O impacto político da cooperação Brasil-Guine-Bissau no setor da educação na formação dos estudantes guineenses: o caso da UNILAB-CE (2011-2023)

Abstract

This dissertation discussed the political impact of the Brazil–Guinea-Bissau cooperation in the education sector, specifically regarding the training of Guinean students, with an emphasis on the case of UNILAB (2011–2023). For this research, the following question was posed: What is the impact of the cooperation policy between Brazil and Guinea-Bissau in the education sector on the training of Guinean students at UNILAB, in the state of Ceará, from 2011 to 2023? Considering the object of study, the research adopted a quantitative-qualitative approach, using bibliographic and documentary methods. The sources for the bibliographic research included the institutional repository of UNILAB, as well as national and international universities, and academic journals from both Brazil and abroad. As for the documentary research, the website of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and other relevant documentary sources were selected. According to the data analyzed, although it is a relatively new university, with only 14 years of existence, UNILAB stands out as the Brazilian higher education institution that has graduated the most Guinean students. This is noteworthy, as many of these students returned to Guinea-Bissau and began contributing with their academic training to the universities of their country, especially in the educational sector. The historical relationship between Guinea-Bissau and Brazil was also discussed. According to the research, although Brazil established its Honorary Consulate in Guinea-Bissau in 1961, during the period of the Independent Foreign Policy (PEI), official relations between the two countries began after Guinea-Bissau's independence, with Brazil being one of the first countries to recognize it, in July 1974. Since then, both countries have signed several cooperation agreements in various areas of development. However, the research made it possible to understand that the relationship between Brazil and Guinea-Bissau is one of interdependence. Guinea-Bissau cooperates with Brazil due to the challenges it faces in implementing public policies and in national development. On the other hand, Brazil benefits from Guinea-Bissau’s support in international organizations and seeks to expand its influence in that African country.