Training “School Health Ambassador (Dokter Kecil)” as a Means of Fostering a Health-Conscious Character Among Elementary School Students: A Case Study at SDN Sawojajar 6, Malang City

Mella Eka Febriyanti (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Lailika Sukmawati
Sofiya Ramadhani
Khusnul Khotimah

Proceedings Series of Educational Studies
2026: International Conference on Educational Management and Technology (5th ICEMT 2026)

This study was motivated by the importance of strengthening health-caring character among elementary school students through the School Health Cadets (Dokter Kecil) program as part of the implementation of the School Health Unit (UKS). The School Health Cadets program functions not only as a medium for health education but also as a means of character development through students’ direct involvement in school health activities. This study aimed to describe the implementation of the School Health Cadets training program at SDN Sawojajar 6 and to explore the development of students’ health-caring character through the program. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive qualitative research design. The research participants consisted of School Health Cadets members, the UKS coordinator, and classroom teachers. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data analysis followed the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model, which includes data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation and technique triangulation. The findings revealed that the School Health Cadets training program was implemented systematically through four stages: providing information on UKS and the roles of School Health Cadets; introducing basic medications and the management of minor health complaints; practicing first aid for fainting and minor injuries; and evaluating the implementation of the School Health Cadets’ duties within the school environment. The program had a positive impact on the development of students’ health-caring character. Students became more concerned about their peers’ health conditions, more disciplined in maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, more responsive to minor health issues, and more responsible in carrying out health-related duties at school. Therefore, the School Health Cadets program can serve as an effective means of integrating health education and character education in elementary schools.