The Making of NhakaBox: Context for Shona Culture in the Diaspora

When I became a mother in late 2022, it was not immediately clear to me that I could apply some of my professional expertise to the day to day experience of understanding, responding to, and anticipating the needs of our baby. As our baby became more ‘independent’ - from rolling over to saying their first words - my husband and I began to consider the questions of language, heritage, and belonging for our child. We wanted our child to feel a true sense of belonging as a Zimbabwean and be able to navigate the Netherlands, where we live, comfortably in Dutch and English. But how?

Knowing the words and speaking the language are only one part of fostering a sense of belonging. To feel a true sense of belonging, you need to understand the cultural values and traditions that shape how the language is used. I found so many resources to teach and learn the basics of Shona - from body parts and greetings to food and animals - but nothing delved into the cultural nuances that foster a true sense of belonging. This challenge resonated with some of my professional experiences working with governments and organizations to make sense of connected but disparate data. I realized that I could apply my professional skills to create a meaningful solution for my family and others who want to connect with their Shona heritage.

Introducing NhakaBox - unlocking the treasures of Shona culture one box at a time. NhakaBox physical and digital products break down and explain Shona cultural concepts through games, imagery, and engaging activities. Our flagship set of products, the Hukama PaChiShona Box, facilitate a deep understanding of Shona family relationships through visualizations and games that can be enjoyed as a family.

I'm excited to share NhakaBox with you and I would love your help in bringing it to Zimbabweans and Shona people around the world!

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