Strengthening Orphans’ Character Through Self-Reflective Motivation in Bayem Taman Village

Abstract

The condition of losing a parent can affect children's emotional development and character, so they have the potential to experience a decrease in motivation, confidence, and difficulty in building a positive identity. In fact, the formation of strong character from an early age is an important foundation for their future in order to be able to become independent, competitive, and noble individuals. Research shows that children who receive a good character education tend to have more positive behaviors, such as responsibility, discipline, and social concern. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach using participatory observation and semi-structured interviews with ten orphans in Bayem Taman Village to explore the process of character strengthening through self-reflective motivation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns of behavioral and emotional changes. The findings revealed that self-reflective motivation activities significantly improved the children’s self-awareness, emotional regulation, and sense of responsibility. Quantitatively, 80% of participants showed measurable increases in confidence and social interaction scores based on pre- and post-program assessments. These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating reflective practices in community-based character education programs, emphasizing collaboration between caregivers, educators, and local mentors. Therefore, character education is not only the responsibility of the school, but also requires the active participation of families and communities to create an environment conducive to the moral and ethical development of children.