The Onameya community library in the Oshikoto Region is on the verge of collapse due to a lack of funds.

Established in 2023, the library has become a pillar of support for villagers and learners seeking to read and write.

The library is the brainchild of Oshikoto resident Regina Kandishishi, who set it up near her home.

The 32-year-old Kandishishi, who used his own resources to put up the structure, said the aim is to promote a reading culture and give back to the community, despite being unemployed at the time.

“We still need help to build a better library, to renovate the roof since it is bad and resulted in the library closing its doors in December 2025.”

She is requesting a solar system to electrify the library, among other things.

Her mother, Anna Kandishishi, is appealing to Good Samaritans for assistance. 

"My daughter made an effort to construct this structure for learners to study in, but due to funding challenges and a lack of finances, this is the situation we find ourselves in. She had to remove the books because they were damaged by rain. We are in need of zinc sheets to provide a roof that does not leak. We also have grass on top to prevent the structure from overheating. Most of the learners who used to study here have now progressed to secondary school and are staying in hostels, for which we are thankful. This is the shelf where the books were kept.”

Residents also appealed to the public and businesses for financial support.

“That is the benefit I got, including many learners in the community. We need help to raise the library again to open and bring some new books that are helping the learners,” explained Nathaniel Shaalukeni.

"We are appealing respectfully to uplift this library; it has brought development change here in the remote areas, and secondly, it helped our children with their homework and assignments," added Ndinelao Nghilukilwa.

Kandishishi spent nearly N$16,000 on building materials and labour.

The library is located to the west of Omuthiya.