Twenty-nine students with disabilities attending Senese Secondary Inclusive Education showcased their traditional handicraft work during their Open Day at Vaitele on Friday.

The Open Day was a chance for the students to prove that they are worth more than what they think, according to School Director, Marie Bentin-Toalepaialii.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Mrs. Bentin-Toalepaiali'i said the goal is to get the students to think about jobs and employment opportunities.

“The purpose of this day and this event is to guide away the students from the mentality that they do not know how to do something and they are different from everybody else," she said.

“As we’ve all witnessed today, there are a lot of potentials and talents in these students and they have been working on those handicrafts with passion, which can also be a great future for some of them."

Items displayed included earrings, hand-made play-doughs,  lavalava, potted plants, creative stationaries and so forth.

The handicrafts and items displayed were included in their assessment.

A parent, Timena Taioali'i, said they were excited to see the students showcase their work.

“The mentality for us normal people is that these children are different," she said. "But after today, I feel so overwhelmed and proud to see that my child can succeed."

Mrs. Taioalii bought a wall decoration made by her son worth $25.

Students will also be granted the opportunity to visit and observe selected workplaces, said Mrs. Bentin-Toalepaialii

“We’re really trying to push them to where they need to be so a part of this Open Day is also seeking for opportunities for them to work."

Proceeds from the Open Day would be invested back into developing the school.