Being bullied by 42 children in her class gave birth to a movement to end the scourge, one initiative at a time. Celita Jenecker founded the non-profit #42Unbreakable eight years ago, and since then, the anti-bullying campaign has expanded to a beauty pageant and now also a clothing line to help drive the message home.
Being bullied by 42 children in her class gave birth to a movement to end the scourge, one initiative at a time.
Celita Jenecker founded the non-profit #42Unbreakable eight years ago, and since then, the anti-bullying campaign has expanded to a beauty pageant and now also a clothing line to help drive the message home.
Recently launching the clothing line, Jenecker’s sister Kayla, the organisation director, regards this whole initiative as a true family project.
“We started the brand to spread awareness against bullying. My father Randall Jenecker, designs our clothing. He always had a passion for fashion and design. He’s very creative and even gives us fashion tips,” she says.
Her mother, Barbara, is also a director of the organisation. Kayla also founded the Miss Mitchells Plain Unbreakable Beauty Pageant, which raised funds for the campaign.
With the tagline “Don’t be a bully, be a Brah”, the clothing line has an assortment of tracksuits and other branded items for men, women and children.
“When purchasing our brand one doesn’t only support a family, but one supports a family that gives back to their community,” a statement from the organisation reads.
“One is allowing our anti-bullying campaign, to go out, to schools around the Western Cape and help save lives.
“Every day, our children go to school and we, as parents, expect them to be happy, free and safe.
“Yet there are so many challenges, and one of these is bullying. Suicide is also a serious issue among learners, and statistics show it’s rising every day. Some children feel alone and don’t want to speak out because they feel powerless.” “We, as #42Unbreakable, understand and will be that voice for the voiceless and do all we can to eradicate bullying in schools. So by wearing this brand, you help us help your children to really understand what bullying is and the effects thereof.”
Kayla said by wearing their clothing, locals make a public stand against bullying, and “it brings a message that they are united against bullying. They are helping us take a stand. I was also bullied at school. Today, I’m a marathon runner and model. It shows we are not what others say we are.”
The organisation takes its campaign to schools and community events. To buy items or for more, visit “42 Unbreakable” on Facebook, phone 074 995 4875 or follow “42 Unbreakable” on TikTok.
