The Coudersport Rotary Club met on April 13, 2026, at A&W West End Grill. Ronnie Schenkein introduced guest speaker Ed McCrea, the Co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Environmental Education & Conservation Global (EECG).

EECG is a 501(c)(3) organization that partners with local groups in 14 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia, including India, Thailand, Namibia, and Tanzania. The organization also collaborates on projects with groups such as Disney, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Smithsonian. EECG offers international courses in Applied Environmental Education and provides small grants to conservation organizations, where even modest funding—combined with local “sweat equity”—can make a meaningful impact. Their Climate Change Collaborative focuses on helping communities address the local effects of climate change.

A major focus of Ed’s presentation was a project near Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The park, well known from nature documentaries, borders communities where many individuals with physical disabilities have little access to assistance or mobility. The Wheelchair Project, led by David Kabambo, Director and Founder of Peace for Conservation, seeks to address this need.

David, who has a background in social services, has developed a practical and durable wheelchair design suited to local conditions where paved roads are scarce. The wheelchairs consist of a wooden platform mounted on wheels with a seat, allowing users to propel themselves using hand-operated pedals. The design also enables users to transport goods, helping them participate more fully in daily life. Smaller versions are made for children.

Beyond mobility, the project has a broader vision. David hopes to provide 100 wheelchairs and organize a wildlife safari for recipients—many of whom, despite living near one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas, have never seen the park. In return, recipients are encouraged to serve as ambassadors for conservation, sharing their experiences with family and community members.

To date, 77 wheelchairs have been distributed, up from 68 the previous year. Each wheelchair costs $350, or four for $1,200, and donors’ names are placed on the seatbacks. The Coudersport Rotary Club and the Methodist Church women have both contributed to this effort.

At the conclusion of the program, Coudersport Rotary Club presented Ed McCrea with a $500 check from the club’s budget to support EECG’s work.

For more information about Environmental Education & Conservation Global, visit their website at https://eecg.org/, which is currently being updated.