Students for a Free Tibet facts for kids
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| Founded | 1994 |
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| Type | Non-profit |
| Headquarters | 602 East 14th Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY, USA |
| Fields | Human rights in Tibet, Tibetan independence |
Students For a Free Tibet (SFT) is a global group of students and activists. They work together to support the people of Tibet. Their main goal is to help Tibet gain freedom and protect human rights. SFT uses peaceful ways like teaching others, speaking up, and direct actions. They believe Tibet should be independent because of its history. They also oppose the Chinese government's actions that affect Tibet's human rights, culture, language, and religion.
Contents
The Story of SFT
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) started in 1994. It was founded in New York City by Tibetans and their supporters. They wanted to use the energy of young people to push for human rights and freedom in Tibet.
Early Years and Growth
At first, SFT focused on telling other students about Tibet. They shared information on school campuses and at events. A big boost came from the Tibetan Freedom Concerts. These concerts helped many young people get involved in the movement.
SFT Around the World
Today, SFT is a large international group. It has over 650 local chapters. These chapters are in universities, colleges, high schools, and communities. They are found in more than 100 countries. SFT's main office is still in New York City. There are also offices in Canada (Toronto), India (Dharamsala), and the United Kingdom (London).
What SFT Does
SFT works on three main areas: political issues, economic issues, and human rights.
Political Campaigns
SFT's political work focuses on supporting Tibetan independence. They try to influence Chinese officials and government leaders in other countries. SFT is known for its public protests. These often happen when Chinese leaders visit other nations. SFT believes that "Free Tibet" means freeing Tibet from Chinese control.
Human Rights Work
SFT also works to improve life for Tibetans in Tibet. They ask for more freedoms and rights for the people. They also work to get political prisoners and people who speak out released from jail.
Economic Campaigns
One long-term goal for SFT is to make it too expensive for China to control Tibet. One campaign asked people not to buy products "made in China". This was done with other groups. Some people thought this would be very hard to do.
Training Future Leaders
SFT also has a "Leadership Training" program. This program helps young people become leaders for the Tibetan independence movement. Each year, they hold a "Free Tibet! Action Camp." Dozens of young people gather for a week. They learn how to be activists and make a difference.
Famous Actions
Students for a Free Tibet is well known for some big actions. These include protests on Mount Everest, the Great Wall of China, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Olympic Torch Protests
In 2008, SFT helped organize protests during the Olympic torch relay. Many Chinese people did not like these protests. However, the protests helped bring international attention to the situation in Tibet. They highlighted concerns about religious, cultural, and political issues.
World Bank Project
In 2000, SFT and other groups raised concerns about a World Bank loan. The loan was for a project in western China. The groups worried that the project would lead to more Chinese people moving into the Qinghai area. They felt this would harm the Tibetan way of life there. The World Bank president suggested delaying the project. China then decided to fund the project itself.
See also
In Spanish: Students for a Free Tibet para niños
- List of organizations of Tibetans in exile
- Tibetan independence movement
- Amnesty International
- Central Tibetan Administration
- International Tibet Network
