Patience Makwele

A childhood marked by poverty, loss and self-doubt has inspired Namibian philanthropist and Geologist Monica Tangeni-Omua to publish her debut book, A Village Girl with a Mighty God, which she hopes will encourage young people to persevere through life’s challenges.

According to Tangeni-Omua the book will be launched at Avani Windhoek Hotel on 15 August, with tickets already sold out ahead of the event.

Tangeni-Omua said the memoir draws from her own experiences growing up in Eemwandi village in northern Namibia before building a professional career despite difficult circumstances.

Instead of portraying hardship as the end of the story, she said the book reflects how faith, resilience and personal growth helped shape her journey.

“It was through certain events that occurred in my life that I realised my deepest wounds could become somebody else’s source of hope,” she said.

The author, who works as a Geologist , said writing the book allowed her to reflect on moments that almost derailed her life and transform them into lessons for others.

She said growing up in a remote village surrounded by poverty often created the impression that opportunities were limited.

“I grew up in so much poverty and lost my mother at an early age but I went on to build a corporate career,” she said.

She added that the publication is intended particularly for young people who feel discouraged by setbacks or uncertain about their future.

“It’s a book for somebody who has found themselves stopped so many times. Sometimes victory is found in the small steps that you keep taking,” she said.

The memoir combines personal recollections with reflections on faith and resilience, exploring how difficult seasons can become turning points rather than permanent obstacles.

She said her Christian faith became the foundation that carried her through some of the most challenging periods of her life.

“Being a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t fall. The beauty is that you are always falling forward,” she said.

Tangeni-Omua completed the manuscript in about five months and described it as the first instalment of a planned three-book series.

Beyond celebrating the launch, she hopes the conversations sparked by the book will encourage more young Namibians to share their own stories and recognise that personal struggles do not define their future.

“Storms do not last. Sometimes when you are in a dark place, you think there is no way out but the sun will rise again,” she said.

She added that people should not underestimate the impact their experiences can have on others.

“Sometimes God restores your heart and then uses your story to restore somebody else.”

Copies of A Village Girl with a Mighty God will be available through Book Den, Exclusive Books at Grove Mall and the online platform Book Lovers Namibia for N$250.