This is one of eight reflections from student UNESCO Ambassadors at Lyng Hall who were invited to the Cities of Remembrance symposium in Ypres and Dunkirk which took place from 20-27 May. An earlier blog describes the background in more detail and points to seven other reflections from the visit. This reflection covers the theme of acceptance and Alex writes:
Acceptance
Our time in Belgium and France was amazing and the greatest time away I have ever had, especially since I got to hang out with my friends and we got to network, which I’ve never done before. The delegates were a delight to talk to and it was a lovely experience since they were very accepting to us being there.
I am glad that we got to network and see the symposium before we presented to all the delegates because meeting the made me feel less nervous to do the presentation in front of them. The Flanders Field Museum was where we did the presentation and it was gorgeous. When we did the presentation, I felt accepted as a person and my family heritage by all of the delegates because they were all listening attentively to our speech and gave us a large round of applause at the end. Everywhere in Belgium and France I felt like I was accepted and the atmosphere was a very nice one.
Below are two drawings that Alex created arising from the visit to the Field Museum:
Coventry Association for International Friendship 