The autobiography traces his journey from humble village life in Choiseul Province
By LEILANI OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
A powerful story of humility, service, and national identity took centre stage this week with the official launch of “Village Boy Knight: A Life of Service to Solomon Islands”, the autobiography of Sir Dr Nathan Kere,
Sir Dr Nathan, who was appointed Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University in 2020, hails from Porokaputu village in East Choiseul.
The landmark event, hosted by Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Monday 13 April 2026, brought together government leaders, academics, diplomats and community representatives to celebrate a life that mirrors the journey of a nation.
Launching the autobiography, the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Hon Tozen Leokana described it as “more than a personal memoir.”
He said it is a national resource that captures the essence of leadership, resilience and service rooted in Solomon Islands culture.
“This story reflects who we are as a people, It shows that our identity, our communities, and our values remain central, even as we engage with the modern world,” Leokana said.
From Village Beginnings to National Service
Sir Dr Nathan’s autobiography traces his journey from humble village life in Choiseul Province to becoming one of the country’s most respected academic and national figures.
His life story highlights not only personal achievement, but a deep commitment to improving health, education and leadership across Solomon Islands.
Central to his message is a simple but powerful philosophy: service must come first.
Throughout the book, Sir Dr Nathan emphasises that education is not merely for personal advancement, but a tool to uplift communities–particularly those most affected by challenges such as malaria and limited access to services.
A Story Grounded in Culture and Identity
Speakers at the event repeatedly underscored the importance of cultural identity in shaping national development. The book reinforces that leadership is not separate from community, family, and tradition–but built upon them.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of SINU Dr William Parairato said the autobiography demonstrates how indigenous knowledge and local values are not barriers to excellence, but foundations for it.
“It reminds us that greatness does not emerge in isolation,” the speech read. “It is shaped by upbringing, community, and the wisdom passed through generations.”
Collaborations resulting in success of the autobiography project
The publication of the book was made possible through collaboration with Ocean University of China, highlighting growing academic and cultural ties between Solomon Islands and international partners.
The autobiography is published in both English and Chinese, reflecting a shared commitment to dialogue, knowledge exchange and broader accessibility.
In a practical step toward inspiring future generations, 500 copies of the book will be distributed to schools nationwide–ensuring young Solomon Islanders can access and learn from Sir Dr Nathan’s journey.
In his remarks, Sir Dr Nathan expressed gratitude to those who supported his autobiography project journey.
“Let me thank my dear friend Emeritus Professor Clive Moore of the University of Queensland who has kindly and consistently been with me as my editor from day one, years ago to now.”
He thanked Professor Transform Aqorau and SINU) for facilitating the publication of his book.
“To cut a long story short, after skipping through my draft Professor Transform responded positively, saying: this is a treasure of national indigenous history of culture that would be a masterpiece of indigenous educational and cultural literature written by a Solomon Islander for Solomon Islanders.
“His response was not only in words but in action when he personally carried the manuscript with him to the Oceans University of China, Qingdao, and submitted the request for assistance. This sincere and highly valued support by our very own top academia left me without any hesitation and included his remarks that added significant value to my book.”
Dr Sir Nathan said the positive response by the Oceans University of China was immediate and he and his family were honoured by the presence of its president Professor Zhang Jungfen at the autobiography launching.
“We sincerely thank you for you, Sir for your approval, personal commitment and unwavering interest to seeing the final printing of my book in hardcover and bringing some copies in advance to personally hand over.
“Thank you, Sir for providing 500 copies to enable me to turn my dream into reality for donating at least one copy each to relevant educational institutions in the country.”
Sir Dr Nathan also thanked Oceans University of China’s International Office Director Professor Li Weidong and Deputy Director Madam Yu Hong, Editorial Director Shao Jengjun for their assistance towards the printing of the book.
He said he believes this successful project is testament of the tangible benefit that will further consolidate the mutual understanding and collaboration between the Oceans University of China and SINU.
Sir Dr Nathan said The Village Boy Knight traces his footsteps across almost all islands in Solomon Islands, countries in the South Pacific and around the world such as Switzerland, Fiji, New Zealand, United Kingdom, China, United States of America, the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan which he frequently visited on his tours of duty.
Tribute to Late Lady Joy Kiriau Kere and launching ceremony guests
Dr Sir Nathan dedicated his autobiography” to his late wife Lady Joy Kere, whose unwavering support he described as central to his life’s work.
“I dedicated my whole book, Village Boy Knight, to and in the memory of my late loving wife, Lady Joy Kiriau Kere, who suddenly passed away on 23 January 2026, completing her service to the government and people of Solomon Islands.
“Those of you who will have access to my book will note that most of the achievement I made both academically and professionally and the expert services I performed both locally and overseas were after I married my totally supportive wife Lady Joy in 1985.”
Dr Sir Nathan thanked the MEHRD Minister and South Choiseul Member of Parliament Leokana for accepting the honour of launching the autobiography despite his busy schedule.
“My family and I will be forever grateful. I indeed hope my book, about my life of service, will be a useful indigenous educational and historical literature, at least for research by students for generations to come.
He also thanked the dignitaries and Lauru “Kajikajis” who turned out for the launching for honouring him and his family with their presence.
A Message to the Nation
At its core, Village Boy Knight carries a national message: that no matter where one begins, identity and purpose remain powerful drivers of success.
The launch concluded with a call for reflection–urging Solomon Islanders, especially young people, to embrace education, remain grounded in their values, and commit to serving their communities.
As the country continues to navigate change and development, Sir Dr Nathan’s story stands as a timely reminder that true leadership is measured not by status, but by service.
Sir Dr Nathan’s credentials
He was knighted with Knight Commander of St. Michael & St. George (KCMG) for services to Medicine and Community development.
Sir Dr Nathan also has vast experience in tertiary education level, having served once as the Chair of SICHE council and a consultant to Fiji School of Medicine, an external examiner, and contributed to the establishment of Masters in Tropical Health in the University of Queensland. He was also a visiting lecturer to some Universities in Thailand and Malaysia and once an internal lecturer at London University.
He obtained a Diploma in Acupuncture in Beijing, China, in 1979. In 1982, Sir Dr Nathan obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in London, United Kingdom, and has published numerous scientific articles all over the world to contribute to the control of infectious diseases, particularly on Malaria and also NDCs.
He also published several SIG local scientific and official documents. As part of his PhD studies, Sir Dr Nathan invented the bed-nets from mosquitoes that are now used by many across the globe.
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