He has a serious facial expression and stands at five feet eight inches. At first glance he can be easily mistaken as unapproachable. But for the 38 children at Christ Child Convalescent Home in Diego Martin, Garai Pivitt is their "Big Daddy." It's a nickname he is fond of and aims to live up to the character of actor Adam Sandler who starred in the hit comedy Big Daddy. Unlike many young men his age who nowadays are fascinated by fast cars, sporting hobbies or even some illegal activities, Pivitt, 24, is standing out among his peers and should be saluted for his stand. Pivitt is the caretaker of the 19 boys–ages one to 14–living at the home. Sometimes he is also called upon by Sr Annunciata De Souza, who is in charge of the home, to ensure they stay in line. De Souza told Sunday Guardian that Pivitt was the first male caretaker at the home.
"The children simply love him. He has a way with the children and we love having him around. We hope he is going to stay on with us," a beaming De Souza quipped. The last of five boys, Pivitt, an On the Job Training Programme recruit, said since his childhood days he always enjoyed caring for children. His day starts from 6 am Monday to Friday. He ensures that all the children pray, shower, have breakfast and then head off to school. "Since I was small I enjoyed working with children. Basically, I think you can learn quite a few things from kids and the way they think. Interacting with them on a daily basis you learn how they see things in their world and you are able to communicate with them better," Pivitt said.
RIGHT: Business magnate Cheryl Michtavy, left, who donated several beds to the Christ Child Convalescent Home in Diego Martin, looks on as Sr Annunciata De Souza receives a hug from a child living at the shelter.
Love what you do
Unfazed by flak from those who may see his job not fitting into a "man's world," Pivitt said several of his peers supported his choice of work.
"Strangely, I was expected to get jeers from my friends but they surprised me and actually support what I do. I want to encourage some of my friends to get involved and help out too; it will certainly deter them from other temptations. "This job is like running a basic household; I see this job as being home and looking after my younger relatives. In fact, I have received many compliments for taking up this job. When people come to the home and see a male figure they are really surprised. Never in their wildest dreams would they be expecting to see a man in a job like this, and furthermore somebody my age."
Stiffer penalties needed
On hand when US-based business magnate Cheryl Michtavy visited the home last week to treat the children, Pivitt was applauded for the great job he had been doing. Michtavy, who assists 23 abandoned shelters in T&T, donated 25 beds to the home and is also expected to assist with furnishings to ensure the children are comfortable. She also brought smiles to the faces of children from the other shelters who had the opportunity to decide what they wanted to do for the August vacation...all courtesy her. "I am really touched by what I have seen here. This home should be an example to many since it has a very high standard and should be used as a model."
"A young man has dedicated himself to look after these children, something we do not often see. "I am always moved whenever I visit these shelters because these children all have a story to tell. I think Government on the whole need to get sterner with the offenders and ensure the proper measures are in place to protect our children; they are our future," Michtavy said.
