Dajandra van Loo wins audience award Language Hero 2025 and is honored in Kerkrade

A special moment for Dajandra van Loo (36) from Kerkrade: she is the proud winner of the public award Language Hero 2025. She received the most votes from the Dutch public. A well-deserved recognition for a woman who with courage and determination turned her life around and is now inspiring others to do the same.

To congratulate her on this fine achievement, Dajandra was put in the spotlight last week by Alderman Jo Schlangen. He expressed his admiration: "As a municipality, we are incredibly proud. Her story is an inspiration to other residents who have difficulty reading, writing or arithmetic. In Kerkrade you are not alone. There are many places where you can work on your basic skills for free, whether that is reading, writing, arithmetic or computer use. It's never too late to take that step."

From factory to hospitality industry

For years, Dajandra worked in a factory until she decided to change course. "The work felt mind-numbing. I wanted something different, something I really enjoyed. Through a vocational test, I discovered my interest in the hospitality industry, but for that I needed to learn to read, write and calculate better." She began language courses and math training. In a safe and familiar learning environment, she found her niche. "I had a great teacher. That's where my real period of growth began."

Language ambassador with a mission

An invitation to take part in a promotional video for a language course led Dajandra down the path of language ambassadorship. She has since become a board member of the ABC Foundation, a volunteer organization by and for low-literates. "I now give presentations in places I would never go before, in front of large groups of people. That gives me self-confidence. I have become more open, less afraid. I couldn't have imagined that a few years ago."

Overcoming thresholds

Dajandra hopes her story gives others courage. "I dare to share my story because I know many people recognize themselves in it. And maybe it will help them to ask for help too." For others who have trouble reading and writing, she has a clear message: "Don't be ashamed. Find someone you trust, such as a family member or a colleague, and go to a language course together. The threshold seems high, but once you start, it's not so bad. Really, it changes your life."

She knows this from her own experience. "I live independently now and manage my own administration and DigiD stuff. I now work in the hospitality industry, standing at the cash register and making order lists. Things that are now possible because I took the step to go back to school six years ago."

Need help?

Are or do you know someone who struggles with reading, writing or math? You're not alone. In Kerkrade, there are a variety of free courses and activities to improve your basic skills. See the information page help with basic skills for more information.