14 Solutions that Provide Greater Access to Human Needs
In 1943, Maslow taught that in order to experience self-actualization, esteem, belonging, and safety, first, our basic human needs such as food, water, and shelter must be met.
Maslow was on to something, although he forgot to add something really important: access to restrooms.
In many developing countries around the world, schools lack access to a functional bathroom. Without a bathroom, girls are left without privacy and sanitation when it is needed the most. Globally, a lack of access to clean places for young girls who experience puberty and menstruation can mean the difference between attending school or not.
In response to student absenteeism in their school in Yoke, Muyuka, Cameroon, Awah-Mbang Richard Ndikum, and Ajia Edwin Lufung decided to build a four-room toilet, thereby easing the lives of over 2,000 students and 120 staff who currently do not have access to a bathroom. With access to clean water and toilets, the students can now spend more time in class. They’ll also learn about basic hygiene practices to slow the spread of disease.
Meanwhile, educator Heather Goretski is helping her students access another important human need: nature. In her graduate studies, Heather learned that scientific research links access to nature with benefits for child development and learning. Exposure to the outdoors has a direct correlation with emotional and physical health, and the rates of academic success.
While researching this topic, Heather observed that schools with more economic resources provided more opportunities for their students to experience nature. She immediately thought of her own students in the low-income communities in Federal Way, Washington who do not have access to many green spaces. She decided to build Valhalla Elementary Native Plant Garden for her students with the support of her local girl scout group.

At The Pollination Project, we are thrilled to support projects that eliminate barriers to basic needs and help people experience self-actualization. When individuals have their basic needs met, we believe they can be well-positioned to create a greater impact in their communities for themselves and for others.
For example, the Disability Project Empower (a project of Le Cheile Africa) in Kenya assists people with disabilities (PWD) in the creation and execution of their own unique products by providing entrepreneurship skills that offers them economic stability.

According to the United Nations PWD make up the largest minority group in the world and account for roughly 10% of the world’s population. The Disability Project Empower project will develop a center to foster entrepreneurial skills while breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and providing the type of support that help PWD live full and productive lives.
These are just three of the projects that were recently awarded a $1,000 seed grant from The Pollination Project for their efforts to solve community needs. Consider checking out the full roundup of grantees:
Steven Okoto, Joab Oluoch, Vuka Sasa, Crime is Not Good, Kenya. Advocates for the dignity and rights of youth for education, training and gainful employment.
Randy Wilkins, The Digital Enterprise Academy, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Provides an immersive open space that encourages creativity through exploration with the latest technology and STEM educational tools.
Eva Queen and the CA4Y team, Community Advocates 4 You, Inc., Baltimore, MD. Addresses the disparity within education, health, and self-advocacy domains related to access and consistent utilization of resources, information, and services for individuals living with disabilities.
Cristina Afan Lai , Yoga and mindfulness practices for First Nation communities, Constance Lake First Nations, Canada. Gives children, adolescents and teachers of a First Nations community in Northern Ontario additional tools for coping with their geographical isolation, and promotes emotional and physical well-being by teaching them mindfulness practices and yoga.
ASAFO Community Development Association, The Muhiyyidin D’baha Leadership Academy, Summerville, SC. Develops an African centered program designed to solve the problem of failing schools in poor, mostly black communities.
Alexandra Sava and Oana Sava, Sava’s Safe Haven Community Projects Romania, Branistea, Romania. Supports food and veterinary care for abandoned animals.
Chandra E. Miller, The Get It Growin’ Garden, Houston, TX. Provides access to organic fruits and vegetables, cooking classes, gardening education and community building.
Miss. Konah and Allenton Menklee, No Girl Left Behind, Paynesville, Liberia. Promotes girls’ rights through economic empowerment and skill-building programs, while supporting national peace-building and security.
The Organic Scheme Project, Kenya. Grows and sells organic horticultural crops to support the education and schooling of sixteen orphans and vulnerable children from the Kanyawegi Village.
Christina Nieves, Expressive Arts & Cancer Survivors Project, Enfield, CT. Implements expressive arts programs for adult cancer survivors in a community setting.
Ulfat Kazemi, Ishaq Safi, and Zabihullah, SEHAT, Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Repairs two orphan school latrines for 120 orphans and provides education on portable water and various hygiene practices in order to lower the rate of disease across Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Do you have a solution to a community need? Join these incredible community leaders and apply today to be considered for a $1,000 seed grant to support your idea.

