In addition to non-discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin when recruiting, we actively support various initiatives on behalf of visible minorities that are designed to prevent young graduates from being shut out of the job market because of their surname, nationality or origin.

In France, we are partners in programs implemented by the Employment and Diversity Unit of IMS-Entreprendre pour la Cité and by the Association pour Faciliter l’Insertion Professionnelle des Jeunes Diplômés (AFIJ). We also recently began supporting two associations Nos Quartiers Ont des Talents, active across France, and Nanterre-based Proxité. These organizations help young people from underprivileged backgrounds find work by arranging temporary mentoring, during which company volunteers help their mentees to prepare resumes or for job interviews. This support does not lead to jobs at Total.

We forward all job offers for positions requiring two to five years of post-secondary education to certain associations and receive applications in return. Sponsored by the government, the initiative aims to encourage the Ministry of Education and businesses to work together to help students from disadvantaged areas gain experience in the working world.

As part of this commitment, Total has forged partnerships aimed at helping underprivileged junior high and high school students further their education.

For instance, we have agreed to participate in a pilot program conducted by four high schools in the Seine-Saint-Denis region north of Paris, at the initiative of Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris. The pilot has spurred us to create innovative projects, such as employee mentoring of high school students, the teaching of classes by Total managers, and teacher training. In addition to educational cooperation between high schools and companies, the program also organizes field trips, with 100 high school students visiting Beijing in 2007 and another 100 visiting Benin. Mentors introduce their mentees to their business or the working world and broaden their cultural horizons. In 2007, a dozen mentors participated in the program.

In early 2007, we also teamed up with Fondation Télémaque, an association sponsored by Fondation de France and supported by the French Ministry of Education. Its mission is to help companies give their employees the opportunity to support and mentor junior high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition to receiving merit-based scholarships, the students selected to participate in the program benefit from the guidance of two mentors—a volunteer employee and a guidance counselor—who help them to broaden their horizons and set personal and professional goals. Around 15 mentors are already active in Paris and Lyon, and we are looking for another 20 for 2008.