Working with the poor and marginalized in Cebu – Father Heinz Kulüke
For many years, Father Heinz and his staff has been trying to help scavengers, street children, women in red-light districts and impoverished fishermen.
In their work they particularly focus on children, trying to provide nourishment and medical support, but also education. In 1999, Heinz Kulucke founded the NGO JPIC-IDC to help the poor in Cebu, scavengers, street children and young girls in red-light districts in particular. Today more than 40 people are working for JPIC in these different sectors.
Father Heinz has been working with scavenger families since 1989. The first village he managed to build trough donations was opened in 1999 and provides a livelihood for 85 families. More villages have since been under construction. Many of the relocated kids are not working on the dumpsite anymore, but are going to school instead. Yet, due to the negative economic climate the number of scavengers on the dumpsites is increasing.
Father Heinz is also very active with regard to street children in Cebu. He visits them in the evenings, bringing food and medicine. On a regular evening out he buys food for 50 children. JPIC also set up shelters for prostitutes, where they learn about illnesses and risks. They also offer support for those who are seeking to get out of prostitution.
He also supports five fishing villages with around 25,000 inhabitants that are living on the bare minimum, due to the impact of dynamite fishing, the big fishing fleets and the resulting decrease in fish. In cooperation with the Karl Kuebel Stiftung Father Heinz’ organization built a village for 200 impoverished families.