SPARK Kempton Park empowers learners with High 5 wellness show
The High 5 theatre production by 3RC inspired SPARK Kempton Park learners to speak openly about emotions, kindness, and coping with anxiety and bullying.
SPARK Kempton Park recently hosted the High 5 show, part of 3RC’s national mission to educate, motivate, and inspire primary school learners across South Africa.
The campaign uses the power of performance to share key mental health and wellness messages, helping children cope with everyday challenges such as stress, anxiety, and bullying.
Created by Kay Cheytanov, founder of 3RC, High 5 is an interactive theatre production designed to equip young learners with emotional tools to navigate life in today’s digitally driven world.
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“We aim to open a conversation that schools often don’t have time for,” said Cheytanov.
“Academics are important, but what about the child who’s too anxious to speak up, or the one quietly falling apart because of cyberbullying? High 5 permits children to say, ‘I’m not okay,’ and shows them that it’s normal — and that there are ways to deal with it.
“The show is a spark, but the real magic happens afterwards when teachers and parents continue the conversation.”
Cheytanov added that High 5 was inspired by her own experiences as a mother.
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“The show was born out of something personal. I watched my young daughter struggle with anxiety and depression due to bullying, and I realised we need to teach children emotional tools early, before fear and silence take root,” she said.
The production focuses on five key life skills: kindness, safety, resilience, bravery, and individuality, presented through songs, stories, and interactive activities that make learning both fun and memorable.
Cheytanov founded 3RC 25 years ago, driven by her passion for education and performance.
From that vision came the Rocking Future Career Expos, helping high school learners explore post-school opportunities across South Africa.
“In the first year, we visited 25 schools with a full band and four colleges,” Cheytanov recalled.
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“In the second year, I toured alone to 80 schools to promote my single Time, which reached number two on the Top 100 in May 2002. That same year, I gave birth to my son, which shifted my focus completely, from rockstar to mom and businesswoman.”
Today, the expos reach 240 schools and around 35 000 Grade 12 learners annually, supported by 46 private tertiary institutions.
Each two-hour expo features 28 exhibitors, giving learners access to career guidance, workplace exposure, and study options in fields ranging from arts and business to IT and hospitality.
SPARK Kempton Park teacher Zama Ngomane said the show was a valuable experience for the learners.
“The children learned about emotions, how some are heavier, like sadness or disappointment, and how others are lighter, like happiness and kindness,” said Ngomane.
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“They discovered new superpowers: I am kind, I am brave, I am safe, I am me.
“I think these lessons will help the children better understand their emotions in daily life and give them the confidence to be brave in the classroom, whether answering questions or doing their schoolwork. It’s a wonderful initiative by the High 5 team and MediHealth, and I hope we have more conversations like this.”
