Stichting i-STEP-up

04/02/2026

New student: Isatu Jalloh, Nursing, Sierra Leone

"Growing up in Sierra Leone, I witnessed the struggles of families and communities when access to quality healthcare was limited due to a shortage of trained professionals. This motivated me to dedicate my life to nursing, not only to care for patients but also to train and mentor the next generation of nurses through nursing
education. However, the cost of higher education is beyond my family’s financial capacity.
The iSTEPup Foundation scholarship will give me the chance to continue my studies without fear of dropping out due to unpaid school fees. Through this program, I will gain the knowledge and skills to train and mentor future nurses, thereby strengthening the healthcare system in Sierra Leone. This support will not only change my life but will also allow me to serve my community by contributing to improved patient care, nursing education, and health outcomes."

Isatu's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Isatu can continue her study in Nursing.

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/isatu-jalloh/?lang=en

31/01/2026

New student: Zainab Fofornah, Nursing, Sierra Leone

"I chose to study Nursing because I have a deep passion for caring for others, especially those in vulnerable conditions. Secondly, I believe nursing is one of the most impactful professions that allows me to contribute meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of my community. When I was young I joined my mother during her work
as a nurse and it inspired me and gave me the motivation to follow my dreams. Coming from a family that is currently unable to support my educational journey, this scholarship has become a turning point in my life. Without your intervention, continuing my studies would have remained a distant hope. I am truly grateful for the life-changing opportunity you've given me."

Zainab's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Zainab can continue her study in Nursing.

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/zainab-fofornah/?lang=en

25/01/2026

New student: Paschal Makangu, Nursing, Tanzania

"I graduated a two years course for basic certificate in nursing and midwifery at September 2018, being a nurse and midwife it was my dream since childhood. But since 7 years ago I’m not employed until now. I’m volunteering at Kagondo Hospital located at muleba in kagera region found in Tanzania in theatre department as a Nurse Anesthetist.
I applied for the scholarship for one year course (upgrading) diploma in nursing and midwifery so that to have higher knowledge and skills on managing patients as a nurse also to have more opportunities on higher level of education as well as employment."
Buddy Pam: "Paschal is highly skilled: whenever I struggled with a neonatal cannulation, I could always rely on him, and he consistently succeeded. He is also extremely dedicated and motivated. For example, when we had a patient who required regular dressings, he always showed up without hesitation, even outside of regular working hours and during weekends, to ensure the patient received proper care.
I am confident that supporting Paschal in further studies is an excellent decision. He has both the skills and the motivation to continue developing, and I believe he will make a significant contribution to healthcare in the future. Paschal is not only an amazing colleague, but also a genuine and kind person. Thank you for contributing to his educational journey."

Paschal's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Paschal can continue his study in Nursing.

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/paschal-makangu/?lang=en

18/01/2026

Student Fredy, Pharmacy, Tanzania - GRADUATED

“I am writing this letter to sincerely thank your organization for the support you have given me throughout my academic journey. I am pleased to inform you that I have successfully completed my studies as a Pharmaceutical Technician with very good results. Your support has played a major role in helping me reach this important milestone.

During my studies, I have gained strong knowledge and skills in several key areas, including:
- Understanding medications and their proper use
- Providing accurate health care education to patients
- Ensuring safe dispensing of medications
- Offering guidance on appropriate medication storage and handling
- Supporting rational use of drugs and promoting patient safety

These skills have prepared me to serve the community with professionalism, care, and responsibility.

As I move forward, I am aiming to work in a healthcare setting where I can provide medication counselling, health education, and support patients with correct and safe use of their medicines. I am
committed to contributing positively to the improvement of public health. Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for everything your organization has done for me. Your support has created a lasting impact on my life and future."

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/freddy-joseph-nyakutu/?lang=en

31/12/2025

Bedankt voor uw steun in 2025 / Thank you for your support in 2025!

Dankzij de inzet van onze donateurs, sponsoren en partners heeft iSTEPup al meer dan 70 studenten kunnen ondersteunen bij het waarmaken van hun droom om zorgprofessional te worden—waaronder verpleegkundigen, verloskundigen, apothekers, clinical officers en artsen in opleiding—in 10 landen in Afrika en Zuid-Amerika.
Met uw bijdrage kunnen wij studiebeurzen blijven aanbieden aan getalenteerde studenten in laag- en middeninkomenslanden, zodat zij in hun eigen gemeenschap kunnen bijdragen aan toegankelijke basisgezondheidszorg. In 2026 willen wij onze impact verder vergroten en nog meer studenten ondersteunen. Wilt u bijdragen aan onze missie? Bekijk onze website voor meer informatie.

Your support changes lives. Thanks to the commitment of our donors, sponsors, and partners, iSTEPup has already supported more than 70 students in pursuing their dream of becoming healthcare professionals—including nurses, midwives, pharmacists, clinical officers, and doctors in training—across 10 countries in Africa and South America.
With your contribution, we can continue to provide scholarships to talented students in low- and middle-income countries, empowering them to strengthen accessible primary healthcare in their own communities. In 2026, we aim to expand our impact and support even more students. Would you like to be part of this change? Visit our website to support our mission.

www.i-step-up.com/supportistepup/partners-sponsors/?lang=en

#2025 #2026

29/12/2025

Vacature / Vacancy: iSTEPup student manager

Stichting iSTEPup zoekt een nieuw bestuurslid! De student managers zijn het eerste aanspreekpunt voor studenten en hun buddy's. Ook onderhouden zij contact tussen de stichting en studenten die al studeren en nieuwe aanmeldingen voor een studiebeurs. Wil jij ook bijdragen aan onze missie om ambitieuze jongeren te ondersteunen bij hun opleiding tot zorgverlener in hun eigen land? Stuur dan je motivatie en cv uiterlijk 10 januari naar info@i-step-up.com

iSTEPup is looking for a new board member! As a student manager, you will be responsible for maintaining contact between the foundation and the students and their buddies. Furthermore, you will play an important role in the application process for new students who apply for a scholarship. Do you like the concept of iSTEPup and are you willing to contribute to our mission? Send your motivation letter and CV to info@i-step-up.com, before January 11th.

https://www.i-step-up.com/bestuur/vacatures/

Student manager iSTEPup student supervisor - Sluiting 10 januari

22/12/2025

iSTEPup Newsletter #28

https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=58b7ea82b6f12b29ae266d75d&id=9cd2d064f0

19/12/2025

Student update: Chancy Mtambo, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi

"What drives me isn’t just personal success, it’s the calling to give back. Malawi faces critical shortages in trained healthcare workers, especially in rural areas like the one I come from. I want to return to my community not just with a certificate, but with skills that can save lives: delivering babies safely, educating young people on sexual health, and standing on the frontlines during epidemics.
Having been admitted at KUHES, the road to achieving my academic goals could look cloudy due to challenges of tuition fees, but now with iSTEPup I can stand on my fit and purse my academic goals."

Chancy's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Chancy can continue his study to become a nurse!

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/chancy-mtambo/?lang=en

14/12/2025

Graduation student Angelina Mintah, Medicine, Ghana: "I have officially completed school!"

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/angelina-serwaa-mintah/?lang=en

05/12/2025

New student: Angelica Guerrero, Medicine, Peru

"Warm greetings, my name is Angelica María Guerrero Falconí, and I am a third-year medical student. I am from a small town on the northern coast of Peru where I grew up and completed my basic education.
In my country, there is a great deal of inequality. Many people lack access to healthcare services and an education that would help them prevent disease. We are a country with a high rate of childhood anemia—almost half of Peruvian children are affected. Tuberculosis, in its various forms, is endemic. Infections due to lack of access to basic services and the ever increasing number of people experiencing homelessness are health problems stemming
from structural poverty. Perhaps I won't be able to do everything, but I know I can do something. Upon graduating, I will have the necessary tools and resources to work with the most vulnerable populations through medical services and advocacy for public policies that improve the quality of healthcare! "

Angelica's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Angelica can continue her study in Medicine!

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/angelica-guerrero/?lang=en

30/11/2025

Student update: Mary Tamvekenji, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi

"The past semester was both challenging and immensely rewarding. The primary focus of my studies was 5 key courses, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Clinical Medical Surgical nursing, Community health nursing, Clinical Community health nursing and Principal and practice of education, This curriculum pushed me to deepen my understanding of complex disease processes and the critical role of medication management in patient care. Alongside the demanding coursework, I completed my clinical rotations at zomba central hospital on the Male medical ward and Out patient department.
It was here that the theory from my textbooks came to life. I had the privilege of assisting in the care of patients with a variety of conditions, honing my skills in patient assessments, medication administration, and wound care. More importantly, I learned the profound value of compassionate communication. One particular moment that will stay with me was when I was able to sit with an anxious patient before their surgery, simply listening to their concerns. It was a powerful reminder that nursing is not just a science, but a deeply human art.
I am proud to share the end of semester results and I feel more confident and prepared than ever to transition into the role of a professional nurse.
None of this would be possible without your belief in me. The iStepUp Scholarship did more than just alleviate financial pressure; it empowered me to fully immerse myself in my studies and clinical practice without the constant worry of educational expenses. You have not only invested in my education but also in the future patients whose lives I will touch."

Mary's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Mary can continue her study to become a nurse!

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/mary-tamvekenji/?lang=en



Vertaling weergeven

15/11/2025

iSTEPup student overview: 70 students in 10 countries!

The iSTEPup Foundation supports 70 students with a scholarship, which enables them to realize their dream of becoming a healthcare professional! In 10 different countries in Africa and South America, we currently support 23 nurses and midwifes, 8 clinical officers, 5 pharmacists and 3 doctors in training. More and more students have completed their studies and are now working as a healthcare professional in their own country!
Updates from students can be found on the personal pages of our students. For a student overview and individual pages of all iSTEPup students:

www.i-step-up.com/what-we-do/students/?lang=en