Padang Schools
On your way to the university, you pass numerous school children in their uniforms. Primary school age (about 6-12 years) wear red and white uniforms while older students are in blue and white uniforms. You notice that even the youngest girls all wear long skirts and head-scarves. This stricter dress code has come in slowly since the 1980s under pressure from global Arabization.
You are reminded of how big a role rote memorization in Arabic and practice of ritual prayers plays at all levels of schooling. Both children and their parents find pride in recital and memorization of the Al-Qur'an.
- Pray that one day soon children will be able to learn about the way to God that sets people free.
- Pray that students will grow weary of rote memorization, question what they are learning and yearn for the Truth.
- Pray that people will question Arabic dress codes and seek a pure heart rather than others religious clothing.
- As critical thinking is recognised as an important part of education, pray that this will free people to think about their beliefs.
- Pray that people will not be satisfied in knowing about God but will experience a relationship with Him.