As AJAN celebrates 25 years of its mission in Africa, the Association des Bénévoles de l’Espérance (ABE) in Burkina Faso reflects on two decades of service, compassion and accompaniment of people living with HIV and vulnerable communities.

Founded in March 2006, the Association des Bénévoles de l’Espérance (ABE) marked 20 years of existence on 3 October 2026, celebrating two decades of commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV), supporting vulnerable families and empowering young people.

A member of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) since 2013, ABE has grown into a community-based organisation working in HIV care, psychosocial support, treatment adherence, youth awareness and social entrepreneurship. Through its membership in AJAN, the association has benefited from financial support, technical accompaniment and spiritual formation, enabling it to strengthen its mission and expand its outreach.

A mission rooted in compassion and the Gospel

ABE’s story began with a desire to extend Christ’s mission by reaching people living with HIV who had been abandoned by their families and left in extremely difficult circumstances at the Centre Médical avec Antenne Chirurgicale (CMA) in Pissy, Burkina Faso.

Moved by their suffering, a group of committed men and women came together to offer care and restore hope. The association was founded by Jesuit Father Augustin Gotysolo and laywoman Madam Félicienne Zongo, who embraced the name Bénévoles de l’Espérance (Volunteers of Hope).

Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25:34–40, particularly the words, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40), ABE has sought to put faith into action through practical acts of solidarity.

In its early days, the association supported 18 people living with HIV who received antiretroviral treatment but often lacked even basic food. Some were forced to search through rubbish bins at the hospital for something to eat. ABE responded by providing food and organising shared meals, with the women taking turns preparing food for everyone.

The association also cared for patients who were abandoned and unable to look after themselves, providing personal hygiene, clothing, medical necessities and assistance during hospitalisation. It helped beneficiaries find decent accommodation and worked to improve their living conditions.

Beyond physical and material support, ABE offered psychosocial and spiritual accompaniment. Over the years, some beneficiaries requested spiritual guidance to reconcile with God or deepen their faith. This journey has witnessed conversions, baptisms and religious marriages among people living with HIV.

Two decades of transforming lives

From its initial 18 beneficiaries, ABE now supports 196 people living with HIV. Through the activities conducted at Centre Espérance in Boassa, many beneficiaries have regained their health, improved adherence to antiretroviral treatment and achieved undetectable viral loads. Several have also established income-generating activities, helping them become more economically independent.

One of the most moving testimonies of ABE’s impact comes from women who, at the beginning of their journey, feared they would not live long enough to see their children grow up or attend their weddings. Today, many are still alive and healthy, with some having celebrated their children’s marriages and others enjoying life with their grandchildren.

The association has also supported the education of 69 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), all of whom have completed their school and university studies. Some are now employed and have started families of their own.

These achievements reflect the importance of sustained community-based care, solidarity and accompaniment in restoring dignity and hope to vulnerable people.

Investing in young people and community resilience

Over the years, ABE has expanded its work beyond HIV care to include youth development, health awareness and social entrepreneurship.

Through AJAN’s AHAPPY (AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme for Youth), the association has trained 40 resource persons, including school leaders and teachers from five major educational institutions. These trained facilitators serve as multipliers, educating adolescents and young people on HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, self-awareness and other issues affecting their well-being.

ABE has also reached approximately 800 young people through awareness activities addressing challenges affecting youth. In addition, 45 beneficiaries have received support to establish income-generating activities, while young aspiring entrepreneurs have participated in online social entrepreneurship training and received financial grants to develop their business ideas.

Other achievements include screening and vaccinating more than 1,000 people, strengthening the association’s contribution to community health and disease prevention.

Walking together in AJAN’s mission

ABE’s relationship with AJAN has been an important part of its institutional growth and mission. Since joining the network in 2013, the association has participated in AJAN General Assemblies, contributed to the development of the network’s five-year action plans and attended monthly and quarterly online meetings.

It also participated in the celebration of AJAN’s 20th anniversary five years ago. Throughout this partnership, ABE has maintained accountability through regular narrative and financial reporting to its funding partners.

As AJAN marks its Silver Jubilee in 2027, ABE’s 20-year journey offers a meaningful reflection on the network’s wider mission of accompanying vulnerable communities, strengthening resilience and promoting hope across Africa.

Looking ahead with renewed commitment

Following its 20th anniversary celebration, ABE is renewing its commitment to accompanying disadvantaged beneficiaries while expanding its focus on young people and social entrepreneurship.

Its priorities include intensifying HIV prevention activities in schools and youth communities; training more young women and men through the AHAPPY programme; screening and vaccinating adolescents, young people and girls of reproductive age against hepatitis; and expanding social entrepreneurship opportunities.

The association also intends to sustain psychosocial support for people living with HIV and survivors of psychological trauma, strengthen monitoring and evaluation of its activities, and continue participating in the implementation of AJAN’s strategic plan.

Reflecting on two decades of service, ABE considers its greatest achievement to be the lives transformed and the hope restored among people who once faced abandonment, stigma and uncertainty. The anniversary celebration brought together many former and current beneficiaries, including men, women, young people and children, whose presence and expressions of gratitude testified to the lasting impact of the association’s work.

As ABE looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding inspiration: serving Christ through the care of the most vulnerable. Its journey is a reminder that walking with people in their struggles, restoring their dignity and helping them build a future is itself a powerful expression of faith.

ABE extends its gratitude to AJAN and all its partners for their continued support and accompaniment over the years, as it carries forward its mission of living hope and transforming lives.

De, Madam Félicienne Zongo,

Director, Association des Bénévoles de l’Espérance (ABE)-Burkina Faso.