Lady and Lesly Salazar Ciudad are twin sisters who share more than just physical resemblance: they are united by the same passion for self-improvement and building a professional future. Three years ago, they decided to pursue a technical career, driven by the desire to change their circumstances and pave their way into the job market.
With clear ideas, the sisters once again agreed on the profession they wanted to pursue. Both chose tourism and began searching for opportunities in various higher education institutions.
They decided on a technical institute, in order to finish as quickly as possible, given their need to start working soon.
And they found it. However, their family's finances were not sufficient.
Beca 18 —the Peruvian State's scholarship program— could help them, but they did not meet one of the requirements: proving poverty status.
"Our financial situation didn't reach that extreme (level), but there was categorization by communities, and we belong to the Afro-Peruvian community, so we applied. We also chose a technical institute because it awarded more points in the evaluation. Cenfotur met many of the requirements. We applied and got the spots," says Lesly, the more talkative of the twins.
The program they chose was tourism management, which lasts three years —they are already in their second year— and it aligns with the projects they are undertaking.
"We love the program, and studying here offers a lot of flexibility with the schedule, plus plenty of cultural activities," adds Lady, the more cheerful one.
Scholarship gives visibility to Afro-descendants
Although they are recipients of Beca 18, both Lady and Lesly Salazar —soon to turn 22— highlight the creation of Beca Tec.
"Because it opens more doors to higher education for many people who couldn't access other scholarship programs as the requirements were stricter," they agree.
Lady explains that this openness will also allow young people to realize there are more opportunities to become professionals, and that they do not have to be the top students in their class to compete for the scholarships Pronabec offers every year.
They also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share their experience with the Afro-descendant community, one of the populations with the least access to higher education.
"Getting this scholarship allowed us to raise the visibility of the Afro-descendant community, which is largely underrepresented in education. In a way, we —along with another classmate who is attending university through a scholarship— have inspired others to apply for these scholarships, not just for technical programs, but also university ones," says Lesly.
Everyone can become a professional
For both sisters, there is a need to further promote education in Peru. That is why they emphasized that the vast majority of scholarship recipients find employment upon completing their studies.
They said that getting their scholarships changed their lives and that many people who know about their achievement reach out to them for guidance.
"There are people who ask us for study tips to prepare for the exam, while others seek advice on how to deal with their family — especially in cases where there is resistance to studying because families would rather have their children work," Lesly reveals.
With only one year left to finish their career, the Salazar Ciudad twins have already started research focused on what they want to do after graduation.
"Lesly and I prefer fieldwork. We would like to have more contact with tourists, to be able to help," Lady comments.
And Lesly adds: "I'm interested in improving tourism development in every district of Lima, because each one has its tourist attractions —whether huacas, parks, or other sites— but they are not well developed. Lima has a lot of potential, but some places aren't given the importance they deserve. We did a research project in San Juan de Lurigancho (district), an inventory of tourism there."
Great professional success
In total,
Pronabec has awarded 157,323 scholarships and 7,773 credits (from 2012 to June 30, 2025), of which 100,256 have already graduated — meaning that 61% of beneficiaries have completed their studies and are contributing their knowledge to the country.
"You have to keep going and stand up for your customs, your culture, be a role model for other people. Studying isn’t exclusive, and pursuing a technical career doesn't make you any less," Lady and Lesly Salazar Ciudad conclude.