Expectations were high one year ago when South Sudan gained independence. Many are optimistic about the direction of the country, but many also believe the fledgling country has failed to live up to expectations. Ethnic conflict in Jonglei State has killed hundreds on the border with Sudan. South Sudan’s government is also in the midst of a huge corruption scandal. And war with Sudan to the north is always a lurking possibility.

Chicagoan Kenneth Elisapana is originally from Southern Sudan. He’s the founder of an organization called South Sudan Voices of Hope for Relief and Development, which runs a number of development projects in the country. He’s currently in Juba and helps Worldview look back at the past year.