Robertson

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Volunteer Work in Robertson

In Robertson, and the surrounding townships and villages, there are many different volunteer opportunities. Placements include those with a regional focus, such as farm schools for the children of farm workers, or day cares and schools in township areas where children may have developmental delays due to a history of alcohol and other forms of abuse in the family. Volunteer work could also include placements with a continental focus, where volunteers may work in support centers for families affected by HIV/AIDS, among others.

• Caregiving : Volunteers can care for children in daycare centers, assisting caregivers with the daily routine and providing extra support for the children. Volunteers also have the opportunity to care for people with disabilities where they’ll be able to provide individualized attention and stimulation.
• Teaching : Volunteers support teachers and lead their own lessons in local farm schools for children of farm workers, and in primary and high schools in the townships around Robertson. Volunteers work closely with the students to teach English, songs and games, as well as specialized topics, such as basic computer skills and or math.
• Healthcare : Volunteers have the opportunity to shadow doctors at the local hospital in Robertson as well as provide administrative or project assistance to the nursing staff. Volunteers can work with people affected by HIV/AIDS through providing companionship and care in a residential care facility, or assist in hospice care centers. Volunteers work may include a wide range of activities, such as assisting home-based community care givers in their daily household visits to patients in the surrounding disadvantaged communities.

Volunteer Abroad and Intern Abroad programs are offered in Robertson. Placements are always designed to match your skills and interests to the needs identified by the community.

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Cultural & Learning Activities in Robertson

Cultural & Learning Activities in Robertson showcase the history and beauty of this small town that traditional tourists would not usually see. These activities may include farm visits, an introduction to traditional music, dance, and sports in the region, and visits to local wineries to learn about the production of wine and its impacts on the community, both positive and negative.

Other important learning opportunities include language classes in isiXhosa and Afrikaans, traditional cooking lessons, and insightful discussions with guest speakers on topics such as the history, origins, and legacy of apartheid, the effects of HIV/AIDS and fetal alcohol syndrome, and other social challenges facing Robertson and South Africa. Guest speakers are community leaders, including local experts on social issues. Local excursions are also offered and may include township tours to meet local artists and musicians or a historical walking tour.

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Free Time in Robertson

The Cross-Cultural Solutions Home-Base in Robertson is located a 10-minute drive from the town center of Robertson so the CCS staff driver will make scheduled, daily trips for volunteers who want to enjoy their free afternoons in the community. In the town center, volunteers can access the Internet café, visit local farmer's markets or museums, enjoy coffee shops, antique and art galleries, and more.

The mountainous area and beautiful scenic vistas make Robertson a great place for those interested in the outdoors—there are plenty of nature walks, hiking trails, bird and wildlife sanctuaries, and other wildlife reserves. Horseback and ostrich riding, quad biking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities are also accessible. Hot springs and a Zen meditation retreat are also within a close distance from Robertson.

On weekends, volunteers may choose to explore the historical area of Cape Town, touring the many galleries and museums of an international city, or stay in Robertson, interacting with local residents and enjoying the serene and peaceful country landscape. Weekends are also ideal for visits to other areas, such as Cape Point & Cape Peninsula, Africa's Southern tip, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and others were imprisoned during apartheid. For those interested in seeing other areas of South Africa, such as Johannesburg, Durban, or the nearby Cape Overberg, Cape Town is a hub for travel to all parts of the country.

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Home-Base in Robertson

The Home-Base in Robertson, South Africa is located on a quiet street conveniently located in town. Volunteers are in walking distance from shops, restaurants, parks, art galleries, and more. Living in Robertson means having the best of both worlds—the safety and close-knit feel of a small farm town, and easy accessibility to internationally sought-after South African locations including Cape Town and vineyards. Around Robertson, CCS volunteers will enjoy walking trails, bird watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, and much more.

Meals will be provided by staff cooks at the Home-Base and will showcase a variety of healthy, local cuisine. Transportation to and from your volunteer placement and any Cultural & Learning Activities in Robertson are also provided by a licensed CCS driver.

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In-Country Staff in Robertson

Cross-Cultural Solutions staff in Robertson will welcome you to the community, make you feel at home, and help you better understand South African culture and history. They will help facilitate your volunteer experience and are always available to answer any questions that may arise. CCS staff is always from the region where we operate—they provide a local perspective, help you learn the local language, and can guide you in what you do in your free time.

All of our in-country staff members are warm, loving people who will make sure you are well cared for. Each CCS program site has a Country Director or Program Director and a full staff to take care of all programming, administrative, and logistical needs, as well as housekeepers, drivers, house guards, and cooks. Because the staff office is typically located at the CCS Home-Base, a helping hand is always near.

Country Director: Luann Mabakoena Hatane
Luann received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Cape Town. She has 15 years experience working on civil society strengthening, policy development, and community mobilization. She was HIV/AIDS Coordinator with responsibility for the management of all HIV/AIDS initiatives for CARE in Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. Luann also served as Executive Director of the Western Cape Networking AIDS Community of South Africa and was the Project Coordinator with Cape Town’s Salesian Institute supervising the management, assessment, and residential care of 30 street youths. She is trained as a social worker.