Although the smoke from the rioting has cleared, those living in the predominantly immigrant suburbs of Paris have no desire for life to return to normal. As in other cities in France and throughout Europe, normal in these communities means an unemployment rate as high as 50 percent greater than the rest of France, inadequate education and racial and ethnic discrimination. Living in horrible conditions, with no real hope of bettering their lot, youth turn to drugs that are trafficked into the area by gangs.

With the most recent violence, a team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers decided to take on helping local residents change their lives for the better.

One factor contributing to the unemployment is the fact that there is little vocational training. With the high rate of illiteracy in these suburbs, and most students dropping out of school before receiving their certificates, young people have little chance of ever improving their lot without the tools they need to compete for jobs.

The Scientology Handbook, the textbook on which Scientology Volunteer Ministers train, contains effective solutions to illiteracy and drug dependency. It includes drills to improve communication, information on how to improve job performance, and an entire section on raising ethical and moral standards. Armed with these tools the individual can do something to improve in his or her life.

The motto of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers is Something CAN be done about it and they are demonstrating this every day in Paris with their work in the community.

Anyone of any race, ethnic background or creed can help. The Scientology Volunteer Ministers will train any person of goodwill, and all are welcome to join us. Contact the Scientology Volunteer Minister Coordinator of the Church of Scientology of Paris at paris@scientology.net or the International Scientology Volunteer Minister Coordinator vm@volunteerministers.org.