Stichting i-STEP-up

Stichting i-STEP-up iSTEPup supports ambitious people in low-/middle income countries to become a healthcare professional

iSTEPup Student OverviewThe iSTEPup Foundation supports students with a scholarship, which enables them to realise their...
01/09/2026

iSTEPup Student Overview

The iSTEPup Foundation supports students with a scholarship, which enables them to realise their dream of becoming a healthcare professional. In 11 different countries in Africa and South America, we support:

- 29 nurses and midwifes
- 9 clinical officers
- 6 medical doctors in training
- 2 pharmacists

And, 36 iSTEPup students have already completed their studies and are now working as healthcare professionals in their own countries!

This semester, 10 new students will start their studies. Their applications were reviewed during our selection day in June 2026. We will introduce our new students in the coming weeks on our website and social media, so stay tuned!

Want to know more about our students and follow their journeys? You can find their personal pages and updates here: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/?lang=en

Would you like to support the next generation of healthcare professionals?

You can support our students through our fundraising campaign:
www.goodshift.nl/actie/together-we-step-up-for-health

Or donate directly through our website:
www.i-step-up.com/supportistepup/donate/?lang=en

Student update: Chancy Mtambo, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi"The 2025-2026 academic year, was a year I did my third year at ...
25/08/2026

Student update: Chancy Mtambo, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi

"The 2025-2026 academic year, was a year I did my third year at the university having gone through first and second semesters respectively, comprising both class and clinical allocations. Along the way I gained skills, and professional ethics in as much as nursing is concerned with some challenges but they did not prevail.
I have spent some good hours in classrooms internalizing the theories and concepts at large, but I also had the chance for clinical practice; for hands on experience under clinical supervisors who have been supportive as well, sharpening our skills and confidence in the course of our learning, I had good and meaningful interaction with fellow students as well.
The final academic year started in June 2026, we are expected to learn more about Midwifery and other associated courses.
Once again, I thank you for your support and encouragement sincerely, despite few challenges I may face I remain grateful to iSTEPup programme for the timely assistance for the assistance you have given me."

Support Chancy's journey: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/chancy-mtambo/?lang=en

Student update: Angelica Guerrero, Medicine, Peru"This past year marked a significant turning point in my medical educat...
17/08/2026

Student update: Angelica Guerrero, Medicine, Peru

"This past year marked a significant turning point in my medical education as I successfully completed my basic science courses and transitioned into the clinical phase. I had the invaluable opportunity to begin my practical rotations at three of the busiest hospitals in Trujillo and the surrounding area. Working under the mentorship of excellent instructors, I was exposed to the realities of healthcare, which directly complemented my theoretical studies in semiology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory science. A major highlight was studying real clinical cases to strengthen doctor patient dynamics, allowing me to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and bedside application.
I am also very happy to share that I successfully passed my Medical Semiology course. The semester was academically demanding, with a rigorous workload and many activities to complete. Reaching this milestone has been very rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue progressing in my medical education. I will begin Medicine I in the semester that starts in September.
Thank you once again for your continued encouragement and for all the support that iSTEPup provides. It truly makes a difference in my journey.

Support Angelica's journey here: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/angelica-guerrero/?lang=en

Student update: Mary Tamvekenji, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi"I am pleased to report that my studies are progressing very w...
09/08/2026

Student update: Mary Tamvekenji, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi

"I am pleased to report that my studies are progressing very well. I am currently in the third year of my Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The past semester has been particularly intense, but incredibly rewarding. We have been delving deeper into complex medical-surgical nursing, STIs, HIV and AIDS, Community health nursing, and interpreneurship in nursing. While the workload is significant, I have not experienced any major academic difficulties. The solid foundation I built in my first year, despite the financial worries, has prepared me well for these more advanced topics.
The last year, encompassing my third and fourth semesters, has been a period of immense growth, both academically and personally. The start of my second year (Semester 3) marked a turning point. With my tuition fees secured by the ISTEPup scholarship, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I was no longer a student constantly worried about finances; I could finally be just a student, fully immersed in the world of nursing.
I am also writing to express my sincere gratitude for the laptop that you have generously provided for my studies. Receiving this laptop all the way from the Netherlands to Malawi is a blessing that I deeply appreciate. I am truly humbled by your kindness, generosity, and commitment to supporting students like me. Your investment in my education motivates me to work even harder and strive for excellence in both my academic and professional career.
I have attached a picture of me in my school uniform. It was taken on campus, between lectures. Every time I put on this uniform, I am reminded of the path that led me here and the incredible support system, including the ISTEPup scholarship, that makes this journey possible. Thank you for believing in me and for continuously supporting my educational aspirations. Please extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in making this possible. "

Support Mary's journey here: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/mary-tamvekenji/?lang=en

Student Update: Peace Mwale, Pharmacy, Malawi"On 12 January 2026 I went back to school to start my final year. I stayed ...
06/08/2026

Student Update: Peace Mwale, Pharmacy, Malawi

"On 12 January 2026 I went back to school to start my final year. I stayed at school for a month and during that period I wrote my mid semester examinations.
In February, I was sent to Mulanje Health Centre for my practical training so that I could learn how to manage and run a health facility. This attachment is helping me to gain more practical experience and understand how health services are delivered at the
facility level. At this facility one of the challenges we faced within our team was poor communication. My fellow students and I worked hard to resolve this challenge so that we could overcome it and improve teamwork at the facility. We discussed the problem
and we had a meeting with the in-charge at the facility to talk about the communication challenges. Now we are able to work together as a team according to the rules of the facility.
My plan is to achieve distinctions in all my subjects so that I can graduate with honors. I also want to complete my diploma easily and gain the knowledge and skills that are necessary to run an institution effectively, in case I get the opportunity to own my
pharmacy or drug store.
In conclusion, I will love to appreciate all the efforts that you're putting for me to succeed in my education easily."

Support her journey here: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/peace-mwale/?lang=en

Student Update Charity Mwai Widrom, Clinical Officer, Malawi"I started my journey with the iSTEPup Foundation in August,...
03/08/2026

Student Update Charity Mwai Widrom, Clinical Officer, Malawi

"I started my journey with the iSTEPup Foundation in August, 2024 which was my second year of studying Certificate in Clinical Medicine. In March, 2025 we were sent to different hospitals for clinical allocations. I really enjoyed the clinical allocations because we learned a lot of things practically, I have gained experience personally. After our clinical allocations in june, we wrote our final exam (Licensure) in July, 2025 and the results were out in December, 2025. So far I am done with my studies and I am waiting for graduation which is expected to happen in 2026 or 2027.
Once again I really appreciate for your support, I have reached this level because you lifted me up financially. "

Support Charity's journey here: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/charity-mwai-widrom/?lang=en

Student Update Magreth Sadock Gervas, Pharmacy, Tanzania“Hello everyone! Greetings from Kabanga, Kasulu District, in Tan...
30/07/2026

Student Update Magreth Sadock Gervas, Pharmacy, Tanzania

“Hello everyone! Greetings from Kabanga, Kasulu District, in Tanzania. I am moving on well with my studies. I am happy to share that I did well in my examinations of continuous assessment 1. What I need, is for iSTEPup to keep on assisting me so
that I can reach my goal. Thank you so much for everything thus far!"

Support Magreth's journey here: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/magreth-sadock-gervas/?lang=en

Student update: Chifuniro Kameta, Nursing, Malawi“ I have just completed third year, second semester of my studies. Duri...
24/07/2026

Student update: Chifuniro Kameta, Nursing, Malawi

“ I have just completed third year, second semester of my studies. During this semester, i undertook courses in Pediatric Nursing and Nursing Management, which were covered over a period of 6 months, including both theoretical and clinical components.
Throughout this semester, i have gained comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the care and management of pediatric patients. This includes growth monitoring, management of common childhood illnesses and provision of family- centered care. Additionally, the Nursing Management course has equipped me with essential leadership, communication, and organizational skills required in healthcare settings.
The clinical exposure has further enhanced my ability to apply theoretical knowledge into practice, improve patient care and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These experiences have greatly contributed to my personal and professional development.
So far i have two semesters remaining to complete my studies.
Once again, thank you for your support."

Click here to support Chifuniro's journey: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/chifuiro-alexander-kameta/?lang=en

Student update: Peter Gatluak Francis, Clinical Medicine, Kenya"It has been a busy second semester where the lecturers h...
20/07/2026

Student update: Peter Gatluak Francis, Clinical Medicine, Kenya

"It has been a busy second semester where the lecturers have even
taken extra time to continue teaching and repeating certain units. The coming academic semester would even be more demanding since we will be preparing for our end of year examinations. I am determined to put more effort into my studies to be able to pass the academic year.
The campus has had numerous events but I have been able to attend one function. A forum for all the international students of the school where we go to interact and share ideas and other cultures and opinions. We had the vice chancellor gracing the event and assured us of more competent study materials to help us achieve our career goals. I joined the guidance and counselling programme. This was an initiative from the school for us students who were asked to retake the academic year. It has helped me stay strong mentally to be able to focus on my studies and also take good care of myself. I have had no other challenge so far throughout the two semesters. I continually live to appreciate your unwavering support and encouragement as I look to achieving my academic goals.

Click here to support Peter's journey: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/peter-gatluak-francis/?lang=en

Student update - Ibrahim Sultan Kamara, Clinical Medicine, Sierra Leone"I am pleased to share that I am now in my final ...
16/07/2026

Student update - Ibrahim Sultan Kamara, Clinical Medicine, Sierra Leone
"I am pleased to share that I am now in my final year. This phase is even more demanding compared to the qualifying year, as it involves extensive research and dissertation writing, alongside frequent hospital rotations and clinical supervision.
So far, the first phase of my final year has progressed well. In March, I successfully completed my first semester examinations.
Amid my clinical responsibilities, I am honoured to have been awarded Clinician of the Year 2025 at Lion Heart Hospital for the second consecutive year. This recognition was presented during our Annual Gathering. A recognition which has served as my motivation to continue the pursuit of my career.
In my role as a Community Health Practitioner, on 1st December 2025, I led a team of staff and volunteers at Lion Heart Hospital to organize a sensitization, quiz competition and stigma reduction on HIV/AIDS in commemoration of World AIDS Day. The event successfully brought together schools and community stakeholders, fostering awareness, strengthening sensitization efforts and bridging gaps on the myths on HIV/AIDS. "

Click here to support Ibrahim's journey: www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/ibrahim-sultan-kamara/?lang=en

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