Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, has today, 3 September, recognised Marta Vânia Uetela, representing Mozambique, as the 193rd Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service developing a prosthesis made from recycled plastics to sustainably benefit people with disabilities. Marta, aged 25, is the founder of BioMec, an organisation that produces high performance prostheses made of recycled plastic from the ocean.
After seeing the difficulties a friend faced in acquiring a prosthesis, Marta developed an artificial leg using the plastic residuals from six bottles collected from the sea. Realising she could produce further high-performing protheses which could not only help lift people’s lives by increasing access to affordable artificial limbs, but also promote sustainability and reduce plastic pollution by repurposing material, Marta launched her own start-up. ‘BioMec’ is now manufacturing further prostheses custom-made for individuals based on their ability needs, using a technology which increases compatibility between the residual limb and the prosthesis to create comfort.
As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country every week. By sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Points of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Marta said:
“It is with great enthusiasm
that I receive the Commonwealth Points of Light award, thank you for sharing
enthusiasm for the initiative and give motivation. I hope we can make people
with mobility challenges have a life without limitations, full of possibilities
and self-esteem.”
NneNne Iwuji-Eme, UK High
Commissioner in Mozambique, said:
‘’It is truly a pleasure to
present this Commonwealth Points of Light award to Marta Uetela on behalf of
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ||. Her inspiring work with the development of
affordable prostheses helps improve and transform people’s quality of life,
opening doors for dreams to come true. The impact of Marta’s work goes
further still as she combines design with sustainability by using plastic
collected from the ocean as raw material for her prostheses. I am amazed by her
work and very happy that Marta is the fourth Mozambican to receive the Points
of Light Award. Congratulations, Marta. You are a true inspiration!’’
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The Commonwealth is a diverse
community of 54 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and
peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all the 54
Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges
and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially
young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why
Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the
Commonwealth in this special way.
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