Our community programs are designed to remedy the local impact of our operations. More broadly, they contribute to the human development of local populations. In particular, we conduct actions in the areas of health care, education and training.

Our community spending

We have been identifying local development initiatives in host countries for several years. Our actions in 2006 included:

• 2,983 initiatives representing spending of €118 million; these figures have risen steadily over the last several years.
• Continued priority on non-OECD countries, which account for 79% of our total community spending.
• An increased number of dialogue initiatives.
• Higher spending to develop human capital (health care and education) and local capabilities (training, economic development).

Energy access

The current consensus among international organizations is that seven of the eight 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) set by the United Nations in 2000 cannot be achieved without forceful action to improve access to energy in developing countries.

In line with our core vocation of sustainably meeting people's energy needs, we are committed to redoubling our efforts to provide access to affordable, reliable, sustainable energy in developing countries. Read the case study.

Health care

Community spending included initiatives to improve health care facilities and the health of local people, as well as support for units and preventive measures. In 2005, the signature of a corporate funding agreement with Institut Pasteur confirmed our commitment to community health. We also focused substantial efforts on combating pandemics such as HIV/AIDS.
To learn more, go to Health.

Education and training

Educational and training initiatives for young people include partnerships with local schools and universities, support programs, sponsoring of students, and vocational training programs.
 
Scholarships
Total has been offering postgraduate education in France to international students since 2003. The courses, which range between 18 months and three years depending on the program, generally lead to masters' and MBA degrees.

French schools and universities hosting Total scholarship students span a variety of fields, including petroleum, engineering sciences, economics and management, law, political science and government. Most of the scholarship students complete the internship required by their university program at Total.

The 2007-2008 intake numbers 60 students —compared with 20 in 2003-2004, 25 in 2004-2005, 44 in 2005-2006 and 50 in 2006-2007—chosen from the best universities in their countries, which are located in Total's main growth regions

To learn more about Total's relations with universities

Initiatives are also deployed for the disadvantaged. In Nigeria, for example, Total Nigeria helps some disadvantaged young people to attend a vocational training center for several months and then find work when they have finished their course.