A total of 100,000 Peruvian students living in poverty and extreme poverty conditions were granted scholarships over the last five-year period, Peru's Education Ministry reported on Friday.
Between 2012 and 2016, over 50% of total grants were awarded under the Beca 18 scheme.
"The objective is to double the figure by 2021 [Peru's Bicentennial year]," National Program for Scholarships and Educational Loans (Pronabec) Executive Director Raul Choque said.
As is known, Beca 18 program was created to grant scholarships to outstanding Peruvian students and allow them to purse higher studies at top universities based in the country and overseas.
Social inclusion
Thanks to Beca 18, 52,236 talented youngsters —from Peruvian households in poverty and extreme poverty situations— were allowed to pursue higher studies.
Careers in science, technology and innovation have been prioritized by this social inclusion program.
When President Humala took office, 25,000 scholarships were expected to be awarded by 2016. The figure has been surpassed.
The current administration also allowed 293 national grant-holders to study in France, Colombia, Cuba and Honduras.
(END) NDP/MPM/ART/HMC/MVB