About

About Us

Our Mission

To empower vulnerable children and youth in Uganda by providing access to education, supporting girls’ development, and promoting sports as a tool for growth, discipline, and opportunity.

Our Vision

A Uganda where every child, regardless of gender, background, or ability, has equal access to education, personal development, and a chance to reach their full potential.

Who We Are

Emmy Friends Foundation (E.F.F)

Emmy Friends Foundation (E.F.F.) is a community-based nonprofit organisation in Uganda committed to empowering vulnerable children and youth through educational support, girls’ empowerment, and sports development. We work in underserved communities where poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to resources continue to deny children their right to education and personal growth.

Our approach is inclusive and practical, ensuring that every child, whether academically inclined or sports-oriented, has the opportunity to learn, develop skills, and build a better future.

The roots of Emmy Friends Foundation trace back to Divine Athletic Sports Academy (DASA), founded in 2015. DASA used sports as a pathway to education, enabling many children from the Mutundwe slums to join school for the first time, some as old as 12 years. While this initiative transformed many lives, it also revealed a painful gap: children who were not involved in sports, especially siblings, were being left behind.

Recognising this need, Emmy Friends Foundation was established in 2020 to bridge the gap between sports-based opportunities and general education support. With the help of friends, volunteers, and well-wishers, E.F.F expanded its mission to serve all children, regardless of athletic ability.

Meet our Founder

Kisakye Emmy Immanuel is the Founder and Director of Emmy Friends Foundation. A former football player and CAF “B” licensed coach, he has worked with both lower league and Uganda Premier League clubs since 2015 and currently serves as Head Coach of Kiyinda Boys F.C.

Raised in a financially challenged background, Emmy understands firsthand the power of education and opportunity. With the support of scholarships and mentors, he completed his education and built a professional coaching career a journey that now inspires E.F.F.’s mission and values.

Meet Our International Coordinator

Jerel Zak

Based in San Diego, USA, Jerel is not only a highly respected pharmacist and devoted mother, but also a compassionate humanitarian with a deep commitment to uplifting communities across borders. Her passion for service and genuine care for people embody the spirit and mission of the Emmy Friends Foundation.

For international support and inquiries, please contact Jerel Zak at jerelzak@emmyfriendsfoundation.org

A Heart for Humanity

Jerel brings together professional excellence and heartfelt compassion. Her background in healthcare has strengthened her dedication to improving lives, especially among vulnerable and underserved communities. As a mother, she understands the value of dignity, opportunity, and hope for every child and family—principles that guide her work within the Foundation.

Coordinating Global Support

As our International Coordinator, Jerel supports and coordinates our overseas initiatives, strengthens international partnerships, and mobilizes support for our programs. Through her leadership, she bridges continents, connecting global supporters with meaningful impact on the ground.

Stewardship & Accountability

Jerel Zak manages the Foundation’s international funds with integrity and transparency, ensuring every contribution supports impactful community, education, and humanitarian initiatives that create lasting change.