Opportunities and Challenges of University Scholarships in the Ayacuchan Jungle

Objective: the Ayacucho region, characterized by its diverse relief between highlands and jungle, faces challenges such as drug trafficking and terrorism. The VRAEM, a conflict zone with a Shining Path presence, lacks infrastructure and services. The research addresses barriers to educational scholarships, seeking to mitigate poverty and drug trafficking in the región. Theoretical Framework: This research analyzes the university scholarships granted by the Peruvian government to vulnerable young people, focusing on the region of Ayacucho, affected by the violence of the Shining Path and drug trafficking, in order to promote access to higher education. Method: research in the district of Llochegua, Ayacucho, focused on the Quechua-speaking population affected by drug trafficking. Funded by PROCIENCIA and CONCYTEC, the research included informal and formal interviews with villagers and former grantees. The analysis was triangulated with information from other universities, especially on bilingualism. Results and Discussion: Llochegua faces significant challenges in terms of access, labor formalization and university education due to its context of drug trafficking and social legends. However, it also presents opportunities for development through higher education, cultural integration and the fight against violence, promoting social and economic wellbeing. Research Implications: Promotes the educational inclusion of young people from vulnerable areas, contributing to their development and improving their job opportunities. Through the promotion of education, it seeks to generate positive change in communities affected by violence and drug trafficking, favoring long-term social reconstruction. Originality/Value: centralism in Peru favors Lima to the exclusion of the provinces, limiting employment opportunities for former scholarship recipients in areas outside of education and the municipality. The lack of employment in their localities forces young people to emigrate, frustrating social mobility and regional economic growth.