Roman Jembe honoured as Kilifi’s top co-curricular and talent development teacher

Jembe Roman Mrima, a teacher at Mitangani Primary School in Jaribuni Ward, Kauma Sub-County, Kilifi County, has been recognised as the Position 1 recipient of the Co-Curricular and Talent Development Award during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebrations at the Sub-County level.

The recognition by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) celebrates Jembe’s outstanding commitment to identifying, nurturing and developing learners’ talents beyond the classroom.

His work demonstrates how education and sport can become powerful tools for transforming the lives of young people, particularly those growing up in grassroots and rural communities.

For Roman Jembe, teaching goes beyond academic lessons. Through handball and other co-curricular activities, he has created opportunities for young learners to discover their abilities, develop confidence, build discipline and pursue their dreams.

His contribution to grassroots handball has also produced a number of young players who have progressed through the ranks and are now set to represent Kenya on the international stage.

The impact of his work has been recognised by officials within the Kenya Handball Federation.

Kenya Handball Federation Technical Director Charles Omondi, commended Jembe for his contribution to grassroots talent development.

“Roman Jembe has played an important role in identifying and nurturing young handball talent at the grassroots level. Several players he has helped develop are now progressing to represent Kenya at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. His contribution demonstrates the important connection between education, grassroots sport and high-performance development.”

The achievement comes at an important moment for Kenyan handball, as the country prepares to showcase its emerging talent at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

On her part, Chairperson of the Beach Handball Commission Caroline Nyadiero also praised Jembe’s contribution to the development of young players.

 “Roman is a teacher who understands that talent development starts with opportunity. What makes his story special is seeing players nurtured from a school environment in Jaribuni Ward progress to the national stage.

“Having several of his learners now set to represent Kenya at the Youth Olympic Games is a powerful testament to his commitment. His shortlisting among potential Technical Officials is also a reflection of the experience he has gained through his contribution to handball,” said Nyadiero.

Jembe is also among those shortlisted for consideration as a Technical Official, an opportunity that further recognises his growing experience and contribution to handball.

Perhaps the most powerful part of Jembe’s story is his own reflection on the journey of his learners.

Speaking about the opportunity to nurture young talent from his school, he said:

“From Mitangani Primary in Jaribuni Ward to the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal — it proves that talent lives everywhere, even in the most remote villages. All our children need is opportunity and someone to believe in them. I am just a teacher who decided to be that person.

I don’t just teach lessons, I nurture dreams. Seeing my learners progress from our dusty school field to wearing the Kenya jersey is my greatest reward as a teacher.”

His words capture the essence of grassroots sport: talent does not belong only to big cities or established sporting institutions. It can emerge from any community when young people are given an opportunity and someone believes in their potential.

The progress of Jembe’s learners from a local primary school environment to the international stage highlights the importance of investing in grassroots sports development.

As Kenya prepares for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, the stories of teachers and grassroots coaches such as Jembe remind the country that international success begins much earlier —on school fields, community grounds and in the hands of dedicated mentors.

The players who will carry the Kenyan flag in Senegal represent not only themselves, but also the teachers, coaches, parents and communities that supported their journey.

The Kenya Handball Federation and Kenya Beach Handball family join the education and sporting fraternity in congratulating Roman Jembe Mrima on this well-deserved recognition.

His story is a powerful reminder that a teacher can influence generations far beyond the classroom — by discovering talent, building confidence, providing opportunity and helping young people believe that their dreams are possible.

From Mitangani Primary School in Jaribuni Ward to the Kenya jersey and the Youth Olympic stage in Senegal, Roman Jembe’s journey represents the very best of education, sport, mentorship and grassroots talent development.