THE THEME for this year's World Home Economics Day is "healthy eating". Marianne O'Connor, chairperson of the Irish co-ordinating committee of the International Federation of Home Economics, urges home-ec teachers to celebrate in their schools.

"Due to the fact that the Junior Certificate practical examinations are taking place at that time, it may not be possible to celebrate World Home Economics Day on Thursday (the designated day), but we urge you to mark a day suitable to your schedule," O'Connor says.

The IFHE has members in a wide range of countries, including Finland - where home economics is compulsory for boys and girls - and Peru - where it is a vital subject necessary to improve the lifestyles of the indigenous population.

"We feel that healthy eating is a very topical theme with tremendous scope for teachers to explore it within their home economics classes - such as projects or practical work or spreading the message that home economics is a subject area concerning all people, their needs and relationships with the environment." O'Connor explains.