The northeastern part of Sri Lanka has been suffering from ethnic war for more than twenty-five years. This area was once regarded for its high quality of education and literacy rate. The area has been ruined and has lost schools and electricity. People’s lives are marginal in every aspect. This story is about a boy from a poor family in the area who never gives up and struggles to study further.
  Vino is 10 years old and in the fifth grade. The fifth grade scholarship exam is approaching in Sri Lanka. If he fails to pass this exam he will not be able to continue his studies. When he is not helping his family, he earnestly studies for the exam. He has to hide in a bunker most of the time, however, and cannot study as there is no electricity there. He manages to make use of a faint light coming through a little hole above him, and he follows the light as the sun moves. But studying only during the day is not enough, so he has to learn how to study at the night. One day he notices his father riding a bicycle and comes up with the idea to use the bicycle generator to light his bunker. And he finally sits for the fifth grade scholarship exam.
  The proposal “There is a Way” from Sri Lanka impressed us with the passion of Producer in his dramatic portrayal of the conflict and civil war within his country.
  The content reflected an innovative solution in a very creative manner within difficult learning circumstances, limited resources and a strong message of where there is a will there is a way. The Producer’s creative thinking and detailed storyboard gave us a visual account of how the drama would unfold.
  The drama will present the audience with strong learning outcomes, problem solving and motivation and encourages them with the introduction of a positive role model as a ten year old main character.
  We were impressed with the viability of the proposed production budget in line with the concept and the target audience.
  One of the biggest challenges facing this Producer will be how to shoot his production in the environment of civil war.
  In my proposal I have made a tremendous effort to talk about the issue of the education of children residing in war affected countries.
  In Sri Lanka, there has been a war going on for over 25 years. In these areas, there are young people who are illiterate. The pen in their hands has been replaced by fire arms. The war is restricted to only a part of the country. I dread to think what the fate of the next generation would be if the war was spread throughout the whole island. It is as important to focus on the educational situation as much as on any other essential needs in war trodden areas. For these children, the only way out of this war, is through education.
  I wish to express my gratitude to HOSO BUNKA FOUNDATION and the JAPAN PRIZE for providing me this opportunity to produce this program. This has paved the path for me to open the eyes of the world to the reality faced by these children.

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