Pioneers in Angola

January 2025

Romeu Balanga wanted more education to reach his professional goals, but as a husband and a father of two young children, he needed a path that provided flexibility and support. When BYU-Pathway Worldwide came to Angola in 2020, he jumped at the opportunity.

Romeu and his wife, Anastância, were among the first group of BYU-Pathway students in Angola. With the help of donor-funded tuition discounts, they began pursuing online bachelor’s degrees: Romeu in applied business management from BYU-Idaho, and Anastância in communication from Ensign College.

When Anastância became pregnant with their third child, she decided to pause her education while Romeu pressed forward. The flexibility offered by online education allowed him to balance his studies with work and family responsibilities, but it also required high levels of discipline, commitment, and organization.

“There were times it seemed impossible to find the time and energy to do my school assignments,” says Romeu. “Sleepless nights became a common occurrence in my life. Activities with family and friends were sometimes postponed. Sometimes I felt so overwhelmed and unmotivated that I questioned whether I would be able to meet all that was expected of me.”

During stressful times, the love and support from Romeu’s family—particularly Anastância—gave him the strength and motivation he needed to stay the course. “This was not just my goal,” he says. “It was our family goal.”

“I also found inspiration and strength in the scriptures,” Romeu adds. “Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ That powerful promise became a constant reminder that I was not alone in my educational journey. Even when challenges seemed insurmountable, I knew I was not limited by my own strength but empowered by divine grace.”

In July 2024, Romeu became the first in Angola to graduate with a bachelor’s degree through BYU-Pathway and plans to start his own business. “It helped me lay a solid foundation and learn essential skills for my academic, professional, and spiritual success,” he says. “I have a vision of what I need to do to be a better person, a better father, a better husband, and a better disciple of Jesus Christ. Who I am now, what I have become, is because of BYU-Pathway.”

Anastância has resumed her degree program and expects to graduate in 2025. Many Angolans have followed the Balangas’ example and enrolled in BYU-Pathway, and Romeu is excited for the blessings it will bring to the Church and their country. “We need more self-reliance in Angola,” he says, “and BYU-Pathway is the solution.”