Micro-Philanthropy as a Pedagogical Strategy: Internalizing Character Values through the 'M-Gopek' Habituation Program in Vocational High Schools

Abstract

Vocational education in Indonesia faces dual challenges: developing technical competencies while mitigating moral degradation such as student
brawls and individualism. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a micro-philanthropy program named "M-Gopek" (Daily Alms of IDR 500)
implemented at SMK Nasional Malang to internalize character values. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through
in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation involving the principal, teachers, and students. Data analysis utilized the
interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The findings indicate that: (1) M-Gopek is not merely fundraising, but a habituation-based
pedagogical strategy utilizing the "Cue-Routine-Reward" cycle; (2) The program significantly contributed to transforming the school's stigma
from a "brawl school" to a character-based school, evidenced by a 149% enrollment surge in the 2023-2025 period; and (3) Key success factors
include visionary leadership, teacher role modeling (uswah hasanah), and absolute transparency in fund management. This study concludes
that small-scale but consistent prosocial behavior, when institutionalized, effectively enhances students' empathy, social responsibility, and
integrity.