The idea of constructing the Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis Memorial Center for Human Rights, Justice and Peace Education at Po River, the main campus of the Stella Maris Polytechnic University, was conceived by its first President, Mary Laurene Browne (2001—2021), OSF, upon the death of the Archbishop and founder of the SMPU in 2013.
With the approval of the board of trustees and with the full cooperation of the administration and staff, the ground breaking ceremony to begin construction was held on December 19, 2018.
On this occasion, pledges, most of which have yet to be collected, and cash donations were made. To date, a total amount of less than US$5,000.00 (five thousand United States dollars) has been received. A three-person committee has been appointed by Dr. Franklin T. Dalieh, Sr., President of Stella Maris Polytechnic University, to see that the Center and the Education Monument reach completion and accomplish their functions.
The committee’s task will be to re-launch the fund-raising campaign and to liquidate all loans associated with the construction, which was anticipated at US$450,000 but now stands close to one and a half million United States dollars.
The pieces of equipment for a digitized museum and for the other facilities at the center, such as the library, archives, and the erection of a life-size bronze statue of the late Archbishop, will increase the cost further. The building was designed by architects Peter B. Natt and Henry Demawu, and is being constructed by the J&P Construction Company, James Perry, CEO.
Meanwhile, Global Media, in partnership with Green Media Campaigners, has launched a media awareness campaign in solidarity with the Bishop Michael Francis statute project in Po River, outside Monrovia.