JOYCE BOYKIN
“Joyce Boykin arrived in the Solomon Islands in 1993 with her husband and son. She started teaching at Woodford in 1996 and resigned in 2012 to work for MEHRD. During the time she was at Woodford, she taught every grade from second to sixth, but says that sixth was her favourite. She produced six musicals from Lion King to Ipi Tombei-----and loved every minute of it.
While at MEHRD, Joyce was instrumental at putting reading books, phonics books and writing books in all 30 primary schools in Honiara and teaching the youth at the eight secondary schools how to use SRA Individualized Reading Kits to improve their reading skills.
In 2015, READ SI (Resources for Education to Advance Development) was created by Mrs. Boykin to put literacy schools and libraries into the provinces. In 2017 – 2018, with the help of 30 youth, there were 274 villages that received training in literacy and had over 150 books in their libraries.
From 2019 – 2023, Joyce worked at improving the English speaking skills of primary students and ECE pikinini. In 2022, she received the “Cross of the Solomon Islands” for her work in education and literacy throughout the nation.”
DON BOYKIN
“It was in 2000 that Don Boykin joined the Woodford staff after the coup and evacuation. He worked with the older students in a science-computer lab and with all students in sports.
In 2003, he left Woodford to continue his business, Pacific Architects and was able to have many clients returning to do development. He designed over 80 houses and commercial buildings, such as the Hyundai Mall and the Paul Tovua Parliament Office Building next to Parliament.
Don has written many books and academic instruction manuals. He coached basketball for years in the Honiara amateur league and had a model car / airplane club at Woodford.
Currently, Don is retired and writing up a storm of books. Life is good for the Boykins and they are happy in the 30th year in the Solomon Islands.”