The broad aim of IWPR's programme in Afghanistan is to support the recovery of the print media, improving reporting of humanitarian, social and political issues through journalism training. Ultimately, a healthy print sector will make an essential contribution to conflict resolution and confidence building among the Afghan population and its different ethnic groups. IWPR began work in Afghanistan shortly before the fall of the Taliban, expanding its activities in February 2002. Local and international training staff are based in Kabul, with occasional training and reporting activities in other regional centres. The ultimate purpose of this programme is to strengthen the print media as a central pillar of independent civil society, increasing local understanding of and participation in the political process. The programme is training a new generation of Afghan print journalists to play this crucial role in supporting their country's recovery process. This is achieved through professional training of individuals and publications, debate and discussion, local and international publishing, and active engagement with other media and development organisations.