Empowering nurses in angola: the transformative outcome of training pioneer heroes / Empoderando enfermeiros em angola: as transformações resultantes da educação de heróis pioneiros

ABSTRACT Objective: to revisit the history of cooperation of two Portuguese Speaking countries, which resulted in the graduation of the first Nurses in Angola; to characterize the Angolan students who participated in the cooperation agreement; to identify their perspectives regarding their feelings at the end of the undergraduate program, the influences of the education received, their motivation to continue studying and their work satisfaction. Methods: Exploratory study conducted with Angolan students who graduated at a public Nursing School in Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researchers, and culturally validated by two Angolan nurses experts. Results: efforts, challenges and achievements of heroes from both sides of the Atlantic are recognized and reflected in the social reality of the African country. Conclusion: Cooperation agreements are recommended as a path for the sustainability of the health policies at a global perspective. DESCRIPTORS: Nursing; Global health; International cooperation; Collaboration; Human resources.