LAST Thursday, four Hands On Learning Mansfield Autism Statewide Services (MASS) students ran a Christmas market stall in front of the MASS office, selling handmade items, food, lemonade, and succulents.

MASS Hands On Learning coordinator Helen Buda, who has managed the program for three years, explained its purpose and achievements.

“My students are all teenagers attending local schools across the Shire, and they attend one day a week in my program,” she said.

“There are nine students taking part.

“The youngest is in grade six, and the eldest has just turned 18.

“They’ve worked on these crafts throughout the whole school term, and they’ve done a really good job.

“They hand-sewed and screen-printed dog bandanas and children’s t-shirts alongside making herbal lemon balm tea by drying out lemon balm and putting it into tea bags.

“They also made Christmas cookies, dried citrus, and bundles of garlic.

“One of the students is an artist and made cards and sold some of her drawings too.”

The program currently runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Mansfield Scout Hall, but it will move to MASS’s new farm next year.

“The program is all about letting everyone be themselves, take the mask off, and enjoy the day,” Ms Buda said.

The activities are designed to build social skills through hands-on projects.

“We do a lot of cooking, arts and crafts, and getting out into nature,” she said.

“It gives the students a break day during the week, taking the pressure off from school and life.”