WE ROCKED IT!!!

Hey everyone. Matt and I gave our final presentation to the Ikamva management today, and I have to say, I think we nailed it. From the reactions we got, it appears that the entire management board is ready to go forward with it after we leave. If anyone is interested, haha, I guess I can post pictures of our PowerPoint in a photo album later (haha, jk). Anyway, I’m not sure I can convey how stoked I am after our presentation.

It was also interesting to hear how impressed they were with our accomplishments. To have these people who do great things everyday tell you that you have accomplished something really great, something that they believe will benefit Ikamva for many years to come, is really an honor. They loved seeing how we were able to streamline the mapping, interviewing, and data basing processes, as well as the strides we made in documenting 150 sites and locating 146 of those title deeds.

It was also nice to see them perk up when we made our recommendations, specifically in how they can use the portfolio to generate revenue and to possibly get more donor funds. By using the zoning information that the GIS provides, Ikamva can strategically make decisions regarding where their properties are located to help generate revenue. Perhaps they know a mall is to be built in an area, and they have a property there. They know that they should be able to charge rent on that property to make some money when the mall is built. Having this property portfolio properly manage may also allow them to increase donor funds, as they will be able to show potential donors where and how well they are involved in an area, and if that donor has an interest in the area, then Ikamva becomes more appealing. As I said, they really enjoyed (and rightfully so) hearing how this large project that they are about to embark upon will be able to benefit them for many years.

Well, I’m not really sure if I can top how awesome our presentation went. It’s a bit (only the tiniest bit, haha) sad to know that we’re wrapping up, with tomorrow being our last day of work. This said, I can’t wait to get home and be back in the States. I miss you guys, and look forward to seeing you all at ND football games. Well, that’s it for now. Totsien!!!