Dharamshala June 24 – The sixth annual Free Tibet Action Camp got underway yesterday at Dusseldorf, Germany. This is the international students’ organisation’s first action camp in Europe. Young activists from Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Italy, France, England, Scotland, Canada, U.S and India gathered for the unprecedented leadership training.
The camp officially opened on Wednesday evening with the traditional lighting of butter lamps to “dispel the darkness of ignorance with the light of wisdom and compassion.” Students gathered for a slideshow presentation on the history of modern nonviolent action, and then retired to their tents.
The camp began with a “morning circle” where students introduced themselves and spoke of what inspires them to work for Tibetan freedom. Half the group attended a lively, hands-on non-violent Action workshop while the other half received an introduction to Direct Action Climbing! Wearing harnesses and big smiles, the students got a taste of what it takes to hang a Free Tibet banner.
Students for a Free Tibet and the student movement for Tibet is expanding rapidly across Europe. In order to achieve human rights and freedom for Tibetans, Lhadon Tethong, the president of the SFT, says that “we need to continue to press the Chinese government from every angle, and building support for Tibet in Europe is an important strategic objective for SFT.” “We believe this event will help galvanize a new generation of youth leaders working for Tibet across Europe. Lhadon believs that there is nothing else like this comprehensive training to help give young people the skills and confidence to be effective leaders.
The intensive week-long activist training will continue throughout the week.
