NATURE OF SELIBA SA BOITHUTO

Seliba Sa Boithuto is a non-denominational, non-political, non-profit making, voluntary Society.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim:
The aim of the Society is to support the efforts of those people, who wish to be responsible for their own learning.

Objectives:
The objective of the Society is to run the Learning Centre: Seliba Sa Boithuto, so as to provide the independent learners with:

• a quiet place to learn;
• learning materials;
• peer-learning network; and
• a network of tutors.

• organised courses;
• time-tables; or
• examinations.

• rent or organise the building of the Centre;
• acquire funds for and buy relevant learning materials, furniture and equipment;
• organise and encourage peer-learning;
• organise and train tutors to help the learners;
• make the learners 'own' the Centre;
• run the operation of the Centre; and
• sell any necessary materials and items.

THE USE OF THE LEARNING CENTRE

LEARNERS
Learners are paid-up members of the Society, who wish to learn on their own.

The Centre will not provide teaching, and not organise testing or examinations.
The learners must be self-motivated and be prepared to learn from the materials provided.

During the starting period the Centre aims to help those who wish to study for the Junior Certificate or C.O.S.C. examinations, or who wish to learn Basic Computer Skills: It is hoped that in future the number of fields of study can be increased.

TUTORS
Tutors are people who help the independent learners by providing guidance and counseling.
Tutors are not teachers, and they may be required to undergo training in counseling and guidance skills. They may also receive an honorarium for their services.

WHAT DOES THE CENTRE PROVIDE

1. A quiet place to study

A learner can come to the Centre at any time during the arranged opening times, pay the users' fee, use the materials available, consult with the tutors or study in pairs or in groups. Tables and chairs can be arranged for individual or group work. It is clear that some rules and regulations must be followed so that nobody interferes with the work of the other learners. The Centre may provide sessions on:

1. the Use Of The Centre; and
2. Study and/or Examination Skills.


2. Materials

The learning materials can only be used by the learner at the Centre. It is not a lending library. Steps must be taken that none of the materials leave the Centre.
A photocopier can be used at cost price to copy essential sections of the materials, or tests, which can be worked at home.
The Centre will provide Self-Study Materials, Text Books, Reference Books, Syllabi, Assignments, Tests and Exam Papers (with answers for the learners to check their work).
Also available are Computers, a printer and essential software and computer handbooks.
The Centre also owns a Video Recorder and a number of Educational Video Tapes. These can be seen, while using headphones, so as not to disturb the other learners.
Learners are asked to make suggestions for more materials to be acquired, depending on the availability of funds.



3. PEER Learning

The Centre positively encourages learners, who study the same subjects or topics, to work together. This Peer Learning has these advantages:

1. it will break the feeling of isolation;
2. it can create better motivation;
3. a learner can often explain better to a fellow learner than a tutor; and
4. it can maintain better study discipline.


4. What can learners expect from a TUTOR
1. Tutors can help learners to plan their work
2. tutors can direct learners to relevant or supplementary materials; and
3. tutors can help learners with specific problems encountered during their study.


5. What Tutors will not do
1. Teach a course or a whole topic;
2. mark test- or examination papers; and
3. do the assignments of the learners.

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THE LEARNERS

• to study quietly so as not to disturb any other learners; and to speak softly, when consulting another learner or a tutor.
• not to write in any book or on assignment sheets; and
• to keep appointments made with a tutor.

WHO CAN USE THE LEARNING CENTRE

Membership is open to all individuals, who

• wish to make use of the Learning Centre, or
• are interested in the promotion of the aims of the Society, andr
• have participated in an orientation course.

You must pay some fees:

• an Annual Subscription Fee of M50.00; and
• a member Users Fee of M3.00 per day, or a casual Users Fee of M5.00 per day.

Seliba Sa Boithuto has approached Donors for the capital costs of the Centre, but the Running Costs should be the responsibility of the learners.
The running costs are primarily:

• rent of the premises;
• maintenance of materials and equipment;
• tutors' honoraria; and
• administrative costs.



LOCATION AND OPENING TIMES

The Centre is located at
its own site at Ha Tsautse, above IEMS
and the junction of the Mpilo Boulevard and the Main South Road.


Larger view of the map

The Centre is open at the following times:

Monday to Friday	8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday	10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday	9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.




STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIETY

There is a Steering Committee consisting of a Chair-person, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, the Organiser and Deputy-Organiser of the Centre, a representative of the Learners and a representative of the Tutors. The Steering Committee is responsible for the running of the Centre and is elected during the Annual General Meeting.

During the Annual General Meeting of all paid-up members important issues about finances, available materials, users' fees, opening times, rules and regulations, etc... are reported and decided upon.

go to top