The Howard University Haitian Students Association (HSA) remained hopeful despite the earthquake that took place in Haiti days ago leaving over 100,000 people dead. In an effort to help alleviate the situation in Haiti, students took immediate action as they brainstormed possible ways to donate.
Students gathered inside the School of Business to give their testimonies. Roberte Exantus, junior political science major and president of the HSA, still has yet to hear from her parents who are both victims of the disaster.
“I feel very numb right now. I still have yet to hear from both of my parents. I’m running on a day and a half with no sleep. Haiti has been through so much. The heart of Haiti is in shambles, we need the heart of the Diaspora to help,” Exantus said.
Exantus was not the only student in attendance with family in Haiti. During a prayer session, each person had the opportunity to say aloud any family or friends they hoped were in safe conditions. Over half of the room spoke aloud.
“The families are all in our prayers. I know that we want to help as much as we can. The only thing now is we may have to hold off on the clothes and shoes. Monetary donations are our best bet right now,” said Jerome Joseph, HUSA vice president.
Students from the University of Maryland at College Park (UMD) came to the gathering to express their regards. Nnkemka Anyiwo, a sophomore psychology major, traveled to the meeting in hopes of collaborating with Howard University on an initiative to help.
“There is a lot of devastation going on in Haiti. Since UMD is out of session and there is no one there to connect with me, I wanted to connect with the students here at Howard and make some things happen,” said Anyiwo.
As a result of the student concerns of relief funds not going directly to Haiti, the Haitian Student Association suggested donating to Yéle Haiti, singer Wyclef Jean’s Haitian Foundation.
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