Nhaka Foundation recognizes that emotional security, social competence and ability to learn are largely dependent on early childhood experience. Children who grow up in a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment derive long term benefits, often demonstrated through improved self-esteem, social interaction and school performance at both primary and secondary school.
Conversely, children from insecure and socially disrupted backgrounds, who experience emotional deprivation and lack of stimulation, may develop significant delays across a range of developmental indicators. Research has reported that persistent poverty and under-nutrition can also have similar effects on IQ, school achievement, and socio-emotional functioning.