Computer Science and Philosophy & Ethics student Kyrah McIntosh spent the summer in the Caribbean as part of the Jamaican Birthright Summer Internship Programme by GraceKennedy.
The programme is designed to reconnect second and third-generation Jamaicans between the ages of 18 and 25 living in the UK to their Jamaican heritage.
Kyrah has the opportunity to undertake placements across GraceKennedy’s business units with curated cultural and heritage experiences. The opportunity not only provided career-enhancing skills but a deeper sense of identity and belonging.
On securing the placement, Kyrah commented: “A former teacher reached out to me about the programme due to my prior involvement in organising cultural based celebrations in our school, and her knowledge of my love to travel. Only one student from the UK is chosen each year so I felt it was extremely unlikely that they would choose me. But I knew it was better to try my best and apply for the programme and see what happens, rather than giving up.”
Kyrah joined four students from the US and Canada for the six-week internship last summer, and met with national leaders including Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Governor General His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Linton Allen, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith.
Kyrah added: “I learnt so much on the programme - From a deeper understanding of the rich culture and heritage of Jamaica, to discovering more about myself on a professional level. The programme offered various heritage pathways that allowed us to re-connect with our Jamaican heritage, so we visited historical sites where we learnt about Jamaica’s history and resilience. On a personal level, I was able to explore the way the various professional and interpersonal skills I have developed over the years can be applied within a global corporate environment. Being in the workplace during my internship gave me the opportunity to explore my strengths and weakness and have shown me areas for greater growth even now that I am back in the UK.
“During my time on the internship I spent some time learning about GraceKennedys initiatives to help increase digital literacy and STEM skills for young people in Jamaica. I’ve always been passionate about digital inclusion and development, and plan to pursue a career in digital policy, so seeing the ways the Jamaican government also plan to use digital development to progress the country was super inspiring. I’d love to one day get involved in Jamaica’s tech space and potentially contribute towards them achieving their digital development goals.
“The highlight of the experience for me was the heritage tours, but more specifically the tours to St. Elizabeth and Montego Bay. These are the areas my family is from, and it was my first time being able to see those places for myself. There was something really touching about walking along the beaches I’d hear them talking about and just imagining them living their lives in that beautiful country many moons ago. It was truly humbling but I enjoyed every minute of it.”