANU. It supports students' diverse needs, emphasising connections to Country, culture, and community. It offers comprehensive support – including accommodation, financial assistance, and pastoral care – contributing to the University’s high graduation rates for Indigenous students. Since its inception, 69 scholarships have been awarded, with 10 graduates so far, including one PhD and three Honours students returning to continue their education.
In 2024, the Kambri Scholars Program recognised Wesfarmers as its Inaugural Corporate Partner, following a transformational gift of $5 million. Matched by ANU, this gift provides a $10 million funding boost for the Kambri Scholars Program.
“The Kambri Scholars Program helps to make an excellent education more accessible for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, wherever they live in Australia, delivering benefits far beyond this partnership,” says Rob Scott, Wesfarmers Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
