Lahja Nashuuta 

HENRIETTE Kashinasha Nehemia is a senior librarian at the Nathaniel Maxwilili Community Library, in Katutura, Windhoek and she is, responsible for managing, supervising, and training staff members as well as ensuring library provisions meet the needs of all its users. 

In addition, Nehemia is also responsible for monitoring the dissemination of information about the library to the community through print and electronic media, as well as exhibitions. 

Hailing from Oshitutuma village in the Omusati region, Nehemia is not a new comer to the public service. 

She started her career in 2016 an intern at the Windhoek community library. Upon completing her Honours degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Namibia, Nehemia got a job at Onankali North Combined School in Ohangwena region and later moved to Epako High School in Omaheke region as a librarian. 

She is also an authority in early literacy development as she holds an Early Literacy Development certificate from the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions. 

Besides her supervisory role, Nehemia also offers computer classes to out-of-school youth and pupils that have an interest in the programme and most importantly, she organizes early literacy development programmes for little children. 

Nehemia strongly believes that her expertise within the ministry of education enables her to foster inclusivity, promote education, and create a sense of community by providing a diverse range of resources that support lifelong learning, cultural awareness, and social engagement. 

“As a librarian, I don’t just organise and provide access to a wealth of information, but I act as an information gatekeeper by guiding individuals in navigating vast resources and promoting critical thinking skills. With the knowledge that I possess in ICT I contribute to digital literacy, ensuring that society can effectively utilise and navigate the information landscape,” she said.

Joining public service 

Nehemia draws inspiration from her father who served the government as a soldier. 

“My father inspired me to join the public service. 

My dream was to work for the government as a soldier but unfortunately, that didn’t turn out well for me. I found myself working for the government but as a passionate librarian and I love what I do,” she said. 

She however emphasised that career development offered in government was one of the benefits that attracted her to the public service. 

“The government, in collaboration with private sector, hosts training workshops and seminars that enhance our career development. They grant us opportunities to further our studies, they provide us affordable medical aid and housing allowance schemes,” said Nehemia. 

She further said every job has challenges, but it’s through those challenges that one is driven to make a difference. 

“What’s most challenging about my job is access to internet connectivity, inadequate library materials and space. We serve a large community and therefore space becomes a challenge during exams. Through all this, we utilise the little we have and ensure that we perform our duties,” she said. 

She said what is fulfilling about her job is getting positive feedback every time she assists client. “It makes me proud of myself and the work I do,” she said. 

Among the most memorable moments, Nehemia proudly mentioned the moment she successfully set up the Epako High School library by herself. 

“That there was hard work for me, and I provided the learners with a warm, conducive learning environment,” she recalls.

Nehemia also recalled a scenario when she and other employees of Maxwilili community library assisted a wheelchair bound boy with items he needed.

“It’s not always about office work, humanity also plays a role in what we do,” she said. 

Public services misconceptions

Asked her take on claims that civil servants are unproductive and inefficient, Nehemia said such a statement is not true.

“I disagree with this sentiment. Some individuals perceive public servants as lazy and unproductive, but I believe that’s a misperception. We have highly educated, well-resourced, goal-driven, passionate, and capable public servants who perform their duties diligently. These people are making a difference in the communities they serve even though their achievements are not always recognized by the public,” she said. 

Asked how long she plans to work in the public service, Nehemia maintained that she cannot predict the future. 

“Currently I don’t have any plans of leaving the public sector, therefore I will be here for as long as I can. I would like to immensely grow in the Library and Information profession, work with different stakeholders, and make an impact to ensure that we have a knowledge-based society,” she said. 

On a personal level, Nehemia revealed that she is working on growing her skills as well as expanding her knowledge-base and expertise.

“I would like to further my studies and build on my career development,” she said. 

- lnashuuta@gmail.com