Challenges Young Universities in Zimbabwe Face to Create and Ensure a Healthy Learning Environment and Academic Excellence

Abstract

"Health is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being” (Berry, 2002, p.4). A healthy institutional environment is one in which the institution's setting supports students' health and well-being and helps them build a strong foundation for learning (Healthy School Campaign, Chicago). The authors of this paper believe that such an institution would recognize health as an integral part of excellence in education and would provide both lecturers and students with an enabling environment, knowledge and skills to create a healthy institutional environment. This paper will explore the meaning of a healthy learning environment and academic excellence before looking at the challenges which young universities in Zimbabwe encounter as they try to create a healthy learning environment and to ensure academic excellence. In light of those challenges, some recommendations will be made. This paper is based on the experiences of the authors of the paper as they taught some universities in Zimbabwe. While the literature may refer to schools and teachers, the authors of this paper believe that what the literature depicts is equally relevant to universities and lecturers.