By: Ahaji Schreffler

The Drexel Haiti Literary Tour is an intensive study abroad program that brings a small group of Creative Writing students to Haiti to explore the literary and artistic movements in the post-earthquake rebuilding. Drexel students engage with contemporary and emerging Haitian writers in writing workshops and discussions, sharing their culture, inspirations, and experiences. This is the brain child of Professor Harriet Millan, who partnered with me to develop the program. As the inaugural 2013 Literary Tour was being developed, Prof. Millan suggested that the Drexel students be involved in fundraising for Love Orphanage and visit the orphanage on arrival day. I hadn’t thought to intersect my personal passion of working with Love Orphanage and the Drexel program, but it instantly seemed like a perfect fit! Not only would the children benefit from fundraising and welcoming our Drexel group to Haiti, it would add a dimension of service and much needed perspective to the Drexel experience.

During our first Drexel fundraiser, the Drexel students prepared presentations about famous Haitian authors and artists, food was shared, and money collected. All in all, the Drexel group raised nearly $2000 of the total $6100 collected here http://www.youcaring.com/loveorphanage. Upon arrival to Haiti, our first stop was Love Orphanage! They welcomed us with open arms, smiling faces, and delicious Haitian lunch. Gabriel’s parents even traveled from Gonaive to welcome us. Despite the language barrier, the children and our Drexel students found a way to connect, sharing laughter and mutual appreciation. These moments together were truly special and set the tone for the rest of our program. We are so happy to have formed a relationship between Drexel and Love Orphanage and can’t wait to return with a new group of Drexel students in 2014!