Applications open for 2018 GraceKennedy Birthright Programme

Applications are now open for the 2018 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme. The exciting immersion programme allows university students of Jamaican parentage from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America to spend one month in Jamaica learning about the land of their parents' birth with all expenses paid.

Successful applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years, second- or third-generation Jamaican pursuing either an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and have a grade 'B' average or higher. Additionally, they must have not lived in the country for more than six months, and are really eager to learn more about their Jamaican heritage.

The Birthright Programme exposes students to a diversified experience through cultural immersion activities and paid internship at a GraceKennedy operation in Jamaica.

"The 2017 programme was a huge success, with the interns having a remarkable and fulfilling experience," said executive director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Caroline Mahfood, who directs the programme.

"With the help of our partners, such as Caribbean Airlines, Island Car Rentals and the Jamaica Tourist Board, the interns received the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the business' undertakings as well as Jamaica's dynamic cultural traditions, from our food to music, sports and more. They really got the chance to make a personal connection with the country from the minute they boarded the flight," Mahfood said.

The 2017 Jamaican Birthright interns were Menelik Graham, a sophomore at Princeton University (USA), Matthew Robinson, a senior at Georgetown University (USA), Tianna Thomas, a senior at Brock University (Canada) and Cleveland Douglas, a junior at Imperial College in the UK.

Application forms are available at www.gracekennedy.com/birthright. For further information, interested persons can either send queries via email to gkfoundation@gkco.com or call 1-876 932-3541.