Achsah wants to be the voice of talented, aspiring learners

POLOKWANE – If you have ever been to Mitchell House, you’ve probably seen a woman with a friendly, welcoming smile and a camera in her hand walking around the school grounds.

She is Mitchell House’s marketing director, Achsah Phoshokho. Having completed her media studies at Boston City Campus and Business College and then continuing with brand and marketing communication at Vega School of Brand Leadership, Achsah has always been involved with the media world.

“My professional journey has been very broad,” she says.

Her professional career began in 2005 as an intern at the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. After working there for several months, she moved on to work with a company which did the branding in Polokwane for the Soccer World Cup in 2010.

“It was very exciting, I got to meet some of the teams and watch some games.”

Still young and trying to find her feet, Achsah ventured into the IT world by working for the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) where she became an events specialist.

Achsah says business was slow at the time because the local government was under administration, but she was still able to plan events. She was in charge of brand launches and strategies which saw her launch a local cosmetics line, among others.

However, that is not what gave Achsah her purpose.

“As a single mother, I needed something permanent, not only for me but for my son.”

It was then Achsah began working at Mitchell House.

In April, 2013, she began her journey as the marketing director of the school. She handles all marketing, events, graphic designing as well as social media at the school which gives her an all round experience in showcasing her skills in event management and coordination.

Achsah says although she has a child, she was always used to working in a corporate environment, never just with children. “Working at Mitchell House is quite interesting, I didn’t expect what I found when I came here.”

Achsah has become very popular among the children which is probably thanks to her friendly demeanor and warm smile. She has also gotten to know the learners well and has formed strong bonds with some of them.

She says working at a school like Mitchell House has made her realise it is not just about the learners, but everyone as a whole: the learners, the teachers, the staff and the parents. All collaborate to make the school a success.

“My job here is to take all of those elements and brand Mitchell House as one whole product. I love every challenge that comes my way.”

Speaking of her favourite challenges she has encountered working at the school, Achsah says her first was the learning experience she got from dealing with graphic designing.

“I had creative direction but I had no formal training, so this has definitely been a learning experience for me.” In addition, working with children has also been a challenge for Achsah. She says being around the children is challenging, yet exciting. “Being around these children has helped improve my relationship with my own son,” Achsah explains.

Her favourite events at the school are those which involve arts and culture like talent shows and the Art Exhibition held in August at Mall of the North.

“These learners have exceptional talent and if me being here and organising events helps give them a platform to shine, then I’ll do whatever it takes to do so.” Achsah believes her purpose for now is to give the learners a voice.

When asked what is next in line, Achsah says she would like to explore the media and events industry more by opening a ministry and preaching the Word of God.

“I’d like to start a radio show and hopefully move to television spreading the Word,” she says.