We don’t just teach inclusion - we create it. The Birth Game helps people experience different realities, building empathy, reducing judgement and strengthening human connection.
Building Stronger School Communities
Through the award-winning Birth Game, students, teachers and parents experience different life realities firsthand, creating meaningful conversations and deeper understanding across the school community.
The result: stronger belonging, greater empathy, safer school environments and healthier school culture.
Our interactive workshops support wellbeing and safeguarding goals while integrating naturally into PSHE and Global Citizenship programmes.
Customized Workshops & Professional Development
Real inclusion begins with the professionals who guide, teach, and support others. Our workshops are designed to equip teams with the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to create truly inclusive environments. Using the Birth Game, we combine experiential learning with real-world cases to deepen understanding, reduce stereotyping, and strengthen communication across diverse groups.
From Local Roots to Global Reach – What began in 2014 as Stichting Schiedams LEF, founded by Dutch educators Carolien Kruijs and Sandy Kardolus, was born from a necessity – the lack of hands-on tools to truly teach inclusion. Today, we are proud to announce the next chapter. Together with Marieke de Zeeuw, we have launched LEF International to make this proven method available to international schools worldwide.
Courage & Connection – Our approach requires “LEF,” the Dutch word for courage: the courage to be yourself, to listen to others, and to step into new perspectives. We move beyond lectures; we help students and teams experience diversity. Our signature methodology, the Birth Game, turns abstract ideas like privilege, bias, and belonging into tangible, memorable moments.
Proven Impact – With over 2,500 sessions delivered, our method has consistently reduced stereotyping and strengthened social safety. Our dedication to inclusive education has been recognized nationally:
RADAR Inclusive Award 2024 – Winner (Encouragement Prize)
Movisie Recognition – Included in the National Knowledge Platform for Inclusive Coexistence (KIS) since 2022
Jillis Bruggeman Honourable Mention 2018 – For strengthening social inclusion
Social skills teacher specializing in bullying and violence prevention.
Sandy brings diversity and anti-bullying education to classrooms, showing the courage it takes to be yourself, especially when you’re different.
Primary school teacher and children’s book author.
Carolien believes every child deserves respect, regardless of appearance, religion, orientation, or background. “If we start with respect at a young age, the world becomes a little more beautiful.”
Educational Media Manager and Trainer.
With global experience in Sydney, Singapore, and Bangkok. Marieke’s mission is to foster curiosity and inclusion, ensuring everyone has the space to be their best self.