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Graduates from Kiribati pose at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. The group of 16 is the largest number of Kiribati students to graduate from the university to date. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Students from Kiribati who recently graduated from Brigham Young University–Hawaii will return home, bringing skills and experience in leadership and education. The Winter 2026 commencement on April 17 marked the largest group of Kiribati students to graduate from the university to date, with 16 students completing their studies. Some are pursuing opportunities in public service, while others are entering the classroom as new teachers, helping strengthen education for the next generation.
For a small island nation like Kiribati, the return of educated citizens plays an important role in strengthening key sectors. With a limited number of trained professionals, each graduate represents a much-needed addition to the country’s workforce.
Brigham Young University–Hawaii prepares students to be disciples of Jesus Christ and to live and lead in Asia and the Pacific. Through its IWORK program, students combine part-time work with financial support for their education, allowing them to graduate without financial burden while gaining practical experience. The university is part of the Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which emphasizes education as a foundation for service. Programs like IWORK make it possible for students to earn an education and return home to contribute and lead in their communities.
That pattern of learning and returning to serve is not new. Last year, Latter-day Saints in Kiribati marked 50 years since the Church was established in the country, highlighting its continued presence in communities across the islands.
Some of these graduates, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism management program, have been involved in projects supporting development in Kiribati during their time at BYU–Hawaii.
Temwake Kuraotio
Temwake Kuraotio has been involved in projects supporting tourism development on Christmas Island during his time at BYU–Hawaii. He worked with fellow students in partnership with the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development on initiatives focused on sustainable growth and community development. He also represented Kiribati at a United Nations General Assembly event, sharing perspectives on the nation’s future with an international audience. These experiences have helped prepare him for opportunities in public service as he returns home.
He said his time at BYU–Hawaii helped him grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and better understand how he can serve his country. "I want to dedicate myself to developing our tourism industry in a way that truly benefits our people—sharing our culture and creating opportunities for our communities, especially for young people.”
Tabware Manibwebwe
Tabware Manibwebwe, a graduate from Tarawa Island, is also preparing to return home following her studies at BYU–Hawaii. She plans to work on Christmas Island, focusing on regenerative tourism and community-based projects that support sustainable growth and cultural preservation. Her experience at BYU–Hawaii prepared her to apply what she learned in real-world settings and strengthened her sense of purpose in serving her community.
“When I return home, I hope to be part of building regenerative tourism through projects that truly uplift my people while keeping our culture strong and authentic,” she said.
Taaken Iobi
Taaken Iobi, a graduate from Maiana, plans to return to Kiribati to work on Christmas Island, applying the knowledge and skills she gained in tourism at BYU–Hawaii. As part of her studies, she contributed to projects focused on sustainable growth and community development on Christmas Island. She also represented the university in the HSMAI Global Case Competition as part of the hospitality and tourism team, which earned first place against competitors from leading programs around the world.
She said her time at BYU–Hawaii strengthened her faith and deepened her understanding of her purpose. “My experience at BYU–Hawaii changed the way I think. I now look beyond myself and my family to consider how I can help improve my country.”
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Tabeta Borria Tangata, Tutera Rebati and Ritati Ioane Kuraotio, graduates from Kiribati, prepare to return home as teachers following their studies at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. © 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In addition to those pursuing opportunities in public service, three graduates are returning to Kiribati as new teachers. Tabeta Borria Tangata, Tutera Rebati and Ritati Ioane Kuraotio have completed their teacher training at BYU–Hawaii and are preparing to enter the classroom and support students in their local communities. Together, these graduates bring skills needed across Kiribati.
All three emphasized a shared commitment to using their education to serve their communities and improve opportunities for future generations.
“I want to return home and use what I’ve learned to help improve education and create better opportunities for our students,” said Tangata.
Elder Iotua Tune, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Brigham Young University–Hawaii alumnus, said these graduates are prepared to apply both their education and their faith as they serve and strengthen their communities.
“Education creates opportunity. Wisdom keeps you grounded. Faith and humility allow the Lord to elevate your talents for the good of your family and your country.”