Basic Human Needs:
Sri Lanka

In much of the world, whether a basic human need is satisfied depends on the presence or absence of a resource like water or food. But as communities become more developed, such questions become more matters of degree and opinion. They require more of one thing and less of another. Because our values and attitudes affect how we address these "basic needs," we cannot always agree about how much or how little should satisfy each need. These standards affect the quality of community life. The concept of "enough" is very different depending on who "we" are.

The issues listed here are adapted from a list of "10 Basic Human Needs" used by the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in the country of Sri Lanka. Satisfying these needs offer a starting point for "family and community awakening." According to Sarvodaya founder Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, merely recognizing these needs and working to satisfy them helps to make them into reality.

For more information about Sarvodaya, see: www.sarvodaya.org

How does your community provide these basic human needs? How about communities on this web site?

Put a + in the blank if the trend in this community is improving.
Put a 0 if things are neutral and not changing much
Put a - if the trend is declining; things are getting worse.

1. A clean and beautiful environment (both physical and psychological)
To what extent do people take care of their homes, the streets and the land? Do they attempt to protect the nature around them? Do they restore it so it is safer and healthier?

2. Clean and adequate water supply
Is there enough water for all uses-drinking, washing, growing gardens and crops--for everyone? Is the water safe to use? Is the supply reliable, no matter how much rain? Can anyone in the community use it?

3. Clothing
Does everyone have at least minimal supply of appropriate clothing to wear at work, at home and in public?

4. Adequate supply of food
Is everyone well-fed? Are there "shortages" of healthy food? Do some members experience hunger they cannot satisfy?

5. Basic health care
Can everyone find and afford treatment for illness and injury which will not heal if left alone? Does the community take steps to avoid preventable health problems…from before birth until the end of life?

6. Housing/shelter
Does everyone have a place to live which they can afford and they can call their own? Does their home offer them privacy, and shelter them from the weather?

7. Energy
Do people have enough energy so they can live and work in comfort? Enough to improve the quality of their lives?

8. Basic communication
Can people communicate with each other, learn about resources inside and outside their community, and obtain information which can help them maintain and improve their lives?

9. Education
Does everyone have access throughout their lifetime…to formal and informal education… which helps them become productive, healthy adults…who contribute to the wellbeing of their community and beyond? Education means more than just schools. It includes mentoring, apprenticeships and all the ways one generation teaches the next about the past, present and future.

10. Spiritual and cultural
Does the community recognize or acknowledge spiritual and cultural values? Do people
consciously or unconsciously integrate those values into daily life?