Student Profile: Strengthening Health Systems in Malawi
Student Profile: Vv Volpi
In Malawi, Vv Volpi (center) joined district teams on field visits and helped turn program data into quarterly reports for Project HOPE’s ANAPA project, which supports children and youth.
Project at A Glance
Practicum Location
Blantyre, Malawi
Focus Areas
Monitoring & Evaluation | Health Systems Strengthening | Quality Improvement | HIV Programming
Degree & Department
MPH, International Health & Sustainable Development
WSPH Faculty Advisor
[Faculty advisor name and profile link]
Partner Organizations
Project HOPE
About Project HOPE
Project HOPE was founded in 1958 with the objective of improving health outcomes in underserved communities worldwide. Operating in more than 25 countries, the organization partners with local governments, health systems, and communities to strengthen healthcare delivery, workforce capacity, and overall access to care.
Future Plans
Find a position in public health programming, preferably in the public or nonprofit sector. If I have the opportunity to work for Project HOPE, even better!
Project Details
What are you doing in your practicum?
I am working with Project HOPE Namibia, a non-profit with headquarters in Namibia. The project I am working on in Malawi is called ANAPA (Ana ndi Achinyamata Patsogolo Activity), or "Children and Youth First." I'm supporting its various teams by assisting with monitoring and evaluation, quality improvement initiatives, program data analysis, and technical reporting across multiple districts.
A large part of my work involves accompanying district teams on field visits, observing community- and household-level services, reviewing program data to identify implementation gaps, challenges, and opportunities, and helping develop quarterly reports. I also contribute to identifying success stories that help inform future programming and donor reporting for the next quarter.
How did this opportunity come about?
My mentor, Mr. Chris Skopec, now the President of Project HOPE US, offered me this opportunity. I met him two years ago at a networking event, and he has become one of the most influential mentors in my academic and professional career. Earlier this year, I mentioned that I was interested in completing my Applied Practice Experience abroad. After months of coordinating logistics, we organized this international practicum with its sister organization, Project HOPE Namibia, supporting the ANAPA Project in Malawi.
What advice do you have for other students to make the most of their time at Tulane?
First, try to say "yes" to any experience or opportunity that comes your way while you're abroad, whether it's trying new foods, attending local events, or taking trips. Trust me, it will be worth it! My host family took me to a Malawian wedding reception and an Independence Day festival during my first week. Both were such beautiful and unique experiences.
Second, no matter how prepared you feel beforehand, you'll often have to step outside your comfort zone because everything is new. Part of making the most of your experience is leaning into that discomfort and trusting yourself.
Interested in an International APE?
Are you a student interested in pursuing an APE internationally or participating in other WSPH international opportunities? Visit here to find out more.