An in-depth case study on children's participation in environmental management activities in a primary school in Botswana was undertaken, drawing on cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) and the action competence model. This research revealed that due to a lack of dialogue between teachers and children, teachers tended to view children's participation in environmental management activities in a very limited way. Because of their culturally and historically formed views of environmental education, teachers wanted children to pick up litter, and this was the primary environmental education concern they had. Children, on the other hand, identified sanitation management in the school toilets as their primary environmental management concern. Opening up dialogue between children and teachers led to new forms of participation for children, enhancing their action competence development. (Contains 4 figures and 3 tables.)