NUV-HOP consists of motivated medical students from all around Belgium who work together with medical students from Uganda. We provide medical aid in Uganda with sustainability as our main goal. That’s also the reason why every project member is engaged in a 2-year commitment. The Belgian students who already went to Uganda, are mainly doing the organizing part of the work and give their experience to the next team through training by workshops and activities as a guidance for the fieldwork. Only in this way we can evolve and reinsure improvements towards the future.
Members
Anna Poppe
KU Leuven Preparation weekend 2024 Finance 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Hi there! My name is Anna Poppe, a fourth year medical student at the KULeuven. This year will be my second year going to Gulu and I couldn’t be more excited! In my free time I like to go swimming , hiking with my dog or cooking a nice dish. Also family time is very important for me. This project caught my attention because it focusses on collaboration between Ugandan and Belgian students. Priority is the main focus what makes it a very sustainable project. I also love that you can get very close to the Ugandan culture by living in host families. Last year I lovedddd my host family and I am looking forward to seeing them again! This project had given me a whole new perspective on volunteering and made me more conscious about it. |
Anna Vanherp
Ghent University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hey there! I'm Anna, currently in my third year of medical school. In my free time I like to be active: running, group sports classes (spinning, BBB), skiing, hiking, ... I also love to cook and explore new dishes. Food and drinks are my love language. It's also my 5th year of being a leader in the scouts (totem and adjective: amiable ant). I was immediately captivated by the concept of this project. I am very curious and looking forward to understand Uganda's medical care system and the challenges faced by the local population. Therefore I’m motivated to have a positive impact on the local community while gaining valuable experiences and broadening my horizons. In addition, I am enthusiastic to be submerged in a new culture. The fact that I will be staying with a host family provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditions. I'm passionate about making a positive impact on the local communities. I can't wait to dive into the project with an awesome team. |
Annelies De Wachter
KU Leuven NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hi there! My name is Annelies De Wachter. I am 20 years old and call myself a proud Limburger, since I was born in Hasselt. I am currently in my third year of medicine at KU Leuven. In my spare time I love to meet up with friends, spend time with my family and engage in activities in the Scouts. This is the first year I will be a part of Nuv-Hop. I am looking forward to work together with the Ugandan students on this volunteering project and to learn more about the Ugandan culture and health system. I can’t wait to integrate into this group of enthusiastic people! |
Baptiste Bovyn
Ghent University Executive Chairperson (Team Lead) 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Hi dear visitor! Let me introduce myself briefly. My name is Baptiste Bovyn, born in Ronse and currently living in Ghent, Belgium. At the moment I’m doing my last bachelor’s year in medicine at Ghent University. In 2022, I joined NUV-HOP because I wanted to engage myself in a project that envisions adequate and accessible healthcare. I believe it’s of great importance to build such projects together with the local stakeholders in order to do the right thing in the right way and with the right people. On top of that, I am also found of the NUV-HOP project because its goal is to build a sustainable project that has a lasting impact by emphasizing prevention, buying locally and building with the local communities. During the project, I have been so lucky to experience Uganda in all its beautiful ways and meet a bunch of great friends. I would be lying if I would say that that did not also motivate to join the project. In my spare time, I like to meet up with friends and family, go on weekends, have a party and listen or watch true crime podcasts and tv series. When the weather is good, I love to go to the countryside and enjoy the peaceful nature. I am very excited to build further on the NUV-HOP project together with all Ugandan and Belgian team members and have a great edition in the summer of 2024! |
Bruno Van Wijmeersch
KU Leuven Activity lead 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Hi there! My name is Bruno and I am currently in my fourth year of med school. I am an adventurous guy with a very curious and open mind. I love doing sports such as football, running and hockey. I also love nature. Going for a long walk or run helps me to stay fit and keep a clear mind. I love spending time with family and friends and enjoy the little things in life. This year, it will be my second year in Gulu. I am so excited to be going back and to reunite with all the amazing people we meet there! I am passionate about doing voluntary work and contributing to the local communities. I hope to make a difference again this year with an amazing team of Belgian and Ugandan students and volunteers! |
Elise Turna
Antwerp University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hello! I'm Elise Turna, a second-year medical student. I am sincerely grateful to be a part of the NUV-HOP team, collaborating with both Belgian and Ugandan medical students. The opportunity to offer medical assistance and engage in health talks allows me to contribute meaningfully to healthcare in the region. Outside of my studies, you'll often find me in the kitchen, as I have a deep passion for cooking. I cherish moments spent with friends and family, and I share a special bond with my sister. Staying active through sports is another aspect of my life that I truly enjoy. Overall, I feel truly blessed to participate in this volunteer work! |
Ella Portier
KU Leuven Executive Chairperson (Team Lead) 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Heyy :) My name is Ella. I’m studying medicine at KULeuven and I’m currently in my third year. I joined NUV-HOP in 2022, so I´ve been to Gulu last summer. About myself, i live in Bruges & in my free time I like to do creative things such as painting or crafting. I also love to cook, do sports and hang out with friends & family :) I had an amazing experience last summer working on the project, spending time with the other Belgian & Ugandan students and the host family! I look forward to go back to Gulu and experience even more & meet new people but also see everyone in Gulu back! |
Hannah Kersters
Ghent University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hi there! My name is Hannah and I am currently in my third year of medicine at the University of Ghent. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, to cook and to be creative: drawing, painting… I also love to travel and learn about different cultures. I have lived abroad, in France and Japan, which has made me a very openminded and cultured person. One of the reasons I have always wanted to study medicine was to help others and participate in volunteer projects. That’s why I was immediately excited and thankful to join NUV-HOP. I am extremely motivated and look forward to go to Gulu to learn more about a different healthcare system, to broaden my worldview, to meet new people and to make a difference! |
Kato Willems
Ghent University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hi! My name is Kato Willems. I’m a second year medical student at Ugent. I love traveling and learning about new cultures. When I learned about Nuv-Hop and what they do in Uganda, I immediately knew this was something for me. I love how the Belgian team works with students from Uganda. I’m also very excited about living with a host family. I can’t wait to go to Gulu in June. |
Klara Buysse
Ghent University Health talk coordinator 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Hi there, my name is Klara. I am 20 years old, in my third year of medicine. From the moment I chose to go study medicine, I knew I wanted to join a volunteering-project. That’s why I immediately jumped a hole in the air (that’s an expression in Dutch: when you are very excited for something) when I heard of this NUV-HOP project. Last year was my first time going to Uganda. I learned a lot during the project! I learned about the Ugandan culture. First of all, I loved how I got the chance to join a lovely family, seeing how they cook, how they sleep, how they go to school, how they pray, how they live. Within the project, I saw the medical challenges the Ugandan health care is dealing with. It felt nice to be a small part of the problem-solving think tank of NUV-HOP. I am very interested in our way of operating, collaborating between Ugandan and Belgian medicine students in a sustainable way. I hope the health talks are going to be refined this year, in order that the locals get the most relevant health education. Besides this NUV-HOP engagement and studying for medicine, I like doing creative stuff, like drawing, sewing, playing the piano, guitar and I could sing all day long (if nobody shuts me). I do also love entertaining children. You could say I am a playful person who doesn’t like sitting still. |
Maria Paula Spreutels
Ghent University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hi there. My name is Maria Paula, a 21 year-old third-year medicine student at UGent. When i'm not studying, you can catch me spending quality time with friends or getting lost in the pages of a good book. I also try to be actively involved in volunteer work and projects such as Bemsa and the Red Cross. This year will be my first year going to Uganda with NUV-HOP, and i couldn't be more thrilled. I was drawn to this project because of its focus on preventive healhcare, coupled with the collaboration with Ugandan students. I can't wait for July to arrive! |
Marie Vissers
Ghent University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Hi, my name is Marie. I am 19 years old and in my second year of medicine in Ghent. In my free time, I go to the scouts an do ballet, where I can boost my energy. Also, I love to hang out with my family and friends. I am new to the NUV-HOP team and am really looking forward to the adventure that’s ahead of me. The project caught my attention because of its unique collaboration with the local community and Ugandan medical students. Another aspect that appeals me is that the project is committed to both prevention and healthcare provision. One of the things I like the most is staying with a host family and meeting all this new people. I am very excited to be a part of this project and can’t wait to go to Gulu! |
Simon Jacxsens
Ghent University NUV-HOP project member since 2023 Greetings! I'm Simon and I am currently in my second year of med school. Beyond the world of textbooks and lectures, I like to play sports. Triathlon, tennis, and playing padel are my go-to pursuits when I'm not immersed in medical studies. I also like spending quality time with my family and friends. They give energy and motivate me. This year is the first year I embark on a journey to northern Uganda with NUV-HOP. The decision to join this project was fueled by the combination of medical and cultural aspects it offers. The prospect of exploring the region around Gulu and immersing myself in Ugandan culture is both thrilling and humbling. I anticipate that this experience will not only broaden my perspective on healthcare but also enrich my understanding of the world. By actively participating in NUV-HOP, I hope to contribute meaningfully, make a positive impact, and forge connections that extend beyond borders. |
Victor Wieme
Ghent University Data & Digitalisation 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Hi, my name is Victor and I’m in my third year of medicine at UGent. In my spare time, I like to play basketball, mini football and go out with friends. I joined the NUV-HOP project in 2022, so it will be my second year going to Uganda. I’m already looking forward to this again! The project caught my attention because of the cooperation between the Belgian and Ugandan medicine students. I strongly believe this is necessary to provide sustainable healthcare and focus on the highest needs. I can’t emphasize it enough how grateful I am to be a part of this team! |
Yousra Farah KU Leuven Social media 2024 NUV-HOP project member since 2022 Hi! My name is Yousra, I’m 21 years old and I'm in my fourth year of medicine in Leuven. In my free time, I enjoy being with my friends and family the most. Socializing gives me a lot of energy. Thanks to my Moroccan roots, I've always had a deep curiosity about exploring diverse cultures. Nuv-hop caught my attention due to its blend of preventive healthcare, combined with collaboration with the Ugandan community. I'm looking forward to returning to Gulu and reuniting with my host family. I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to experience life in Gulu in such a local and authentic way. Nuvhop has given me memories and friends that will last a lifetime, and I'm very thankful for all the new perspectives I've gained through this experience. |