Toraja Mengajar: Belanja Bijak SMPN 1 Buntu Pepasan

Abstract

Financial literacy is an important competency that needs to be instilled from school age so that students are able to manage their finances wisely and make responsible economic decisions. However, learning about simple financial management is still not widely introduced at the junior high school level. As a form of implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and in order to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Toraja Church with the theme "Toraja Teaches for the Future Toraja Generation", a Community Service activity was carried out through the Toraja Teaches Program: Smart Shopping at SMP Negeri 1 Buntu Pepasan, North Toraja Regency. This activity aims to improve students' understanding of the concept of financial literacy, specifically in differentiating needs and wants, setting priorities, managing pocket money, and fostering responsible consumption behavior. The implementation method uses a participatory approach that includes preparation stages, identifying needs, interactive delivery of materials, simulations of pocket money management, educational games, group discussions, and evaluation through participant observation and reflection. The results of the activity showed that students participated in all series of activities enthusiastically, actively participated in discussions and simulations, and experienced an increased understanding of the importance of setting spending priorities, differentiating needs and wants, and getting used to saving from an early age. This program makes a positive contribution in improving students' basic financial literacy while strengthening collaboration between universities, the Toraja Church, and schools in forming a generation of Torajans who are intelligent, independent, and responsible.