Orlando West

The TOLEDO EXCEL Program has a 12 year partnership with Orlando West H.S. in Soweto. Orlando West is one the most significant parts of the anti-apartheid struggle. Some of the most active members of the Anti-Apartheid movement were students and Orlando West is thought by some to have been the largest contributer. EXCEL visits Orlando West on every trip to S. Africa and pairs our students with theirs. When our bus arrived on campus their was a great deal of excitement that was at first muted because the students of Orlando were finishing their third day of written exams (multiple choice tests are kind of a joke to these students). However, when we emerged from a meeting with Principal Malindi and Orlando West Department Heads the atmosphere immediately changed. The student government from Orlando West entered the room and the energy level went to 10!!! They embraced and kissed those of us who have visited in the past as they would long lost family members. We were just as excited as to see these beautiful children again and returned the warm welcome. The Orlando West students immediately made our students feel at home embracing them and firing questions about everything from hip-hop and fashion to their feelings about the War in Iraq and the presidential campaign. They had opinions about every key issue in their country AND ours. When we were taken into the school common area outside for a rally the energy level reached 100. Over 1,000 students cheered and clapped, some of them wore UT blue and gold shirts given out last year. They shouted "Toledo, Toledo" or "UT" "UT" We were led to the stage by Mr. Malindi and other staff. One of their students sang the S. African National Anthem in 3 different languages and one of our students Aaron Jones performed the national anthem of the U.S. The Orlando West students performed brilliant original poetry, rap, songs, and we were treated to a performance by the incredible Orlando West Dance Squad as well. They mixed traditional African dance with hip-hop and pantomime. Andrea Hill an EXCEL student who will be a freshman at UT in the fall introduced the other students to sustained screaming, and greeted Orlando West on behalf of all EXCEL students. Victoria Pheifer EXCEL graduating senior, gave the purpose and significance of EXCEL. At the close our students performed an impromptu song and were joined by all the students of Orlando West at each chorus. It was an amazing sight, that had to be seen to be believed. The wonderful thing is that Mark Ramey is a member of our delegation and is documenting the entire trip.