NUV-HOP consists of motivated medical, pharmacy and biomedical science 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.
Alice Rubbers
KU Leuven
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi everyone! My name is Alice and I’m currently in my fourth year of medical studies.
This is my second year with NUV-HOP, and I’m really looking forward to going back to Gulu. I’ve been learning so much from the project and from the other members, and I’m truly grateful to be part of it. I’m part of the sustainability team, and I’ll do my best to help strengthen the project in the long term.
I love hiking in nature with my friends and family. In my free time, I also enjoy reading books and graphic novels, as it gives me a moment to unwind. Living with a host family and doing outreaches with Ugandan members has also been an amazing experience.
Antonia Van Den Bergh
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi! My name is Antonia, and I’m in my second year of medical school at the university of Ghent. I like to travel and explore new places. This is my first year as a part of NUV-HOP and I couldn’t be more excited! The idea of making a positive impact on local healthcare through both curative and preventative approaches drew me to the project. I can’t wait to meet new people and create a home away from home in Gulu. I am so grateful for the opportunity to broaden my horizon and create everlasting memories.
Bram Opsomer
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hello! My name is Bram and I’m in my third year of Medicine at Ghent University. In my spare time, I love staying active, especially through football and running. I’m also very much a family person and really enjoy spending quality time with my friends and loved ones.
This year is my first as an active member of NUV-HOP and I’m excited about this adventure. I’m looking forward to making new friends, getting to know Ugandan culture up close and throwing myself completely into the project. Being part of something that can have a positive impact really motivates me. I’m very curious about everything I will learn and experience, and I can’t wait to create unforgettable memories during this unique journey!
Cruz Claeys
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hello! My name is Cruz. I am 19 years old and currently in my second year of medicine at Ghent University. In my free time, I enjoy running, going to the gym, reading, and spending time with friends.
This is my first year as a member of NUV-HOP, and I’m truly excited to be part of such a meaningful and impactful project. I look forward to contributing to our outreaches and preventive health talks in Uganda, and to collaborating closely with the dedicated Belgian and Ugandan students involved in our initiative.
It is really an honour to be involved in this project!
Eline Van Dierdonck
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi, I am Eline and I am 19 years old. I am currently in my second year of med school in Ghent. Aside from studying, most of my free time is spent with my dog, family and friends. Furthermore, I love sports, especially running with blasting music :).
I am so grateful and excited I get to participate in this program. I am looking forward to immerse myself in Ugandan culture and make a contribution to the health talks and outreaches. Especially because I get to do this with the most motivated team. What motivates me even more is the commitment we make as volunteers. I am convinced that this adds enormous value to the project itself and to me personally. I can’t wait!
Elodie Maris
Hasselt University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi! I’m Elodie – a second-year medical student and the very first NUVHOP member from Hasselt University. This is my first year joining the NUV-HOP team and I couldn’t be more excited about this! When I’m not studying I spend my time focusing on health and movement, you’ll probably find me trying out new recipes and food spots, or enjoying (and teaching!) Pilates. I love anything that brings people together – good food, movement, and meaningful conversations with friends. Helping others has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I’ve always been driven by the idea of making a difference for people who haven’t had the same opportunities. That’s why also NUV-HOP feels special to me: it’s a chance to turn that dream into reality. I can’t wait to share cultural experiences, learn from the community, and explore new places. I’m excited to immerse myself in a new culture and connect with the host family, local community, and the team. I truly believe this journey will be enriching and will lead to lifelong friendships.
Eva D’homme
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi, I’m Eva, and I’m currently in my fourth year of medical school at Ghent University. A few things about me: I’ve always loved being outdoors, whether I’m going for a run or just enjoying nature. Spending time with my friends and family is really important to me. This summer will be my second year joining NUV-HOP, and I’m so excited to go back to Gulu because I’ve been missing it a lot! Last summer gave me so many beautiful memories and experiences, so I also can’t wait to reunite with my host family. This project is really special to me because I get to work together with the amazing team of Ugandan and Belgian volunteers to contribute again to providing healthcare. I’m really looking forward to putting our energy into both the preventative and curative aspects. I’m very grateful to be part of the NUV-HOP family, so apwoyo matek!
Kaat Hendrix
KU Leuven
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi! My name is Kaat, and I’m currently in my fourth year of medical school at KULeuven. In my spare time, I love to stay active (gymnastics, badminton, walking with my dog …) or to meet up with friends and family.
This summer will be my second time going to Gulu. The opportunity to collaborate with Ugandan students and help people who lack access to healthcare is what truly inspired me to join this project.
Last year, I met so many amazing people and had countless memorable experiences, so I really can’t wait to go back! I’m also excited about reuniting with my host family and friends.
I am honoured to be part of this team and to contribute to such an amazing project!
Liza San Lorenzo
University of Brussels
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi, my name is Liza. I am 19 years old and I’m in my second year of biomedical sciences in Brussels. Beyond studying, I fill my time with lots of reading, cooking, and running. My biggest motivators are my family and friends. I can’t wait to go to Northern Uganda with NUV-HOP in July 2026. I hope to collaborate with local students and help people without proper access to healthcare. I am also looking forward to meeting new people, immersing myself in Ugandan culture, and contributing to this sustainable and meaningful project!
Madelon Vandenabeele
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi! I’m Madelon, a third year medical student from Ghent University who loves exploring new places, being outside and meeting new people. I like working with kids, staying active through running or tennis, and doing anything that sparks my creativity. I enjoy hands-on projects like cooking, sewing, and crafting. Besides that, I’m happiest spending time with my friends and family.
I’m really excited to join the NUV-HOP team in Uganda this summer. Since it’s my first year, I look forward to learning from local volunteers and students, experience everyday life with a host family, and see how healthcare works in other parts of the world.
I can’t wait to experience the NUV-HOP adventure!
Maité Van Cauwenberge
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi! My name is Maité, I am 21 years old and currently in my fourth year of medicine at the University of Ghent. In my free time, I love spending quality time with my friends and family. I’m also passionate about music and about exploring the world and different cultures through travel. This year will be the second time I travel to Gulu with NUV-HOP. Last year, I met so many wonderful people and made memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I highly value NUV-HOP’s mission to strengthen healthcare together with Ugandan students. I can’t wait to go back!
Manon De Cock
KU Leuven
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi! I’m Manon and I’ve always dreamed of contributing to education and healthcare in developing countries. Through my travels, I’ve seen firsthand how basic healthcare and hygiene are far from guaranteed for everyone. These experiences strengthened my passion for medicine, research, and global health and ultimately led me to study biomedical sciences. When I discovered NUV-HOP, I felt this was my chance to bring my dream to life: helping provide care and health education in places where regular services fall short. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help make healthcare more accessible for the people in Northern Uganda. I can’t wait to contribute to this project and create a lasting impact together with the Ugandan team. I love being outdoors, nature and beautiful landscapes, whether in rain or sunshine, make me the happiest. I’m excited to immerse myself in a new culture, broaden my perspective, meet inspiring people and create lifelong memories.
Margaux De Vos
Ghent university
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi! I’m Margaux, a 21 year old Master of Medicine student at Ghent University. In my free time, I love being creative whether it’s painting, playing the piano, or dancing. I also enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, and running is my go-to way to clear my mind. When I’m not busy with school, I love hanging out with my friends and family!
Within NUV-HOP, I’m actively involved in strengthening the sustainability and visibility of the project. I truly enjoy reflecting with my team on how we can make NUV-HOP more impactful, resilient, and future-proof, and I feel grateful to contribute to its growth.
This year, I’ll be traveling to Gulu for the second time, and I’m incredibly excited to reunite with my “little family on the other side of the world.” I look forward to deepening the connections built last year, gaining new experiences, making memories and learning even more from the inspiring people I’ll meet there.
Marieke Caluwaert
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi! My name is Marieke, I’m 21 years old and currently in my fourth year of medicine in Ghent. In my free time, I enjoy meeting up with friends, going out, staying active through sports, and exploring new places through travel.
I joined NUV-HOP last year, and I’m part of both the PR team and the sustainability team. This means I help take responsibility for our social media, the project’s visibility, its long-term vision, and thinking about how we can keep improving what we do.
Last year’s trip to Gulu was an incredibly fun and enriching experience, truly unforgettable. I learned so much, and it really broadened my perspective. I’m already really looking forward to going back to Gulu next year!
Marilien Vanmarsenille
KU Leuven
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hi! My name is Marilien, I’m 21 years old and currently in my third year of medicine at KUL. In my free time, I love staying active and being around the people I care about. I’ve always been someone who enjoys exploring the things the world has to offer, and traveling is one of my favorite ways to broaden my horizons. When I was younger, I used to spend every Sunday afternoon at the Chiro, and I’ve always loved expressing my creative side in music, painting, reading and watching movies.
This year, I joined NUV-HOP, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of the team. The opportunity to travel to Uganda, work together with the local community, and contribute to a project that strengthens healthcare truly inspires me. I cannot wait to learn from this experience, immerse myself in a new culture, and create unforgettable memories with everyone involved!
Niel Henot
KU Leuven
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi there, my name is Niel. I’m currently in my third bachelor year of medicine at KU Leuven. I love setting ambitious goals for myself and embracing all that life has to offer. This mindset drives me to try new things, meet inspiring people, and immerse myself in diverse cultures and traditions. Combined with my commitment to support the local healthcare through an amazing collaboration, this sums up my motivation for this project. Gulu has truly become my second home, thanks to my incredible host family and the way the entire NUV-HOP team has grown into a real family of its own. Honestly, I can’t wait to go back!
Outside of my studies, I’m into running, chasing that runner’s high at least five times a week. Sports keep me grounded and motivated, and I’m excited to bring that energy to our work in Gulu.
I’m really looking forward to building new friendships, experiencing Ugandan culture and contributing to NUV-HOP’s mission with such a motivated team. June can’t come soon enough!
Simon Jacxsens
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2023
Hi there!
I’m Simon, and I’m currently in my fourth year of medical school. Outside of my studies, I am a big fan of sports, with cycling, tennis, and padel being my main activities. I also highly value spending time with my family and friends; their support truly motivates me. Last summer, I had a fantastic experience in Northern Uganda with the NUV-HOP project, which combined medical work with a rich cultural experience. I especially enjoyed staying with the host families; it was the best part of the trip! I am very excited to return this year and dedicate myself completely to the project. I look forward to exploring the area around Gulu again, learning more about the Ugandan culture, making a positive impact, and building strong connections.
Tomás García Soler
KU Leuven
NUV-HOP project member since 2024
Hi! My name is Tomás, I’m originally from Spain but I’ve been living in Belgium for the past 10 years. I’m 21 years old and currently studying in my fourth year of Medicine at KU Leuven. Outside of my studies, I love playing sports such as badminton and fitness, and I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family.
This year, I am incredibly excited to join NUV-HOP for the second time. My first experience strengthened my passion for medicine, community work, and health promotion. Ever since I was 10 years old, I’ve known that I wanted to study medicine and take part in meaningful projects — and NUV-HOP truly brings those two passions together.
What I appreciate most about this project is the focus on prevention through health talks, as well as the opportunity to connect with and support local communities. I’m very motivated for this new edition and really looking forward to July!
Yinte Pauwels
Ghent University
NUV-HOP project member since 2025
Hey! My name is Yinte, and I am a second-year Pharmaceutical Sciences student at Ghent University. If I’m not doing experiments in the lab, you’ll probably find me experimenting in the kitchen. Besides cooking for myself and my loved ones, I also enjoy traveling and meeting new people. This year will be my first time joining the NUV HOP project, and I am especially excited to meet the Ugandan students and exchange knowledge and experiences. I’m also really looking forward to meeting my host family and learning more about Ugandan culture and daily life. I can’t wait to take part in the outreaches and be part of such a wonderful team!
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