Whitley College is delighted to announce the launch of its Meewon Yang OAM Education Fund.
The Fund will advance the education of students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and with a first language other than English (LOTE).
About the Scholarship Fund
This fund extends Whitley’s commitment to preparing CALD-LOTE students to do great things in their Christian context and beyond, as we have done for hundreds of students over the past 20 years. Theological formation and learning English are key to the education that Whitley provides, through our Courses and the TransFormation Program.
Our supportive and dedicated learning environment allows us to provide long-term mentoring and coaching to the many CALD-LOTE students who seek ordination to serve within the churches of the BUV.
The Meewon Yang Education Fund will be allocated across three key areas. It will:
- Provide culturally appropriate tutorial support for CALD-LOTE students in the TransFormation program and Undergraduate and Graduate Courses of Whitley College;
- Provide scholarships to subsidise CALD-LOTE students, to enable them to pursue their studies in the TransFormation Program and Undergraduate and Graduate Courses. Particular attention will be given to students moving from TransFormation to Undergraduate and Graduate Courses;
- Provide bursaries to assist in-need and deserving CALD-LOTE students, to meet the direct costs of their education.
Funds will be allocated annually, by a dedicated Committee of staff, students, and friends from the wider Baptist community with a close interest in the education of CALD-LOTE students.
We are delighted that Rev Meewon Yang OAM has agreed to be the patron of this fund.
How to contribute
Make a one-off payment or set up a direct debit arrangement for ongoing regular contributions.
Gifts over $2 are tax-deductible, and a DGR tax receipt will be issued.
Visit the online Whitley College Donation page to donate by credit card.
To donate by cheque or direct debit, please download the Donation Form here, nominating the Whitley College Fund.
You can also donate via Bank transfer to:
Account Name: UNIVERSITY OF DIVINITY
BSB: 013381
Account Number: 659654934
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As per our current fundraising arrangement with the University of Divinity, for contributions via bank transfer, we ask that you follow your donation with an email to Whitley College Accountant Liz Mascia, with the following information:
- The value of your gift
- The date it was gifted
- That you are gifting to ‘The Meewon Yang OAM Scholarship Fund’
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Please direct your queries to Whitley’s Executive Assistant to the Principal Carrie Chiu.
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About Meewon Yang
Rev Meewon Yang has served as the Multicultural Consultant for the Baptist Union of Victoria for over 25 years. In this capacity, she has tirelessly supported the creation of many CALD church communities in Victoria and encouraged countless pastors and church leaders. Meewon is a strong advocate for asylum seekers and refugees and works tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusivity in her community.
Meewon is also an alumna of Whitley College (including a BTh and MTh). She has served as an adjunct lecturer for the College and was instrumental in developing the Transformation Program. Meewon continues to be an important support to CALD-LOTE students.
Meewon was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2023, for her service to Baptist Churches of Australia, and for her service in supporting refugees.
Whitley College honours Meewon’s contribution by naming this fund after her.
About Whitley College
For almost 150 years Whitley College has been forming God’s people for Christian life and service. We strive to be biblical and contextual, faithful and scholarly, Baptist and diverse. We are passionate about serving and enabling students to fulfil their calling or vocation in places where God may be calling them!
We proudly serve culturally diverse cohorts of students across Australia and beyond. Whether on campus or online, every one of our students can be assured of a safe, supportive, and transformative educational experience.
Our TransFormation Program provides training for church leaders who serve in all denominations and whose first language is not English. It combines study, spiritual growth, worship and community experience which are essential in the formation of Christian leaders. It is designed to help people overcome the obstacles of time, money and language by delivering content in a way that best suits our multicultural students and in a supportive learning environment. We also offer classes on Saturdays and at a low cost. Learn more about the TransFormation Program here.