'They have a rudimentary education system, a pop-obsessed culture and very little respect for history.'
They don't have much respect for history, they have a pop-obsessed culture, and their education system is sub-par at best.
They've got an absolutely fantastic education system, a diverse and well cultured... well... culture, and they seem to absolutely adore history.
The person will be useful in many ways.
A little boy wearing a hat is fishing alone.
The boy is jumping off the diving board.
Your story hit in nail right on the head.
A woman reading a book stands in an occupied room.
His eyes opened just as it clicked behind him.