Espoir Revivre Barkly

Espoir Revive Barkly operates its own community prevention unit and participates in the Needle Exchange Programme coordinated by the Collectif Urgence Toxida (CUT) for the past seven years. The needle exchange services are available from 5 AM to 7 AM, three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday).

A significant emphasis is placed on the reintegration of beneficiaries, primarily IDUs, through various activities organised based on available resources and member availability:

• Hosting family dinners at beneficiaries' homes at the end of each month.
• Organising an annual camp specifically for IDUs.
• Arranging outings to the beach and other visits.
• Facilitating networking events with other teams working in the field.

In August 2015, Espoir Revive Barkly opened a community space dedicated to risk reduction, offering the following services:

• Detox centre accompaniment to assist beneficiaries in accessing detox centres.
• Basic medical services to provide essential medical care.
• Conduct on-site prevention activities for HIV and Hepatitis.
• Listening services to offer a welcoming and supportive environment for beneficiaries.

Espoir Revive Barkly also marks important events on a community basis every year, such as:

• International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: Celebrated in May since 2007.
• World AIDS Day: Observed every December.

Espoir Revive Barkly was founded in August 2006 by a group of young people from Barkly and was officially registered with the Registrar of Associations on September 1, 2011, under registration number 12442.

Members of Espoir Revive Barkly, drawing on extensive field experience, motivate young people by raising awareness about existing problems. The goal is to contribute to the fight against drug addiction and HIV/AIDS with a strong emphasis on engagement and duty within the Barkly community.

To date, there are 12 dedicated members whose courage, assistance, and devotion are greatly appreciated. Espoir Revive Barkly is committed to making a lasting impact by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for those affected by HIV and drug dependency.

• Since 2007, Espoir Revivre Barkly has been organising the annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial to honour those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and to support those living with the virus.
• HIV awareness roadshow - A month-long HIV awareness roadshow to educate the community about HIV prevention, treatment, and support.
• Organising weekend pre-detox camps for Injectable Drug Users (IDUs), providing them with the necessary support and resources to begin their recovery journey.
• Arranging social outings for and with people living with HIV (PLHIV) and IDUs.
• Facilitating listening and sharing sessions with PLHIV and IDUs, creating a safe space for open dialogue and mutual support.
• Establishment of a local centre offering information, listening services, and soon primary health care services to the community.
• Implementation of a syringe exchange programme to reduce harm and promote safer practices among IDUs.

• MCB Forward Foundation

Number of Beneficiaries: The community of Barkly, comprising approximately 5,000 people living in 950 houses, are the primary beneficiaries. Additionally, there are over 600 individuals enrolled in the syringe exchange programme. Direct beneficiaries include the groups we closely collaborate with, such as Leo Omega (14 members), FEMA (15 members), Eclaireurs (30 members), Leo Alpha (25 members), the Centre of Learning, and the Coalition des Acteurs Sociaux de Barkly.