Our Story
Ascend in Afghanistan
Since 2015, Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics have provided training programmes in Afghanistan to almost 300 young women and girls, largely from the long oppressed Hazara community. These women were in education or advancing careers. Ascend offered leadership training through mountain climbing, athletics, yoga and community service.
The return to power of the Taliban in August 2021 dashed all hope of education, career or any life outside the home for women. The Ascend participants were identified as exceptional female leaders and were in great personal danger. Almost 200 Ascend alumni were evacuated from Afghanistan, enduring the trauma of leaving family and friends. After months of transit, final refuge was found in Ireland for 20 of the Ascend group.
Ascend in Ireland
Many Irish people were shocked at the appalling prospects for Afghan women under Taliban rule and wanted to help. A Dublin lawyer Andrea Martin, with a group of friends and volunteers, established Friends of Ascend 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:
– Accommodation
– Further education
– Living expenses
– Health, welfare, day-to-day needs
– English language
– Building Careers
