My name is Butros Nicola Bazia. I believe in the alchemy of words, in the way stories can transform pain into hope, silence into dialogue, and memory into a compass for the future. This inner voice has guided me since adolescence, when I was already fascinated by the idea of contributing something worthwhile.

I firmly believed that I would get somewhere as long as I tried to find my way. Inspired by the motto of Khartoum Comboni College, “Always More; Always Better,” and the sense of common good that lies behind it, I began my journey as a podcast creator in 2022 in Khartoum, Sudan.

Through one of them, “Young Black Voice,” I gave space to young Afro-African and Afro-Arab Sudanese to express themselves on topics such as freedom, culture, revolutionary art, or telling the stories of black Sudanese women who have suffered from breast cancer. When war stole my headlines, I dedicated myself to writing.

Today, as a columnist and blogger, I write not only to document the struggles, but to reimagine South Sudan, a youth-led story of courage, culture and change, and I actively contribute to the reconstruction of the country by improving digital storytelling and preserving its rich cultural traditions. I showcase the unique rituals and stories of Sudanese communities.

Sometimes I found it frustrating that there was not enough information and or stories about the country in the digital world. Therefore, I decided to change the destination of the narratives. By sharing these stories, I promote a sense of pride and belonging, actively changing the discourse about South Sudan.

I believe in the unifying power of storytelling. I believe in the power they have and how they can bring about immense change, because just as the division between Sudan and South Sudan was fuelled by words, unity and positivity can also be fuelled in the same way.

Celebrating cultural diversity is key to building a stronger and more cohesive nation. I use my platform, Autide Me, and my work as a columnist for the BBC’s online magazine 500 Words to raise awareness of the major challenges facing Sudanese society, such as migration, health inequalities and gender inequality. By shining a light on these issues, I aim to spark dialogue and inspire action towards positive change.

In one of my recent contributions, “The Crisis of Potential”, I highlighted the challenges young people face, especially those that hold them back from realising their potential due to limited access to education, high unemployment and the lasting effects of war, with a particular focus on the specific challenges faced by young women.

Looking to the future, I am passionate about cooperation and innovation. Working with international media outlets such as “The New Humanitarian” has broadened my perspective. My long-term vision is to create a storytelling platform that amplifies cultural narratives and fosters connections between communities. This platform would serve as a space where South Sudanese voices can be heard, celebrated and preserved, a space where South Sudan is not defined by war, but by the creativity of its people, contributing directly to the building of a rebuilt nation. (Illustration: Francis Marín)