Ascend | Leadership program

WHAT WE DO

We deliver high quality, high impact leadership training through an athletics-based curriculum to help young women reach their potential.

Our leadership program

Each year, we recruit a new team of Afghan girls aged 15-24 to embark on a challenging two-year mountaineering program to become the next generation of leaders.

Support us

In Kabul, the team trains six days a week. We develop strong bodies and strong minds through physical fitness, community volunteering projects, rock climbing, and team building activities. The second year team mentors the first year team and alumnae stay connected with the program through outreach and employment opportunities, creating an Ascend network of accomplished and supportive women in Afghanistan.

Learn about the various modules of our holistic two-year athletics based training program.

Fitness

Progressive fitness training helps to develop the physical and mental wellbeing of our athletes. The training emphasises the importance of self discipline and that if you keep putting one foot in front of another, you will get to where you want to go.

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Mountaineering

From single pitch climbs to multi pitch mountain ascents, the girls take on bigger and bigger challenges as the program progresses. The gradual development of climbing skills is in direct comparison to their growth in personal courage and self- confidence.

Service

Leadership means setting an example and reaching out to bring others along. Our girls put words into practice by designing their own service projects. They are empowered by sharing their strength and knowledge with others.

Leadership

Learning practical skills such as navigation and camp craft is more than just survival. These skills teach our girls about independence, resilience and adaptability. It shows the girls that they can rely on themselves.

Mental health

We partner with mental health specialists to foster healthy self esteem and address the traumas of a war-affected generation. In the classroom and in the mountains, the girls support each other and learn to take control of their own stories.

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See the impact

MAXIMIZING EDUCATION

80% of Ascend graduates go on to higher education, breaking out of traditional early marriage.

A NEW KIND OF ROLE MODEL

Our girls volunteer in their communities, amplifying the impact and giving thousands of hours to those in need.

STRONG BODY, STRONG MIND

Ascend girls spend 550 hours each year in study and practice, building strength and skill all year long.

HELP THEM

RISE