by Karen Castellon, FAWCO co-UN Liaison, Stephanie Biery, FAUSA, and Marina LeGree, Founder and Executive Director of Ascend
Graduation and New Cohorts
September 18 and 19 marked a significant milestone for Ascend, as we celebrated the graduation of 49 girls from the program. Their hard work and dedication have culminated in this moment, where they received certificates acknowledging their achievements. As we look forward, preparations are underway for the next cohort of 50 girls, with selections being finalized from over 100 applicants. Transitioning to an online application process has increased transparency and fairness, although word-of-mouth remains a vital recruitment tool.
Employment and Support Initiatives
Ascend is proud to employ 20 individuals in Kabul, 15 of whom are women. We prioritize the well-being of our staff by offering three months of paid leave and providing a nursing room for employees with young children. This commitment to our team reflects our broader goal of fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Mentorship and Skills Development
The first round of mentorship sessions, in collaboration with WER Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience, has concluded successfully. We are now scheduling a second round of sessions. Deloitte staff provided essential training to our alumnae on résumé preparation, interview skills, and networking – all conducted in English. Our instructors were on hand to assist the 50% of alumnae who required translation, ensuring everyone had access to these valuable resources.
You might, dear reader, be asking yourself, “Why might an Afghan woman in Afghanistan even need an updated resume?” Kelly Pokharel, Ascend’s Director of Operations, offered the following: “Women in Afghanistan continue to seek normalcy and maintain their skills, anticipating opportunities for their futures –whether abroad or in the hope of a more open society within the country. Although employment options for women are limited, a few sectors do still hire them, making competition for these positions intense. In this environment, a strong resume could be crucial in securing employment. Despite the troubling news we often hear about Afghanistan, there are some surprising initiatives, such as government efforts to promote women’s entrepreneurship by offering free or reduced-rate business licenses. For many Afghan women, finding purpose and meaning is essential, and having an updated resume can help sustain hope, providing a sense of possibility and direction amidst their daily struggles.”
Community Impact
During the third quarter of 2024, our current cohort successfully completed 11 community service projects, directly benefiting 310 youth and women across Kabul. These initiatives highlight the program’s commitment to fostering community engagement and social responsibility among our participants.
Support for Alumnae and a FAUSA Grant
We are thrilled to report that our 71 alumnae are now learning online, thanks to a partnership with Right to Learn Afghanistan, which provided internet bundles and four laptops. This support empowers our alumnae to continue their education and professional development in a challenging environment. Ascend was awarded a $10,000 grant from FAUSA in September 2024 to extend the benefits of this program to additional alumnae.
Staying Informed and Engaged
As members of ACBAR, the coordinating body for NGOs in Afghanistan, we are actively monitoring changes in government policy and participating in the women’s working group. This engagement ensures that we remain informed and adaptable to the evolving landscape.
Monitoring and Evaluation
To enhance our program’s effectiveness, we are rolling out an upgraded monitoring and evaluation process. This includes focus groups with families and qualitative and quantitative measures to assess all facets of our initiatives. This systematic approach allows us to continually refine our programs and respond to the needs of our participants.
Diversity and Impact
Our instructor team exemplifies the diversity that is rare in this context, comprising Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Hazaras, Tajiks, and Turkmen. This rich tapestry of backgrounds enriches the learning environment and fosters mutual understanding among participants.
In these challenging circumstances, the achievements of our team and participants are extraordinary. It is critical that we maintain a safe space for girls to meet, learn and grow. The impact on their lives is profound, paving the way for a brighter future amid adversity.
Together, we continue to forge a path for Afghan girls, demonstrating resilience and hope in the face of significant challenges. Ascend remains committed to its mission, empowering the next generation of women leaders in Afghanistan.