Asokore (E/R), Sept. 3, The 39th annual conference and workshop for Principals of training colleges has opened at the Seventh Day Adventist T raining College at Asokore, near Koforidua. The six-day conference, under the theme ''Effective Management of Teacher Training Colleges - a pre-requisite for FCUBE success'' is being attended by 38 principals. In a speech read for her to open the conference, Ms Patience Addow, Eastern Regional Minister said government's investment in school facilities would only be meaningful and rewarding if children who would gain access to educati on, receive quality tuition. She called for greater involvement of principals in the re- orientation of trainee teachers so that they would be responsive to the new educational policies. By so doing, they would understand why they should sacrifice a bit m ore and render dedicated services. Ms Addow expressed the hope that by the end of the conference, the principals would be able to assist the government to evolve strategies fo r enhanced service delivery. In a keynote address, Dr. Kwabena A. Awuku, a training consultant, M inistry of Education, said the improvement of basic education for all children of

school-going age by the year 05, depends on quality teaching and learni ng. He stressed the need for the principals to change training programm es and activities made available to trainee teachers. Dr. Awuku reminded the principals that as academic and professional

leaders, they design and develop teaching syllabuses to meet the special demands of individual trainees for post- qualification teaching. He said tutors in training colleges should be experts in curriculum and syllabus construction and called on the principals to show interest in st aff development activities.