The Story About "Jamal"

This is a true story about a friend to Owen,
let's call him Jamal.
He has destroyed the bright future he once had.
He was lucky.
He had so many oppertunities right in front of him.
Given to him.
But he refused to see them...

His father had been working for many years under the government,
having a good position.
So when he died,
all of his benefits got a new owner.
His son,
Jamal.
70 million kwacha.
He could have baught a hause!
Or a car..or education.
He could have started his own buissness!
There were so many diffrent roads to take against a better future.
And many were encouriging him.
Evan begging him.
But he did'nt listen.
He wasted 70 million kwacha,
and he did it fast.
He stayed at the best hotel in Zambia..he baught a flat screen TV..a lot of beer...
And he was giving people.
And why?
For people to look up to him,
for them to envy his money.
He wanted to be admired.
To feel how it was to be someone.
To shine.
He was high.
Girls wanted to marry him.
Suddenly everyone wanted to be his friend.
He looked good in his new clodes.
Everyone wanted to be him.
The rush the money gave him made him lose his logic scence.
And now it is to late.
He refused to see the oppertunities.
He just let them pass.
And were is he now?
In the Zambian Compound in Serenje.
A poor area.
He has nothing,
he is doing nothing.
He is drinking.
Trying to deny.
People say he is going mad.
Just imagen what he must feel...

This story may be a bit extreem,
but the same kind of thing happends a lot in Zambia.
People can not handle having money.
It can be very difficult to refuse when your brothers and sister asks for money.
To see how they think you are selfish if you do say no.
In poor countries you are "the shit" if you have money.
You've got status.
It can be hard to see beyond that surfuce.
Jamal couldn't.

Love