Creating the right environment for learning

Andrew Mangwarara

AS educational institutions, schools need to have an environment that is safe and conducive to learning.

You get this feeling when you visit Bishopslea Preparatory School for Girls in Belvedere, Harare.

The school was established in 1932.

From the entrance, you are impressed by the row of queen palms (arecastrum romanzoffianum) on the side of the road, with a well-maintained lawn to complete the picture.

It is a beautiful site that invites one to explore the premises.

The Bishopslea Preparatory School for Girls scenario demonstrates that even learning institutions need to green up and create the right environment for study.

In the car park are giant specimens of the king palm (roystonea regia).

Adjacent to this space is a roundabout with lavender bushes (lavandula officinalis) around.

The gate to the reception area was well-designed, with two date palms (phoenix canariensis) sitting opposite each.

In front of them are several pots.

What a sight, especially when you consider healthy specimens of the Japanese sago palm, tree philonderon and the golden cane palm in them!

As if that is not enough, the landscaper put up a water pond with a fountain in the middle, a feature that refreshes visitors as they park their vehicles.

The palms in front of the school yard are complemented by different beds of flowers.

Even a grouping of roses can be seen in the mix.

Beautiful specimens of the flamboyant tree (delonix regia) provide shade in the car park area, together with the pepper tree (schinus molle), among others.

Children can sit on the concrete benches during break times.

In this area, bird of paradise plants (strelitzia reginae) can be noticed, to one’s amusement.

Walking around the school, one will be amazed by the number of sitting areas provided for children to relax.

Even the green sports fields are a sight to behold as they are well-trimmed.

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