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Just five years ago, South Sudan became the world's newest nation. But the hope and promise that came with independence became mired in conflict as rival politicians and their troops battled for control back in 2013. Tens of thousands died during the nation's two-year civil war.

Despite a peace deal signed last summer, violence has continued, and things escalated over the weekend when troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar began shooting at each other in the streets of the nation's capital city, Juba. A United Nations compound was attacked and dozens have been killed so far as embassies are evacuated. Residents are staying inside as gunfire and explosions have been heard throughout the city. 

Related: U.N. Accuses South Sudan of Crimes Against Humanity

Nok Nora Duany Bassey and her family escaped the Sudanese Civil War and moved to the United States. She vowed she would return when peace was declared.  

In 2005, she visited post-conflict South Sudan and saw the lack of facilities for educating children. Four years later, she and her sister-in-law founded The American School of South Sudan with the hopes of growing it from a primary school to a K-12 institution.

The 2013 civil war slowed their progress, but they were able to rebuild the school to its current enrollment of approximately 50 students. Today, Duany Bassey fears this latest escalation in violence might stall the start of the school year later this summer. Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear our full conversation.