After being on hiatus for a period of six years, GraceKennedy has announced that it is reviving its Jamaican Birthright programme. The programme started in 2004 with the aim of giving second and third generation university students internships at GraceKennedy in Jamaica, exposing them to a diversified Jamaican experience through music, social activities and professional tutelage.   

“The programme started in 2004 and was hugely successful. Everyone is excited that it’s coming back, and we’re excited to be doing it again. The response has been great so far,” said Executive Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Caroline Mahfood, who has oversight for the project. She continued, “We’re very proud to offer a programme that provides cultural and professional internship geared at highlighting all aspects of Jamaican life, while furthering the career goals of the selected candidates. It will give successful candidates a well-rounded Jamaican experience.”

Applications are open to second and third generation Jamaicans (of Jamaican parentage or grand parentage) between the ages 18 – 25 years, who have not lived in Jamaica more than six months, and who are seeking an opportunity to learn and explore their Jamaican heritage. They must be pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree and must have a Grade ‘B’ average or higher.   Applications will be accepted from September 1 – November 30, 2014, after which four persons – two from the United States and one from the United Kingdom and Canada – will be chosen to receive an all-expenses paid four week trip to Jamaica to participate in the Birthright Programme for 2015.   GraceKennedy Limited will host the four university students from July 4 – August 6, 2015, giving them hands-on experience in their chosen career fields.