Cape Town — IT MAY look like a normal face-brick building, but the students and teachers at Isilimela Comprehensive in Langa have turned their school into a vibrant centre of cultural and educational exchange.

Last year the school hosted students from Denmark and in February this year it entertained a group of teachers and students from Seattle.

Next year should see another group of students from America living and learning with their counterparts in Langa.

Isilimela hopes to make its exchange programme less one-way in November, with 15 students and three teachers from the school bringing South African culture to Seattle.

Zaza Plulbelwana, an English teacher at the school, said the exchanges had had a "huge impact" on improving students' self-confidence and ability to express themselves effectively.

"It is amazing how much the students have learnt from these exchanges: they are able to communicate better, are far more ready to engage in debate and are much more self-assured."

Babalwa Zokufe, one of the Grade 10's who hosted the Seattle students, said they "weren't that different" from her friends.

"They did have some funny ideas - I think they expected us to dance around the fire in loincloths and they were a bit surprised that we didn't use elephants for transport. I think they watched a bit too much 'Discovery Channel'.

"They were quite messy and spent a lot of time in the bathroom, but they were nice."

Siyabonga Shwala planned to take his kwaito CDs to America, to expose Seattle to the talents of Mandoza and Bongo Maffin.

All the students interviewed said they hoped to "change peoples' minds" about Africa and promote the continent as a "positive place".

Mathusa Qokweni, the school's headmistress, said she was "very excited" about the school's planned visit to Seattle.

A total of 15 students and three teachers, who all hosted American students and teachers from Roosevelt High for a week during February, will be hosted by their previous guests.

"After we hosted the students from Denmark last year, we really hoped to visit them later in 2001 but we weren't smart - we sent letters asking for sponsorship to businesses and we sat back.

This year we are making sure that our students are able to go overseas."

Roosevelt High has agreed to pay the air fares of 10 students and one teacher, leaving the school to raise return air fares for five students and two teachers - as well as the money for all the students and teachers' passports and visas.

As part of its fund-raising efforts, Isilimela will be hosting a carnival in August and has already secured sponsorship from Coca-Cola and Pick 'n Pay.

Isilimela has also engaged in several exchanges with students and teachers from Groote Schuur High School in Newlands.

"Many of the Groote Schuur parents are still scared of allowing their children to stay in the township, but we hope that, through these events, they will have their preconceptions challenged," teacher Judy Qonongo said.