David Burton is a second-year student at the Sheffield University studying Orthoptics.
Recently he was selected by Grace Kennedy and sponsored to do on a two-month, all-expenses paid trip to Jamaica. David was born and grown in Burngreave, of Jamaican parentage. He attended Firshill Junior School and then went on to King Edward Secondary. On completion of his A Levels, receiving two Bs and two Cs, he was accepted at the University and selected Orthoptics as his career choice.
He heard about the Birthright Programme that Grace Kennedy sponsored through his mum. He applied online as he wasn’t really expecting anything to happen, and his priority at the time was his upcoming exams.
However, while on one of his rotations he received a call informing him that he had been shortlisted. Still not wanting to be too hopeful he dismissed it. A few days later he received a call saying he was selected. He was shocked and excited all at once.
When asked about the whole experience all he could say is it was unbelievable:
“There were six of us in total from the UK (two), USA (three) and Canada (one). It was more than I expected. We were looked after well and made welcome by everyone. We stayed in a lovely apartment next door to the Bob Marley estate and we travelled all over the island. I worked at KPH Hospital and was amazed at how sterile the operating theatres were, I wasn’t even allowed to carry my laptop in. They are very strict with regards to cleanliness.”
Learn, earn and enjoy
To qualify for the programme, you should be:
Between the ages of 18 and 30 years
Of Jamaican parentage whether parents or grandparents
An undergraduate at University with Grades of B or higher
Willing to work and offer your services
For more information visit the Grace Kennedy website.