Indian Nurses Program • Van Woustraat Trust

The Hannie Biwott Nursing Training Program

In partnership with Shamir Medical Center and with support from Israeli government education funding, the Hannie Biwott Nursing Training Program was created to open doors for academically qualified students from underserved communities, starting with the Bnei Menasheh (Shevet Menashe) community. This initiative was sparked by Rivka Rei, a retired Jewish National Fund staff member and sister of the daughter-in-law of a close friend. Rivka, driven to support her community’s future, secured partial government backing but lacked the remaining funds to launch the program. She reached out and I stepped in to help bring this vision to life.

– Hannie Biwott

The program offers a rigorous four-year academic nursing degree through Israel’s oldest and largest academic nursing school, affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Since government funds do not cover students’ living and travel expenses, VWT filled this gap. Hannie’s contribution ensures these dedicated students can succeed in their studies and go on to make meaningful contributions to Israeli society.

Today, the program has expanded beyond its original 12 Bnei Menasheh students to include 10 low-income nursing students from all backgrounds each year. Students receive comprehensive support covering tuition, dormitories, registration fees, mentorship, and more. In return, they commit to five years of service as registered nurses in government hospitals across Israel, strengthening the healthcare system while transforming their own lives and communities.

This is more than a scholarship. It is a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and impact.

An award ceremony took place in Spring 2022 to recognize the outstanding services of nurses.

This took place at the Shamir Medical Centre, Assaf Harofeh, which is the fourth largest hospital in Israel.

Hannie Biwott, who is recognized for her efforts in assisting with the education of nursing, attended the ceremony as the guest of honour, handing out the awards to each recipient.

Two nurses received awards, both who work at the Shamir Medical Centre, one in the hospice and the other psychiatry departments.

Other nurses in attendance received certificates of honour.

Each recipient was selected by a committee of senior officials in the healthcare system in Israel.

SHAMIR Nurse Academy

HUMANITY IN NURSING – October 7th, 2023 War

Accelerated BSN Nursing Program
Final Project
Route March 2022

Sponsored by Hannie Biwott, this video production was created for historical and educational purposes in support of the Shamir Nurse Academy’s Humanity in Nursing: Accelerated Trauma Training in response to the events of October 7 and their aftermath.