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Top 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss the West African Alternative Care Summit (WAACS)
Every child deserves the love and protection of a family—not a life spent growing up in an institution. The West African Alternative Care Summit (WAACS) is here to start something powerful: a movement that puts children first and gives them the chance to grow up in stable, loving homes.
If you care about children, family, or social reform in West Africa, here are 5 solid reasons why you should attend WAACS 2025.
1. We’re Rewriting the Story of Child Care in West Africa
Did you know over 35 million children in Africa are without parental care? Many of them are placed in institutions—not because it’s the best option, but because of broken systems and lack of alternatives.
WAACS is the first-ever regional summit fully focused on moving from orphanages to family-based care like fostering, kinship care, and adoption. It’s not just a talk shop—it’s the beginning of real change.
2. Engage With Over 300+ Child Welfare Stakeholders
You’ll meet people who are walking the talk; from grassroots to government and explore how to work together to strengthen families and protect children.
WAACS will host:
- Policymakers from across West Africa
- Orphanage and group home operators
- NGOs, social workers, and lawyers
- Community and faith leaders
- Formerly institutionalized young adults
3. Learn from Evidence-Based Practices That Actually Work
From expert led workshops to personal testimonies, WAACS curates sessions grounded in research, real-life results, and regional relevance. Leave empowered with insights and action plans you can take back to your community or organization. You’ll explore:
- Proven family-strengthening models
- Legal frameworks for fostering and adoption
- Practical steps for deinstitutionalization
- Cross-sector policy solutions
At the heart of WAACS is one simple truth: every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving family. This summit is your chance to be part of something bigger than any one person or organization. It’s a chance to rewrite the future for millions of children across West Africa.