As October is mental health awareness month, this year, 3RC launched its High 5 mental health show at Nova Pioneer Paulshof, part of a nationwide tour that reached over 12 000 students in 25 schools.

The show is designed for kids aged 8 to 11, using theatre, music, dance, and games to raise important discussions about stress, anxiety, bullying, and self-worth.

Kay Cheytanov created High 5 after her daughter faced bullying in primary school. She wanted to help children manage their feelings and developed this engaging programme to teach five key values: Kindness, safety, resilience, bravery, and authenticity.

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At Nova Pioneer Paulshof, learners participated in lively activities that highlighted these values. In one exercise, kids raced while carrying backpacks filled with items marked with negative or positive feelings.

The heavy bag represented the weight of negativity, while the lighter one showed the freedom of positivity. The lesson? Be kind because you can’t always see the struggles others face.

The show also featured singing, dancing, prizes, and a catchy High 5 song that had learners singing along. Learners responded very positively.

Grade 3 students Avumile Tembani (8) and Cayden Singh (8) said: “We learned to be kind, safe, bouncy, and brave. Brave and strong.”

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Educator Lauren Hollander, from Nova Pioneer, praised the programme, saying: “Thanks to the High 5 team that joined us today. My students really enjoyed it.”

For Cheytanov, the show is more than just theatre. She describes it as: “Part heart-to-heart, part fun, but always about giving kids real tools to handle the tough stuff.”

By teaching children to understand their emotions and choices, High 5 fosters confidence, resilience, and compassion, skills that will support them throughout their lives.

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