The journey to creating NhakaBox began in 2022 when I became a mother. Living in the Netherlands with my husband, we faced a challenge familiar to many diaspora families: how do we connect our child with Zimbabwean heritage while maintaining fluency in Dutch and English?
The Gap in Existing Resources
As I searched for educational materials, I found plenty of 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.
I wanted more than vocabulary lists. I wanted tools that would help my child understand why Shona culture is the way it is, not just what words mean.
From Data to Culture
Drawing on my professional background in data analysis, I recognized an opportunity to apply these skills toward creating culturally substantive educational products. The same principles that help make complex data accessible could help make cultural concepts tangible and engaging.
NhakaBox emerged as the solution—a collection of physical and digital offerings designed to illuminate Shona cultural concepts through interactive games, visual aids, and family-centered activities.
The Hukama PaChiShona Box
Our flagship offering, the Hukama PaChiShona Box, focuses specifically on family relationships within Shona culture. In Shona tradition, understanding your place within the family network is fundamental to your identity. The box presents these relationships through visualizations and collaborative games that the whole family can enjoy together.
Join Our Journey
We're just getting started. Every product we create is designed to spark conversations, strengthen family bonds, and keep Shona culture alive for the next generation—no matter where in the world they call home.
Follow us on Instagram @nhakabox for updates, and don't hesitate to reach out through our contact form with partnership inquiries or product suggestions.
Tatenda!