Approximately 800 children around the country are expected to benefit from summer literacy camps aimed at developing their skills through art, dance, music and drama.
Under the Department of Education programme, a total of 20 camps are being held in various locations.
They involve the participation of primary teachers, who introduce activities aimed at encouraging the development of self-esteem, motivation, imagination, concentration and discipline.
Speaking after visiting a summer literacy camp for students from St Vincent's national school for girls in Dublin yesterday, the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Seán Haughey, said there is increasing evidence that learning through the arts can help to level the playing field for children.
"This project ... recognises that there are many ways of learning and that different children learn through different pathways," he said. "Here in St Vincent's, the children have developed their Dublin theme through visits around the city, including the National Botanic Gardens, and through song, dance, painting and storytelling."