Finns shed fat to boost literacy in Nepal

Overweight Finns advanced more than their health by shedding weight to raise 1.44 million euros (1.72 million dollars) to improve literacy in Nepal, the national health institute said Monday.

Some 14,000 Finns took part in a three-month "fat for literacy" campaign, supported by an anonymous donor who initially pledged to grant 15 euros for every kilogramme (2.2 pounds) shed, but later doubled the donation to 30 euros per kilo.

The participating weight watchers shed a total of 48,074 kilos (105,763 puonds) to raise 1,442,220 euros, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, which coordinated the campaign, said in a statement.

The money will be used for the schooling of children and the training of teachers in Nepal, with Finland's foreign ministry overseeing the use of the funds.