Adele Koolen, a Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa semi-finalist, inspired the learners of Hoërskool EG Jansen when she spoke to them about her #IAmEnough campaign.
Adele is a former learner of EG Jansen.
“I matriculated in 1999 and it was some of my best years. I felt the best place to kick off this campaign on a school level would be at the place that had so much to do in shaping me into who I am today,” said Koolen.
“The groundwork and foundation of my life were laid here at EG Jansen, so what better place to start my campaign.”
The #IAmEnough campaign is effectively an anti-bullying campaign.
“So often in life, we feel that we need to fit into a box to be accepted in society. There are all these labels that are tagged onto us, some positive and some negative.
“Problem is, even a positive label can be perceived in a negative way if it is intended to tease or ridicule. An example would be when someone who excels at school is called a nerd – this may not be intended in an ugly way, but when it is said enough the ‘nerd’ may become self-conscious and stop performing at their best.”
Koolen launched the campaign as a result of her battle with infertility.
“After seven years of trying everything to conceive I felt like such a failure, like I had failed as a woman and more so as a wife.
“I then realised that I didn’t need the label ‘mom’ to be a good person. I am not defined by that, I am enough just by being me. I realised that all you have to be defined as is being kind, and always give your 120 per cent in everything you do.”
She entered the Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa competition because she felt she had a story.
“I needed a platform where people would stop and listen. I want to tell couples out there who are battling to have a baby that there is a multitude of options, even though they didn’t work for myself.”
To keep updated on her journey, visit the Mrs South Africa Facebook page.
