Lidy Zijlmans ontvangt koninklijke onderscheiding.
Lidy Zijlmans ontvangt koninklijke onderscheiding.

Lidy Zijlmans receives royal distinction for her dedication to Dutch as a second language

On Thursday 2 October, former colleague Dr Lidy Zijlmans received a royal distinction from mayor Bruls. She received the distinction for her many years of dedication to the field of NT2 (Dutch as a second language) and her great contribution to the professionalisation of the profession of NT2 teacher. Lidy devoted herself wholeheartedly to the quality of NT2 education and supporting both students and colleagues, both within and outside Radboud University.

A versatile career 

Lidy worked at Radboud in'to Languages from 1995 to 2022 as senior staff member in Dutch language for non-native speakers. During that period, she fulfilled numerous roles: from teacher and trainer to continuing education coordinator, teaching materials developer and project manager. Among other things, she was involved in the development of the quality instrument for integration education (KET/KIT), trained inspectors for integration education and was one of the founders of the NT2 teacher training programme and the methodology module within the Master's NT2 – Teacher & Expert programme at Radboud University. 

Founder of NT2 courses 

Over the years, Lidy developed numerous courses that are still in use today, including the basic teaching method Lesvaardig for novice NT2 teachers. Her plea for practical, functional classes in which students actively use Dutch is still relevant today. 

Always involved 

Even after her retirement in 2022, Lidy still works with Radboud in’to Languages. Her knowledge, experience and commitment remain of great value. In addition, she has been committed to the field as a board member of the BVNT2 (Professional Association of NT2 teachers). Her efforts have always been aimed towards improving the quality of language education for newcomers and refugees, so that they can find their place in Dutch society more quickly. A striking example of her commitment is her work in 2015, when many Syrian refugees came to the Netherlands: Lidy provided many evenings of workshops for language volunteers who were active at the Heumensoord reception centre in Nijmegen. 

This royal distinction is a fitting recognition of Lidy's many years of valuable contributions to NT2 education.   

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