West African Children Support Network (WACSN) is a 501(c)(3) organization that is registered and incorporated in the State of Minnesota and the Republic of Liberia.

Established in 1995, WACSN is dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphans and abandoned children in West African countries ravaged by war.

Our vision is the development of alliances and collaborations with existing organizations to improve the lives of those we serve, especially children and mothers living in difficult economic circumstances.

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"Pure and undefined religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." James 1:27

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In 1997, a small delegation headed by WACSN founder and executive director Maria Luyken self-financed a trip to Liberia, West Africa. Their purpose was to assess first-hand the scope of services needed by children victimized by civil war.

Maria, a Liberian by birth, met with local organizations and identified priority areas needing action. She set to work finding resources in Liberia, the United States, and Europe to meet those needs. Ever since, she has personally supervised the packing, shipping, unpacking and disbursement of all donated articles.

Based on Maria^s ongoing needs assessments, conducted each time she has returned to Liberia, several programs are up and running, to assist war-weary children and their mothers.

Among these are:

Children’s Feeding Centers in Monrovia Food, Clothing, and Educational Supplies Provided

29 Safe Water Wells Constructed

Recent Events In Liberia and Our Evolving Service Role

The most recent fighting displaced thousands of Liberians in Monrovia. Again, most of victims are the children. Many died each day from hunger, disease and exposure.

In response, in 2003 we increased our commitment to the feeding of 3,000 children per day.

We have recently opened an adoption center.

We also remain hopeful that many American families would step forward to adopt a child through our organization. After the last round of fighting had ceased, UN troops peacekeeping forces were warmly welcomed by Liberians.

The war-torn nation is ripe for rebuilding, providing opportunities for contractors to restore the damaged infrastructure, including the hydro plant. Restored confidence in Liberia^s future has led to the reopening by other nations of their long-abandoned embassies in Monrovia. With peace at hand, WACSN will now move ahead on the long delayed establishment of a Farm School, to teach young people some tools in becoming self-sufficient.

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DISCLAIMER The information In this website is provided as a public service and is not intended to be legal advice. The information is believed to be correct and accurate, but we advise that you contact us, the BCIS, an Adoption Specialist, or your attorney before relying on anything you may read here. Periodically information, document requirements, and laws change!