The aim of the present research is to evaluate the training gaps and challenges within the Botswana
community home based care programs exemplified by an empirical case study. The study used qualitative paradigm;
was exploratory in nature and used case study design; and entailed interviewing 82 palliative primary caregivers in
10 focus groups and five CHBC nurses on one-to-one in-depth interviews. An interview guide served as a data
collection instrument for both the focus groups and the interviews. Findings indicated an array of training gaps and
challenges such as: lack of a caregiver training arrangement in the CHBC program; inadequate training of the
caregivers; caregivers’ inadequate skills in handling and disposal of clinical waste; complaints of primary caregivers
being discriminated in training in favour of for community caregivers. The CHBC program needs: a comprehensive
caregiver training to increase caregivers’ understanding of the care giving field generally; training of caregivers on
gender mainstreaming, self-care, management of clinical waste, and in income generating activities. Balancing
training opportunities between the palliative primary caregivers and community palliative caregivers (volunteers)
has been found critical.