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Work is progressing for the posters for the exhibition. This is first draft of the posters by the History students from Lycée Professionnel Jean Macé, in Chauny, France (formerly Lycée Professionnel Gay Lussac).

Looking back at 2014, all I can think about is how lucky I have been. I feel so inspired by the generosity that was shown to me by so many amazing people and that took me on the journey of a lifetime. I have developed a great love for remembrance and history and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in French culture, language, and history. The Young Ambassadors tour really made me connect authentically with the spirit of those who served a century ago. Being there, where they were. Where they...

Wow! it is really strange to think that it is already 2015 and that this time last year we were all finding out about being accepted into the young ambassadors and that we would be going to France. This opportunity was the absolute highlight of my 2014 and has given me some incredible memories and friends. Before we left I was nervous that the trip would be difficult with clashing personalities and being in each others company 24/7. I really needn't have worried, this trip and the programme has...

Our First Poster has been completed by Baradene College students. The design and the translation has been finished.  It is now ready for printing.

This posters theme is ALCOOL ET DÉSERTION à MESSINES EN 1917. It is about how there were discipline problems because some New Zealand soldiers went absent without leave (AWOL) because they became drunk. many New Zealand soldiers enjoyed drinking alcohol a lot. Harry Watson, who signed up under the name "John Black", and another John Raynor were two...

2014 was a whirlwind of a year for many reasons, but none so significant as being part of the Shared Histories project as a Young Ambassador.  This role took me to many places both literally and metaphorically that I never dreamed I would be able to experience in my last year of high school.  Though the experience of being in France and Belgium is now over, the memories we made and things we learnt will last forever.

I had always considered myself to be relatively knowledgable about WWI and...

Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe that about this time last year we had only just found out that we were Young Ambassadors, but in this short space of time so much has happened! I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity - I’ve learnt so much and I’ve met so many awesome people along the way. Not only has this experience improved my French and knowledge of WW1, it has definitely made me more eager to see the world and discover more of its history.

Throughout the year I’ve been...

In the National Library of New Zealand, called the Alexander Turnbull Library, in the capital city Wellington, there is an exhibition about WWI. It is called “World War One. A Contemporary Conversation” and is worth a visit if you are on holiday in Wellington.

On display are some information relating to our Shared Histories project. There are two display’s that discuss about the conscientious objector Archibald Baxter. He was sent to France in the First World War and was one of the soldiers...

Bonjour tout le monde. j'ai eu la chance à faire un discours à mon classe sur le sujet du voyage de Jeunes Ambassadeurs, et voila un vidéo de mon discours pour vous.

If reading through blog posts isn't your thing, then here is a video of my Young Ambassadors Tour speech that I was able to use for my English internal that give a day-to-day account of what we did on the trip back in July.

Young Ambassadors Tour Speech

Salut,

Today I began my string of school visits speaking to two Year 12 History classes from Baradene College about the Shared Histories project and our trip. It was great to talk to them especially since they have already done great work with the project and will have the opportunity to travel to France next year on what will be an amazing trip.

I am heading towards exams now but I am looking forward to talking to other schools from around Auckland in the coming months. It was great to...

Before I went on the Young Ambassadors Tour, I had an interview with the Manawatu Standard.
A man named John who saw the published article, got in touch with me through school. He asked me to take a picture of his uncle Donald Wallace Macnamara, and put it next to his name at the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery. I was more than happy to do this for him, as I could see it was of great importance to him and his family.
Visiting the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery was a very moving and emotional experience...