The West African Network for Child Protection (WAN) is celebrating 20 years of dedicated service to the protection and welfare of vulnerable children across the region.
Founded in 2005, the network has become a model for transnational cooperation and child protection in Africa. It was established with a shared vision to ensure that children on the move across borders receive safety, care, and dignity.
According to data available up to 2023, the WAN has supported more than 15,800 vulnerable children across West Africa.
These children have benefited from cross-border protection and assistance provided by over 860 committed members of the network, including both government and non-governmental actors.
“The WAN was born out of a collective vision and continues to inspire with its humane, collaborative, and effective approach to safeguarding children in mobility,” the network said in a statement.
How WAN operates
The WAN operates as a regional coordination mechanism that brings together different organizations from 15 West African countries and Mauritania. It identifies, refers, and supports children in need, ensuring they receive protection and care.
The network is coordinated by the International Social Service – West Africa (SSI-AO), with support from ECOWAS, the Swiss Development Cooperation (DDC), and the European Union (EU).
Through its professional and compassionate efforts, WAN has helped thousands of children reunite with their families, rebuild their lives, and find hope for a better future.
As the organization marks two decades of impact, CELOHA Nigeria, the national coordination body of WAN in Nigeria, joined others in celebrating the milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to child protection across the region.
Mr. Mamman Bouhari, National Coordinator of WAN Network Nigeria, said the anniversary is not only a moment of pride but also a renewed call to action.
“As we mark 20 years of solidarity and impact, CELOHA Nigeria joins the entire network in commemorating this exceptional journey and reaffirming its commitment to child protection across the region,” Bouhari stated.
