sudanI have been trying to find someone to work with from Southern Sudan as it is not always easy for us as a news organisation to get on the ground reportage and personal, local stories from there. The idea was first raised by the editor of Outlook - Gavin Poncia.

A great woman called Eman has been helping me out and she says that she will be forwarding me some more names of people who might be able to help. We’ve found out it’s not safe to give a recorder to someone living in a camp – there are also some bureaucratic hurdles to be overcome before recording can be done in some places.

My colleague, David Whitty just got back from Southern Sudan- see all his photos on flickr

His advice was that Juba might be the best place to find someone who is an English speaker with access to a good internet connection and with local links to the area.

Then I had a quick look on twitter. You can follow Your Story’s twitter updates here. I found a guy known as one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” – he has quite a story of his own – read more about him here – and he has been studying in the US but who wants to return to his home country to help with giving medical treatment. I’ve emailed him to see if he is planning a trip there anytime soon and if he might want to do a Your Story citizen journalist report.

I also have been in contact with my Chicago high school students so hopefully I will get some audio from them this week.

Also been in contact with the very popular Afghan blogger, AfghanLORD.blogspot - who has been posting about Your Story on his blog, see the entry here.

He forwarded me a contact from someone who has recorded a harrowing interview with a woman who suffered domestic violence. I have seen some of the photos – which I still need to make some extra checks on so have to hold off on posting here yet.

If you would like to spread the word about Your Story on your blog, I am looking to expand my links into the blogosphere. If you can help, please let me know by posting here.