I don’t like these people (updated!)

A little girl in Dorothy’s compound was beaten so badly today her hand is broken. Her host-mom delivered the beating with a stick because she stole (a little) money from the boutique and bought peanuts.

I know stealing is bad, but the girl is probably 7. I confess I didn’t react to well to the site of her hand which everyone of course found hilarious. No, I didn’t throw an all-out temper tantrum, but I was visibly angry. That pretty much guarantees people will laugh at me.

I was still steaming when I got home and told Fatimata why I was upset, mainly because I love this response and knew it would cheer me up: The only reason they don’t (really, really) beat the children in my compound is because “Bala went to school and learned everything.”

Seriously though, this was not a good day for Dorothy's compound. One of the women had a baby yesterday and Dorothy reported she thought they were feeding the baby tea because the new mother wasn’t able to breastfeed.

I assured Dorothy that was highly unlikely, and it was probably the vitamin syrup all new babies go home with here. 

Nope. She was right. They’re definitely feeding the hours-old infant caffeinated tea and sugar. Once that suspicion was confirmed Dorothy went and bought formula. Then they told her that they had been told to buy formula, but hadn’t gotten around to it yet.

It should be noted that Dorothy’s family can afford formula. That boutique the little girl stole money from is owned by them. They have money. 

Crap, Bala just got home (I hear his motorcycle), I wonder if he heard about my spat in the garage? Probably, news travels fast here. 

Update: Apparently the tea is not such a bad idea. It keeps the baby hydrated, and the boiled water is safe for him to drink. This is good to know.