Fun & Famous
Actress/presenter Pip Pellens is the ambassador for the Bag to School campaign by Plan Netherlands. On Monday morning, she boards a plane to Uganda to meet girls for whom their menstruation is a serious barrier to completing their education. We quickly snagged her for a digital Q&A.
Good to know: in Uganda, there is a lot of ignorance about menstruation. Menstruation is surrounded by myths, and due to a lack of knowledge and access to sanitary pads, girls miss 4 to 5 days of school every month. A backlog that many girls can hardly catch up on.
Monday is the day. You will depart together with ambassador Caro Emerald to Uganda. We want to know EVERYTHING. Why are you going, who are you going with, and what are you going to do there?
‘I am going to Tororo in northern Uganda. There we will visit schools and talk to the girls. We hope to learn more about the effects on the lives of girls who are hindered by their menstruation from going to school. Furthermore, we will meet with health workers, teachers at school, and local vendors (of sanitary pads, ed.). We will also visit people at home to hear what the taboos are surrounding menstruation. We will see what Plan is doing to ensure that the girls can continue to go to school.’
This weekend is definitely focused on preparations. How do you prepare for such a trip?
‘I am mainly busy reading up and with the challenge of packing as little clothing as possible into the smallest suitcase possible.’
There must still be a lot to do. What is at the top of your to-do list?
‘In principle, everything is arranged now. Only my things still need to be packed, and then I will be completely ready.’
What must you absolutely not forget?
‘Sunscreen and sunglasses. We will wear long pants, sneakers, and short-sleeved shirts during our trip. It’s all actually very basic, and it has to be comfortable.’
Are you going to the terrace just before this special trip? If so: where are you going and what is in your glass?
‘Sure, while giving these answers, I am enjoying myself with my boyfriend on a terrace. I am trying to find as many different spots as possible this summer (I am a fan of Strand Zuid and d’Overkant). That is my plan.’
What does a normal average Saturday look like for you? And suppose everything is possible, what would your ideal Saturday be?
‘Most of the time I work. This Saturday, I will get my nails done and go paddleboarding with my boyfriend and friends. Furthermore, I will continue reading my book: A Good Man Sometimes Hits His Wife by Joris Luyendijk.’
And what would your dream Sunday be?
‘Filming on set. Finishing on time and then enjoying wine and food in the sun with my boyfriend and/or friends.’
Does a Sunday feel different to you than a Saturday?
‘No, not at all. My work is very irregular, and usually, I am completely unaware of the day and date. Sometimes my Tuesday feels like a Sunday. Every day is different but super fun. As long as I have peace of mind, I am completely satisfied.’
In June, Plan Netherlands will launch the Bag to School at the Bijenkorf in Amsterdam: three specially designed bags, the proceeds of which will go to the project in Uganda. Have you seen them, and do you have a favorite?
‘Yes, I have definitely seen them. They are all very different and amazing. Very colorful, and they hold a lot. I would prefer to alternate them and also find the thought behind them very beautiful. I think they are all cool!’
Monday is the day! What time does your flight leave, and how early does your alarm go off?
‘I am expected at Schiphol at 8 o'clock, so I will get up an hour and a half beforehand. I can get up early just fine, as long as there is a good reason for it!’
Here you can read more about the collaboration between Plan Netherlands and Pip Pellens.
