Over 250 delegates from 20 countries are set to descend on St Angela’s College, Sligo on Sunday 18th July for the start of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) Council 2010. This is the largest home economics and consumer sciences event in the world this year and for a full week the spotlight is on County Sligo and the North West region as local hosts.

As the College prepares for the week of events, the President of the College, Dr Anne Taheny states: ‘This prestigious event will highlight the importance of Home Economics as an academic discipline and its influence on the betterment of the daily lives of individuals, families and society.’ Dr Taheny emphasises the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject in three core areas: Food, Nutrition Diet and Health; Social Studies and Resource Management; and Textiles, Fashion and Design.

IFHE is a non-governmental organisation recognised by the United Nations and is the only worldwide organisation concerned with Home Economics, Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences. This federation has a membership of over 1500 individuals and 150 organisations from over 50 countries.

Amanda McCloat, Head of Home Economics at St Angela’s College, Sligo and Co-Chair of the IFHE Council 2010 Organising Committee, explains the importance of bringing this event to Ireland: ‘The theme of the conference is Vision 2020: Home Economics, Changing Perspectives in a Changing Environment and this is an opportunity for international dialogue on Home Economics Education, sustainability, globalisation and interculturalism.’ Ursula O’Shea, co-chair of Council 2010 notes that the conference would not be possible without support from the local community, including the IFHE Council 2010 main sponsor, Good4U Food & Drink Company along with Fáilte Ireland, ‘This event sets to bring major tourism to the region.’

The IFHE Council 2010 is fully subscribed, expecting home economists, academics students and researchers from around the world to participate in the event. An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan TD, Minister for Education and Skills will officially launch the event on Tuesday 20th July at 8:30am.

For more information on the event, please visit www.ifhe2010.com or please contact the IFHE Council 2010 Organising Committee Office at St Angela’s College, Sligo at 071 91 35658.

CONTACT
Seán Kelly, IFHE Council 2010 Office 071 91 35658
skelly@stangelas.nuigalway.ie

MEDIA
Dr Maria Gallo, IFHE Council 2010 Office and Office of the President
071 91 95503 mgallo@stangelas.nuigalway.ie