Our Profile Pick Of The Week

Meet Mr Nauto Tekaiara, Our Profile Pick of the Week

Profile of Mr. Nauto Tekaiara: A Legacy of Service in Education and Faith

Mr. Nauto Tekaiara, a respected educator and leader in Kiribati, has dedicated his life to the advancement of the nation’s education system. His journey is one marked by decades of service, beginning from his early days in education and continuing to his pivotal role in church leadership. Mr. Tekaiara’s life story is one of transformation, perseverance, and deep commitment to both education and faith.

Early Life and Career in Education (1956-1987)

Born on May 14, 1956, Mr. Tekaiara was raised in a strong Catholic family, where his early years were grounded in the Catholic faith. He followed in the footsteps of his family, becoming an active member of the Catholic community during his youth and throughout the early part of his career. Mr. Tekaiara’s professional journey began in 1978 when he entered the teaching profession at Naka Community High School on Makin Island. His passion for education led him to move to Nikierere Primary School in Marakei in 1981.

In 1982, Mr. Tekaiara’s contributions to education expanded when he took on the role of Curriculum Writer at the Kiribati Teachers College’s Curriculum Development Unit, a position he held until 1987. His work in this role was instrumental in developing educational resources that continue to shape the national curriculum today. In 1988, Mr. Tekaiara became an Assistant English Lecturer at the Kiribati Teachers College, where he mentored many future educators. His dedication to education led him to pursue further leadership roles in the Ministry of Education.

Growing Leadership in Education (1988-2004)

From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Tekaiara served as a Non-Formal Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, focusing on providing education to preschool children and out-of-school youth. His commitment to ensuring education for all led to his promotion in 1998 as Senior Education Officer for Tertiary Education, Training, and Non-Formal Education, where he worked to improve tertiary and vocational training opportunities for young people in Kiribati.

In 2003, Mr. Tekaiara was appointed Deputy Director of Education in the Ministry of Education, a position he held until 2004. His efforts in this role were vital in shaping national educational policies and programs that addressed the diverse needs of the country’s education system. His work continued to have a lasting impact on the future of education in Kiribati.

Further Leadership (2005-2018)

In 2005, Mr. Tekaiara’s career took him to the Kiribati’s Teachers College in Bukenibeu Tarawa, where he served as the Principal until 2007. This experience allowed him to further develop his administrative skills and gain insight into educational practices. After retirement, he went to the Marshall Islands to teach and took on the role of Vice Principal at Northern Islands High School from 2008 to 2018. He also led accreditation teams for schools in both Northern Islands High School and Laura High School in the Marshalls during this time, ensuring that these schools met international education standards.

Transformation of Faith (2012-2018)

While working in the Marshall Islands, Mr. Tekaiara experienced a profound spiritual transformation. Although raised in a Catholic family, he found a new path in his faith in the Seventh-Day Adventist and in 2012, he was baptized into the SDA Church at the Majuro Church. This marked a pivotal moment in his life, as he embraced a new spiritual direction that would deeply influence his future service to both the church and his community.

Continued Leadership in Education and Faith (2019-Present)

Mr. Tekaiara’s dedication to education did not stop after his retirement from public service. He continued his work as an educator by serving as the School Accreditation Team Leader for both Laura High School and Northern Islands High School in the Marshall Islands. These roles allowed him to further contribute to educational excellence in the Pacific region.

In 2021, Mr. Tekaiara became an Elder at the SDA Laura Church in RMI, continuing his spiritual journey and leadership within the Adventist faith. He served in this role until 2022 and also contributed as a member of the Marshall Island SDA Mission’s School Board. Upon returning to Kiribati, he joined the Bikenibeu SDA Church where he assumed the role of Elder in 2023.

In 2025, Mr. Tekaiara was appointed as the Evangelism Department Leader at SDA Bikenibeu Church, where he leads the church's efforts to spread the message of Christ to all corners of Kiribati. His leadership in evangelism reflects his deep commitment to his new faith and his mission to serve his community spiritually.

Translation Work and Church Contributions

In addition to his leadership and evangelistic roles, Mr. Tekaiara has also made a significant contribution to the spiritual lives of the SDA community in Kiribati. Recognizing the importance of making the gospel accessible to all, he was entrusted with the task of translating the SDA Adult Sabbath School Lessons into the Kiribati vernacular language. This project has been widely appreciated by members of the church, as it allows them to engage more deeply with the teachings of the Bible in their native language. Mr. Tekaiara’s translation work has had a profound impact on the church's outreach and spiritual development in Kiribati, enabling many members to strengthen their faith and understanding of God’s word.

A Life Dedicated to Service and Faith

Mr. Tekaiara’s life has been characterized by a commitment to both educational excellence and spiritual service. From his early years as a Catholic to his transformative journey to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Mr. Tekaiara’s faith has been central to his actions. His career in education, which spans teaching, administration, curriculum development, and leadership roles in school accreditation, has made him one of Kiribati’s most influential figures in the educational sector. His contributions to the national education system and his leadership in international initiatives have helped shape the future of education in Kiribati and the Pacific region.

As a spiritual leader, Mr. Tekaiara continues to inspire and guide those around him, making a lasting impact in the SDA Church and the wider Kiribati community. Through his dedication to both education and faith, Mr. Tekaiara has built a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of educators and leaders in Kiribati.