Stichting i-STEP-up

06/04/2026

Student update: Elenesto Kanthenga, Nursing, Malawi
"Despite challenges, I have been determined to fight for my dreams and complete my studies. I began searching for sponsorship opportunities on social media and that’s when I stumbled upon, iSTEPup Foundation. I was thrilled to discover that your organization offers support to students like me.
I am very excited to the iSTEPup foundation for helping me to achieve my longtime dream of becoming a professional nurse/midwife in my country. Being a professional nurse will help me to serve well as there high numbers of people living with HIV due to shortage of nurses in provision of preventive services like condoms, Prep and PEP and other is lack of access to health services due to long distances. I am willing to work in remote areas where a lot of people do not have access to health service.
Over the past year, my journey in the Bachelor of nursing and midwifery program at Mzuzu university has been both challenging and rewarding. This past semester I focused on research methodology, biostatics, medical surgical nursing two, principles and practice of education, principles and practice of management. These modules have provided me with the leadership tools necessary to manage hospital wards.
I completed specialized attachment at Kamuzu central hospital until February 2026. I rotated in several departments’ dermatology, EENT, burns, orthopedics and oncology experiencing different
approaches when managing patients with different complex conditions.
As I look ahead my next semester begins on 7th April 2026 it will be so demanding period as I move to medical surgical nursing 3(theatre, ICU, emergency, gynecology), psychiatric nursing
and community health nursing (gerontology, IMCI, occupational health). Despite the challenge I remain dedicated to my goal of becoming a professional nurse midwife. I am deeply grateful for
the support of the iSTEPup foundation, which allows me to focus on my mission of serving Malawian health care system."

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

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

31/03/2026

Reminder: Apply before April 30th!

If you are considering to apply for an iSTEPup scholarship or if you are helping a student with his/her application, please complete your application within 30 days!
Make sure to carefully prepare your application. You will need to submit all required documents (including application form, motivation letter, CV, financial details and a reference/buddy) in one complete PDF via email to apply@i-step-up.com

Don’t miss the chance to apply for an iSTEPup scholarship! Read all requirements and instructions here: www.i-step-up.com/apply/?lang=en

How to apply for iSTEPup scholarship If you meet the iSTEPup selection criteria written below, you can apply for a scholarship within the iSTEPup programme. Collect the documents below in one PDF document and send it to apply@i-step-up.com: a handwritten, complete and signed

27/03/2026

Student Update – Lusungu Moyo, Nursing and midwifery, Malawi

"Over the past academic year, (April 2025 to 30th March 2026)I have faced both academic and personal hurdles. However, with your unwavering support, I was able to overcome these obstacles and excel in my studies. Your financial assistance has eased the burden of education costs, allowing me to focus more on my academic pursuits and clinical experiences. I am proud to share that I have achieved notable academic success, earning top grades and recognized as one of best students in our class, that reflect my dedication and hard work.
My first clinical allocation I focused on mental health, medical surgical (burns, ophthalmology, dermatology and ICU department. Now am finalizing my second allocation which will end on 19th March 2026 and it was about pediatric nursing and Nursing management. I have really enjoyed the clinical allocation and I was very happy seeing myself in the matrons office, being among heads of department as a manager. I will write my end of semester 6 examination from 30th March to 3rd April. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in me. I am truly grateful for
everything you have done for me. And I promise you to work extra hard in order to graduate with good grades.”

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

19/03/2026

Student update: Mary Lukali, Nursing&Midwifery, Malawi
"This past academic year has been an important period of growth in my studies, as I have attitude, skills, and knowledge in caring for mentally ill patients (psychiatric patients), pediatric patients, and done community nursing.
I am currently in third year semester 1, studying low risk midwifery and its management. This year, I'm focusing on strengthening my knowledge in caring for pregnant mothers during antenatal, during labor and delivery and during postnatal. In this program i have successfully completed courses such as Pediatric nursing, Surgical nursing, Medical nursing, Theater nursing, Community nursing, just to mentions some, which helped me in improve my understanding of my field and develop better study habits. One of my main achievement was in mental health and psychiatric nursing.
I also worked on improving my time management and academic discipline, which helped me stay organized in my studies. "

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

13/03/2026

Student update: Promise Ziyaya, Clinical Medicine, Malawi

"Over the past year, I have been engaged in my studies that has made me to successfully proceed into second year of my 3 year medical training. During this very time, I have also been dedicating my hours to studying, attending lectures, attending to assessments, and managing my time well, as all these have helped to be performing well in my program, as I remain committed to timely achieve my goal of becoming a well-trained Clinical Officer.
I continue appreciating your support to me, for it has enabled me attend my training without any disruptions, related to lack of tuition fees."

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

10/03/2026

Student update: Moses Ben Machaka, Clinical Officer, Malawi

"It has been an engaging academic year the whole of 5th year was doing my attachment at one of prestigious Mission hospital here in Zambia called ST FRANCIS MISSION HOSPITAL. Where we rotated in major Four Departments Mainly, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery.

On 20th March we are going back to school where we will have a week then we will go to Mental Hospital (CHAINAMA MENTAL HOSPITAL). This is the hospital in Zambia which handles psychiatry patients time frame its 4 weeks from 30th March to 24 April, 2026. Thereafter, we will have a week for seminary where we will be presenting our cases to the department if Medicine. We were told to clerk 4 patients in each department and make PowerPoints of the cases and present during Seminary. After that we will write our final Examination. And we are expecting to have the results by the end of June, 2026."

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

03/03/2026

New student: Bernadettar Hazwell, Nursing, Malawi

"I'm Bernadettar Hazwell, a 20-year-old nursing and midwifery student from Malawi. I'm currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery at Malawi Adventist University (Malamulo College of Health Sciences) in Thyolo, Makwasa.
Over the past year, I've been focusing on maintaining my academic
momentum, and I'm proud to say I've been able to pass my exams with good grades . To achieve this, I've been prioritizing my studies, staying organized, and seeking help when needed.
Looking ahead, my plan is to keep pushing myself to excel academically. I'll continue to attend classes regularly, participate in discussions, and stay on top of my assignments. I'm also exploring opportunities to develop new skills and interests that'll complement my studies, like joining study groups.
As a future nurse, my heart is set on providing compassionate care to those in need, especially those who lack access to healthcare facilities. I believe that everyone deserves quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances. My plan is to work in underserved communities, providing essential healthcare services and empowering individuals to take charge of their health. I aim to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most."

Buddy Rebecca: "Bernadetter Hazwell, is a student in Malamulo College of Health Sciences in Malawi where I am a lecturer for the nursing midwifery program. Because the economy has been rapidly shrinking, her request for assistance was not a surprise. Many students are unable to continue without outside help. In Malawi, families will often invest heavily in one child with the hopes that if that one is educated that they will then be able to support the rest of the family to grow. I think Bernadetter is that person for her family., but they need help. I’m grateful to iStepUp for including her in their scholarship program. She is working hard to maintain her marks and is a promising candidate."

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

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

23/02/2026

Student update: Nisha Ramnares, Nursing, Suriname - GRADUATED!

"I would like to inform you that I have completed my studies and am currently working as a nurse. I graduated in June 2025. I am now working at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo. I am doing well and am grateful for the support I received through iSTEPup!"

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

21/02/2026

🎉 iSTEPup bestaat 8 jaar / iSTEPup’s 8th anniversary! 🎉

Wat een mijlpaal! In de afgelopen acht jaar hebben we samen met onze donateurs, sponsoren en partners een enorme impact kunnen maken: meer dan 70 studenten hebben we een studiebeurs kunnen aanbieden en er zijn al 30 afgestudeerde zorgverleners die met hun kennis en inzet bijdragen aan betere gezondheidszorg in hun gemeenschap!
Ook dit jaar blijven we ons inzetten om jongeren te ondersteunen bij het waarmaken van hun droom om zorgprofessional te worden. Dankzij jullie betrokkenheid kunnen we blijven groeien, nieuwe studenten bereiken en ons netwerk verder versterken. 💙
Wil je op de hoogte blijven van ons werk en onze plannen voor de toekomst? Bezoek onze website en meld je aan voor de nieuwsbrief!

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🎉 iSTEPup’s 8th anniversary! 🎉

What a milestone! Over the past eight years, together with our sponsors, donors and partners, we have been able to make a real impact. We have now provided scholarships to more than 70 students, and 30 healthcare professionals have already graduated and are contributing to better healthcare in their communities!
This year again, we continue supporting young people in making their dream of becoming healthcare professionals come true. Thanks to your support, we can keep growing, reach new students and expand our network. 💙
Want to stay updated on our work and future plans? Visit our website and sign up for the newsletter!

www.i-step-up.com

16/02/2026

Student update: Jeni Furaha Mhema, Pharmaceutical Science, Tanzania - GRADUATED!

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all donors for the invaluable support you have provided throughout my academic journey. Your generosity and belief in my potential have played a major role in enabling me to successfully complete my studies in the Pharmaceutical Technician course.
I am pleased to inform you that I have completed my training and obtained my academic results after undergoing both theoretical instruction and practical training required for pharmaceutical practice. The course demanded a strong understanding of pharmacology related subjects, dispensing practices, and professional ethics. Although the training was challenging at times, it equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills needed to serve safely and responsibly within the healthcare system.
Thank you once again for your trust, encouragement, and investment in my future. I am committed to using this opportunity to contribute positively to the healthcare system with
professionalism, integrity, and dedication."

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

10/02/2026

New student: Juma Joshua Joseph, Clinical Officer, Tanzania
"Without the help of iSTEPup it will be not possible for me to achieve the cost of collage because here In Tanzania health collages are very expensive. I am sure without this helps it was not possible to achieve my first step of becoming a doctor. Through this help it I believe I will achieve my goal of becoming a doctor and help other people."

Juma's application was discussed in June 2025 during our application selection day. With the help of iSTEPup, Juma can continue his study in Clinical Medicine to become a clinical officer!

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

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