Tekemau Ribabaiti receives his medal from Kiribati President Taneti Maamau.
In a class of their own
Three Seventh-day Adventists have been recognised with national honours by the Government of Kiribati, acknowledging decades of service in education, agriculture and community development.
Tekemau Ribabaiti and Dr Takuia Uakeia were awarded the Kiribati National Order while Mamarau Ringkan received the Kiribati Order of Merit during the national honours ceremony.
The awards recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the Republic of Kiribati through public service and community leadership.
Over many years, Mr Ribabaiti served as a teacher and principal in Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Solomon Islands. Educated at the University of the South Pacific and Loma Linda University in the United States, he influenced generations of students and leaders throughout the Pacific.
As the elderly educator prepared to receive his award, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau stepped down from the stage and personally presented him with the medal rather than requiring him to make the journey to the podium—a gesture that reflected deep respect for his lifetime of service.
Dr Uakeia has dedicated his professional life to serviing the nation through education, technical advisory roles and other areas of national development. His knowledge, leadership and commitment have benefited Kiribati in many different ways.
Ms Ringkan was recognised for her contribution to agriculture and community welfare. Throughout her career she has championed sustainable agriculture, encouraged self-reliance and strengthened food security across Kiribati.
In addition to her agricultural work, she served as a teacher at Kauma Adventist High School and contributed through both government agencies and non-government organisations, helping families, schools and communities make productive use of local resources.
She is widely known for her personal motto, “Man te akea nakon te iai” (“From nothing to something”), reflecting her belief that perseverance, hard work and faith can transform lives and communities.
In congratulating the three recipients, leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kiribati said their lives of service continue to inspire present and future generations to serve their communities with dedication, integrity and excellence.
