From Classroom to Community

Jenna Mulji, '22 MPH

Experiential learning has the power to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world change. For Jenna Mulji, a 2022 graduate of the master of public health program, her practicum experience at Action for Healthy Communities (A4HC) in Edmonton was a transformative chapter in her professional and personal journey.

At A4HC, Mulji served as a program assistant for the Health Literacy for Newcomers Program, an initiative dedicated to equipping immigrants and refugees with vital health knowledge. Her role encompassed outreach to health professionals and organizations, and she often found herself leading health literacy sessions tailored to the diverse needs of newcomers. This hands-on experience offered Mulji a unique perspective on public health work.

"I loved my practicum experience primarily because I was able to interact with newcomers directly and work creatively to address their needs. Many public health positions are removed from the populations they aim to serve, but I appreciated the direct interaction I had with people from diverse backgrounds."

The practicum wasn’t just about honing technical skills — it was an opportunity to foster meaningful connections. Mulji learned to navigate cultural differences, address sensitive health topics and witness the ripple effect of accessible information. Participants in the program often shared what they learned with friends and family, amplifying the program’s reach and impact.

"It taught me so much about the impact accessible information and education can have — not just on participants, but on their families and communities as well," Mulji reflected.

These experiences have shaped Mulji’s career path, allowing her to bring the lessons learned at A4HC to a global stage. Today, she works with Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya, improving health access in rural areas. The communication and cross-cultural skills she gained during her practicum have been instrumental in helping her adapt to her new environment.

Her work at A4HC also sparked a passion for health literacy that continues to inspire her projects. Mulji now contributes to Sunshine Connected, a Canadian non-profit aimed at reducing social isolation among older adults. There, she is developing a health literacy program for older adults in marginalized communities — an initiative directly influenced by her practicum experience.

Mulji’s story underscores the profound importance of experiential learning. By engaging directly with the populations she aimed to serve, she not only gained practical skills but also discovered her passions and the transformative power of public health work.

"This experience didn’t just prepare me for my career; it empowered me to make a difference — locally, globally, and in communities I care deeply about."

Mulji’s journey is a testament to the impact of hands-on learning. For students embarking on their own practicum experiences, her story serves as a reminder that real-world application isn’t just an educational tool—it’s a catalyst for meaningful change.