Our Journey

At the heart of Badi and Emelda's shared values and aspirations was the unwavering commitment to become promoters for positive change through the power of education. While the specifics of their mission were initially unclear, over the past 13 years, they have meticulously carved out their purpose—one step and one student at a time. Now, they proudly speak of impacting not just a handful of lives, but scores of them. Notwithstanding the ever-growing need to serve their community and the recurring thought of establishing an NGO, the idea remained in contemplation for many years.

In January 2024, Badi and Emelda embraced the responsibility of adding more children to their educational care program. This decision stretched their modest finances to the limit, but they believed they could manage the burden. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Emelda was laid off from her job in February 2024 due to restructuring. As though that was not enough, every day that followed seems to bring a new level of difficulties. The initial shock and dismay soon gave way to hope and a profound appreciation for the many blessings they still possessed. Nevertheless, the reality remained—school fees were due, and the children's needs persisted. With the schools inquiring about the unusual delay in payments, which had always been punctual, they knew it was time to reevaluate their approach. Badi and Emelda, decide, just like her former employer, it was now time for them to restructure their dreams.

With courage and clarity, they contacted the schools to negotiate and request additional time. This period of reflection brought them back to a fundamental truth: it takes a village to raise a child, and humanity prevails by coming together in times of need. Motivated by this principle and the urgent necessity to seek assistance, they resolved to extend their reach not only for help but to do so through a structured and formal endeavor.  And so, on March 5, 2024, ZAM Unity Scholars International was formed with the vision of empowering infinite possibilities through education.

The flood of warmth, support, and encouragement, encompassing both moral and financial contributions, has been truly humbling, and for this, they express their deep gratitude. To each person who has shown such support, they extend their sincere appreciation. They fervently hope that more will join them on this path. With a shared belief in the transformative power of education to reshape our world, let us embark on this mission together.

  • Co-Founder and Board Chair

    Emelda's journey from her upbringing to her current endeavors is truly inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to education and social transformation is evident in her actions and choices. Raised in a family that values education and having experienced life in diverse parts of the world, she possesses a profound understanding of the significance of empowering children, especially girls, through education. Notwithstanding encountering personal obstacles and witnessing the effects of conflict in her husband's region, couple with over a decade of devastating war going on in Northwest Cameroon (her region of birth), Emelda has made a conscious decision to create a positive impact. Her dedication to promoting a holistic form of education that integrates academic learning with moral and spiritual growth highlights her all-encompassing strategy for nurturing social progress.

    This selfless dedication and personal sacrifice demonstrated by Emelda over the past 13 years in promoting education are truly admirable. Her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for those in need showcases a deep sense of purpose and compassion. Nonetheless the financial demands and time-consuming nature of her endeavors, she approaches her work with joy and a steadfast determination to make a positive impact. Her efforts not only benefit individuals directly but also serve as a source of inspiration for others to join in her mission.

    Emelda's commitment to family life and her role as a mother figure extends beyond her biological children, as she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of many. Her passion for building true bonds of friendship and her love for outdoor activities and travel enrich her life and inspire her advocacy for education and social change. Emelda's story is a powerful example of how one individual's determination and compassion can create a ripple effect of transformation in the lives of others.

    As a co-founder of ZAM Unity Scholars International, she relies on the generosity and support of individuals like you to sustain the organization's lofty mission. Your donations play a crucial role in enabling organization to continue its valuable work and make a difference in the lives of those it serves. Thank you for considering supporting this important cause and being a part of ZAM Unity Scholars International 's vision for a better future.


  • Co-Founder and CFO

    Badi Omara the Co-Founder of ZAM Unity Scholars International, was only about four years old when the rebels from The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) first terrorized his village in Northern Uganda. Among countless traumatic experience, he first encountered a face-to-face traumatic contact at gun point with LRA fighter at the age of 6. These experiences did not only destroy his sublime village childhood and the dream and aspiration of his family but also that of the entire village and region.

    The civil conflict that followed led to a tragic loss of life, the forced migration, and the abduction of many children across Northern Uganda. During this period of chaos and instability, Badi was forced to abandon his family home, confronting a prolonged period of instability. Yet, amidst these difficult circumstances, thanks to the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of his parents, Badi was able to partake in intermittent periods of schooling. This eventually culminated in the completion of primary and secondary education.

    In the wake of devastation that wiped out the means of making a living in this region, securing funds was particularly challenging, especially considering the steep costs of education in Uganda. Regardless of these hardships, Badi was blessed to receive support from a generous and devoted sponsor who committed to his education from high school through university—a period of five years. Alongside his studies, Badi had to engage in farming to provide for his sustenance and cover his rent. Yet, far from demoralizing him, these hardships fueled his drive for success, reinforced by his belief in the principle of universal education. Whenever he was not immersed in his studies, Badi devoted his time to volunteer work, contributing to community development initiatives and efforts. Now, he is the proud holder of two bachelor's degrees, a Master of Science, and several professional certifications, marking his achievements and the fruition of his and his sponsor's dedication.

    Drawing on his personal struggles with the adversities that children in his conflict-afflicted community encountered in their pursuit of education, and inspired by his wife's engagement, they resolved to become catalysts for transformation and advocates for community development. Their mission began modestly, supporting the education of one child, and then two, and has since expanded with the number continuing to rise. Irrespective of the considerable challenges and hardships this commitment entails, he approaches every aspect of their educational outreach with a sense of effortless dedication and profound happiness.

    Badi cherishes the desire to pay forward the educational opportunities he received by ensuring that every child has the chance to be educated. He is deeply grateful for all the support and selfless contributions from everyone and looks forward to your continued generosity to sustain this cause.