The power outage in the Alafua area did not stop Fia Malamalama from celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Despite not being able to have their activities, the school still managed to sing and dance to songs. 

Fia Malamalama principal Fiaavae Saolele said they were affected by the power cuts as their classrooms have ceiling fans and require electricity to work.

"There is an impact of the power cut in our school. All the classrooms have ceiling fans, so when the power is out they don't work. It impacts the students as a majority of them cannot sit in classrooms when it's hot," she said. 

"So we take them outside for some fresh air. We had activities prepared for this event, but unfortunately, the power is out in our area. We cannot do their Zumba because our speaker needs to be plugged in so it could work.

"We have 53 students altogether, but we only have two who have Down Syndrome. Today, the world celebrates Down Syndrome day, so we did our own small celebration."

The students were given a pair of socks to mark their celebration. A teacher, Faasipa Auapaau reminded the students that God loves them equally. 

"It doesn't matter whether you have a disability or if you are strong, God loves us all. Children are a gift from God, so you are a gift to your family and your parents. You are all special, you are all unique. You are beautiful in your way," she said.

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays. It is caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosomes 21. It also causes distinct facial appearances, intellectual disability and development delays. It may be associated with thyroid or heart disease.