Elisabeth Norgall Award

Somebody who did believe the young women and whose ambition it became to offer these women prospects of a job and a normal existence was Elena Mereacre. Mrs Mereacre is in her early 50’s and lives in Costesti which is a small village with a population of 12,000 situated half an hour’s drive from the capital of the Republic of Moldau, Chisinau. Mrs Mereacre had raised two daughters and lived a quiet life as a librarian. Stories of Human Trafficking were not new to her, but as teenage girls and young women from her immediate neighbourhood started to disappear she decided to become involved. This commenced with trying to establish the girls’ whereabouts and upon their return, talking with the girls about their dreadful experiences. Typically these girls come from less well-situated families, have not completed their education and have a poor chance in a country that is suffering economically following its independence from the USSR in 1991. Officially Moldau has a population of 4.5 million. It is said however, that approximately one-quarter has left the country in search of employment. Some of this employment is legitimate for instance on Spanish strawberry field or Russian construction sites, but much of it isn’t. The most common billboard advertisements in Moldau warn the female population against trafficking with messages such as “Your dignity is in your own hands – take care of it!”.

Elena Mereacre has made a valuable contribution toward this campaign in the village of Contesti. After realising that, as an individual, she was lacking credibility and a voice, she founded the Association “Kompasiune” (in English – “compassion”) some 6 years ago. This allowed her to approach the Government and governmental organisations for funding and to seek sponsorship. As a result of her efforts, she has managed to find funding for various projects. First and foremost was her priority to assist the young victims of trafficking. She organised cooking and sewing courses as a means of preparing the young women for the workforce. As a result of their time abroad the young women often return home as mothers of small children. To assist with the care for these children while their mothers are taking courses or working, Mrs Mereacre set up a Child-Care Centre. This centre also houses handicapped children and other children from “problem families”. Here they are provided with the opportunity to play, learn and enjoy a warm meal. With the assistance of the German Embassy a further project was realised whereby a canteen was set up for the aged. The average pension in Moldau is below poverty level and amounts to €20. The most recent project is in co-operation with the „Rumänischen Hilfe“ the establishment of a cattle-farming project. Land has been donated by the local Mayor for a barn and fodder has also been made available. The farm is intended to provide employment for 10 victims of trafficking and aims to become self-sufficient from the proceeds from sale of milk and meat.

Despite her successes to date Mrs Mereacre is not under any illusions that the trafficking with teenage girls and young women will cease. As long as the economic circumstances in Moldau remain as they are, and young people see no future for themselves, this business will flourish. It is not the case that the girls coincidentally disappear. The system for trafficking has been well established. There are people who approach the young girls, there are those who falsify the identity documents and those who organise the transportation.

Elena Mereacre is a remarkable women. She has not only sacrificed her comfortable lifestyle in order to help others, but she has withstood the criticism of her undertakings due to the social stigma attached to and the lack of understanding for the victims of trafficking. She represents a mother figure for many of those she helps and provides advice and practical assistance with their day to day problems.

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