Many Irish people were shocked at the appalling prospects for Afghan women under Taliban rule and wanted to help. Andrea Martin, a Dublin lawyer, established Friends of Ascend Ireland as a group of volunteers to help Ascend refugees build new lives in Ireland. In October 2021 the Irish government granted special visas to 20 young Ascend refugees to live, study and work in Ireland.

The Afghan arrivals found homes in Dublin, Wicklow and Galway with generous local support. All have since made great progress in English fluency and other education. These young people have proved themselves brave and diligent.

Friends of Ascend focuses support on:
– Day-to-day needs
– Health and welfare
– Accommodation
– English language
– Further education
– Building Careers