Kistow, who for the past 11 years has managed a home for abused and abandoned juveniles in Ackbarali Trace, Malabar, Arima, remains fiercely committed to relieving the hurts of children whom society has frowned upon.

An unequivocal saviour to some 30-odd youngsters, ranging in age from nine months to 17 years, Kistow, 56, has selflessly assumed a number of roles in an unofficial capacity.

Though she has no children of her own, she is a mother, friend, teacher, comforter and psychologist to youths so traumatized by the effects of parental neglect and abuse, they have found it difficult to maintain some semblance of a normal existence.

According to Kistow, a few of the youngsters attend secondary school, while others attend vocational institutions and primary school. The remainder, many of whom are toddlers, she happily nurtures at home.

Articulate, yet soft-spoken, Kistow feels that the education system has been unfair in its approach to the children.

"Teachers don't realize these children need special help. Many of the children are born feeling rejected. Teachers should refrain from putting them down.

"They must show patience when working with the children. They must melt and fashion them. They are 'Jesus' in our lives," she remarked.

Assisted by a live-in helper referred to by the youngsters as "Granny", Amy Sutherland and "Aunty J" (who prefers to remain anonymous), the social worker firmly believes that all children should experience a healthy, happy upbringing.

"I often wonder what kind of men and women we would have for tomorrow, given the type of problems these children face," Kistow expressed, lamenting the rigidity of the law in allowing children to be released from abusive homes.

Honoured by the Arima Borough Council, the Lions Club of St Augustine and the Baha'I faith for her "outstanding work" in community service, Kistow reveled her Utopia.

"My dream is to have a large place, about ten lots of land and a three-storey building filled with love and togetherness.

"I want to have an agricultural estate filled with livestock, where children could be taught skills. The estate will be their home and work-place, the foundation from where they would develop," she excitedly stated.

A pious woman with an unassuming disposition, she is one of four children born to former Arima Mayor Norman Kistow. Today, her 84-year-old father fully supports the home by giving of his time, knowledge and wisdom to the youngsters.

While her father was outgoing and fun-loving, however, her mother (now deceased) was reserved and supportive.

Undoubtedly, it was her mother's gentle, gracious nature that was manifested in the small-built Kistow. Since the inception of the home, she has quietly withstood criticism from her detractors who labelled her as unfit for such a huge undertaking.

Allegations of child molestation and subsequent threats by the Ministry of Health to close down the home made headlines in newspapers throughout the country a few years ago. Of the experience, she confessed, "I just prayed and let it die a natural death."

She freely admitted that her only formal training in social work was a six-week course in childcare at the Arima Health Facility, several years ago.

Confident, however, that her innate love, coupled with God's grace, continued to work wonders in the youngsters' lives, Kistow stressed, "I try to give the children a good life and set them on the right track. It is sad to see children suffering. But with God's grace, I know they could make it."

Also assisted by the Canadian Women's Association and several "good samaritans", Kistow has largely depended on the generosity of people for financial support.

In this regard, she said the Lord continued to smile benevolently on the home, despite the many encumbrances.

Recalling an incident several years ago in which food supplies had considerably dwindled, Kistow said she invoked the help of the Almighty and, minutes later, her plea was miraculously answered.

"A man came out of the blue, walked into the kitchen and handed me $300. All the basic items that were in short supply were purchased for the children," she said with a smile.

Lovingly called "Aunty Pearl" by those under her care, the demure social worker said she had always loved children. As a teenager, she took care of her sister's children and several other young relatives.

Saying that she once dreamt of becoming a nun, Kistow explained that the vocation would have prevented her from being actively involved with children.

And rightly so, for she cares for them as if they were her very own by attending to their religious needs at the nearby Malabar RC Church, which they frequent for devotion.

She also disciplines them whenever the need arises and ensures that they do their chores.

On the verge of tears, she remembered how the home was transformed into a palace by the youngsters a few years ago, during the Christmas season.

"I wish they could develop their talents. For Carnival, I marvel at how they make up their faces. They show such happiness, love and joy. They are our future. I always tell them whatever they do, do it for the love of God."

TOP