By Marina LeGree, Founder and Executive Director, Ascend
Edited by Karen Castellon, FAWCO co-UN Liaison
Ascend, an NGO dedicated to empowering Afghan girls through education and community engagement, received a $4,000 grant from the FAWCO Foundation in 2021 to support its Sports for Health Teaching Curriculum. This project was aimed at promoting health, leadership, and life skills among Afghan girls. However, following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, Ascend faced unprecedented challenges that paused operations for nearly two years. This update from early 2024 summarizes how the FAWCO grant was used to further the program despite the environmental challenges.
Grant Utilization
Since the resumption of activities in 2023, the grant funds have been utilized effectively to train a new cohort of 40 girls in various critical areas including Women’s Health, Mental Health and Environmental Stewardship. The grant specifically financed instruction in Women’s Health, which encompassed nutrition and body image. Funds were allocated to pay instructors, provide transportation for participants, and enhance the skills of 13 women instructors, ensuring sustainability and continued impact.
As of now, 100% of the grant has been expended, representing about 10% of the total project budget. The program is on track, and a third cohort began in September 2024.
Progress and Adaptations
Despite the restrictive environment imposed by the Taliban, Ascend has adapted its curriculum to focus on areas that are permitted under current regulations. While outdoor activities remain prohibited, the program has successfully shifted its focus from mountaineering to environmental stewardship and community service.
In-person training resumed in September 2023 at the Ascend Center, which has passed government inspections, enabling the program to function with minimal disruptions. The emphasis on family inclusion has strengthened community support for the participants, creating a safer and more empowering environment for the girls.
Overcoming Obstacles
The political landscape in Afghanistan has created substantial obstacles. The Taliban’s prohibition of education for girls over 12 forced Ascend to pivot its strategy, focusing on health education as a registered public health program. This adaptation has allowed the organization to continue its mission without compromising the safety of its participants or instructors.
Conclusion
The FAWCO Foundation Development Grant has been instrumental in maintaining the momentum of Ascend during tumultuous times. The funds have allowed for the establishment of a capable instructor team that now reaches approximately 2,500 individuals annually, with the potential to impact an estimated 20,000 more indirectly. Ascend remains committed to its vision of empowering Afghan girls, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience can pave the way for change.