Residents of Sarbo Woffiken in District #3, River Gee County, turned out in large numbers over the weekend to celebrate the official opening and dedication of the Eleven, Eleven Memorial Center. The facility was built to honor victims of the country civil war, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Grebo ethnic group. The memorial, which cost nearly US$5,000, was funded by the National Independent Commission on Human Rights (NICHR). It is intended to serve as a place of education, remembrance, and community engagement.
It stands as a symbol of November 11, 1994, the date when the civil war intensified, leaving behind untold suffering, displacement and loss of life.
The facility, according to a release, is expected to feature archival materials and historical exhibits that capture the struggles and achievements of River Gee, and surrounding counties.
It will also host educational programs for schools and community groups, while serving as a center for cultural activities, workshops, and dialogue, the aim is to reconcile and unite the citizens.
The dedication ceremony brought together wide range of participants, including local government officials, leaders of Sarbo District, traditional chiefs, elders, students, women’s groups, and youth organizations.
The gathering was described by many as a ‘significant moment in the history of the district;’ one that blends remembrance of the past with hope for the future.
In his keynote address, Dempster Brown, head of the National Independent Commission on Human Rights, said the center should not only preserve history, but also strengthen calls for justice and accountability.
“We cannot heal as a nation unless we confront our past,” Mr. Brown said, adding: “The Eleven Eleven Memorial Center must remind us that such violence must never be repeated, while also reinforcing the urgent need for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court.”
Brown, a lawyer by profession, then challenged the residents and local authorities of Darbo Woffiken to take full responsibility for the facility and to ensure that it is properly maintained and used for its intended purposes.
The Eleven Eleven Memorial Center is now expected to serve as a cornerstone for cultural preservation, civic education, and reconciliation in the southeast.
On behalf of the county administration, Nah Porkia, lauded the Commission for a “timely and well-directed initiative.” Porkia said the establishment of such a facility comes at a crucial time when there is a pressing need to promote schools of thought that focus on Liberia’s cultural values.