Photo: OPM
By: Annakleta Haikera
At just 14 years old, Namibian author Jobina Shovaleka is making her mark in the literary world after writing two books while still attending primary school.
Shovaleka recently launched her second book, We Will Always Remember That One Girl Named Lilly, alongside the launch of the Jobina Shovaleka Foundation, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare officiating at the launch.
Her first book, The Aliens, was written when she was only eight years old and published last year after several years of delay.
Speaking at the launch, Ngurare highlighted Shovaleka’s achievement, describing it as extraordinary for a young person still attending primary school to have written two books.
“Whoever, in our wildest dreams, imagined that a 14-year-old girl can write two books while attending primary school?” the keynote speaker asked.
The launch marked not only a personal achievement for Shovaleka but also the beginning of an initiative intended to create opportunities for other young Namibians.
The Jobina Shovaleka Foundation will focus on literacy and reading, educational support, young authors and creative talent, as well as health awareness.
It also aims to assist underprivileged children with school fees and, where resources permit, boarding or school accommodation.
The foundation will further encourage and support young Namibian authors and aspiring writers.
Shovaleka said children need encouragement and opportunities to develop their talents and understand that they can make a meaningful contribution to the country.
She expressed hope that the foundation would become a platform through which children could be encouraged to read, write, learn, create and believe in themselves.
Ngurare also highlighted the importance of perseverance, noting that writers often face rejection, self-doubt and setbacks but should remain committed to their dreams.
Quoting English author Terry Pratchett, he said: “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”
Through her books and newly launched foundation, Shovaleka hopes to encourage more children to discover the power of reading, writing and storytelling while inspiring young people to pursue their ambitions.
annakletahaikera@eaglefm.com.na
