The foundation for EFU was laid over a decade ago by Father Fred Jenga, CSC a priest of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He is the President of Holy Cross Family Ministries which operates 29 ministry centers in 18 countries on 5 continents. 

Father Jenga believes that to address the deep socio-economic challenges faced by impoverished rural Ugandan communities, solutions must be rooted in the communities themselves, with strong, ongoing engagement and well-defined projects. Father Jenga launched three interconnected initiatives: holistic education for children; livelihood development for women; and, entrepreneurial skills development for youth. These efforts intentionally prioritize children, women and youth as they are often the most vulnerable in patriarchal, rural Ugandan settings.

EFU collaborates with Father Jenga, CSC and operates under the guidance of an independent Board of Directors.

EFU is a tax exempt public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Donations and bequests to EFU are tax deductible.