Urgent MTD Appeal
Support Global Christian Leaders in Transformational Development
Eastern College Australia is committed to equipping passionate and gifted leaders for greater transformational impact. The Master of Transformational Development (MTD) empowers individuals actively working in international or community development to integrate their faith, in service of God’s kingdom.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this vital degree has become accessible to students across the Global South, including the Pacific, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and MENA regions. Many of our students are local leaders with the lived experiences of poverty, injustice, and marginalization. To address the high demand for the course, in 2025 we admitted several students who could cover a portion of their fees. However, recent global events since this admission have unexpectedly affected students, some unable to meet their commitments due to job loss and financial hardship.
We are calling on Eastern College’s community and contacts to stand in this gap. Your support will directly ensure our students can continue this semester’s studies. Any additional funds will go toward the MTD Scholarship Fund, helping to reduce our growing waitlist and therefore expand global access to this transformative program.
Together, we can empower leaders who embody the Gospel in action.
Thank you!
Stephen's story
I am an experienced leader with over 25 years of experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, and social enterprises/ business development.
I am currently serving as the Deputy Regional Vice President for Africa. Living Water is a global charity running operations in more than 15 countries, 9 of those in Africa. I oversee operations management in these countries (Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Liberia, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone). My role involves coordinating and collaborating with government, private sector, and funding agencies to implement Water Sanitation and Hygiene Projects and Programs.
In February 2025, my employer, constrained by donation inflow issues, announced major strategic shifts to maintain some operations. The moves have included reducing the number of countries it serves, cutting off some regional hubs, and laying off associated staff effective March 2025. Unfortunately, I am affected by these changes, so I will not be able to contribute to my tuition.
Your generosity enables us to provide...
Emergency fee relief
Immediate financial support for students affected by global crises, ensuring students can continue their studies despite unexpected hardships.
Reduced waitlist
Increased access for outstanding applicants who are currently unable to enrol due to limited scholarship funds.
Financial assistance for students in challenged regions
Ensuring students in remote or disadvantaged areas can fully participate in their studies via support for essential course expenses like internet access, textbooks, and travel.
Student support
Dedicated tutoring and academic assistance from the Master of Transformational Development team, including tailored support for students using English as an additional language. We also provide spiritual guidance to nurture growth, confidence, and well-being throughout the learning journey.
Global Events
To date in 2025 we’ve already witnessed countries in all corners of the globe endure extreme weather events. This has affected ALL regions of the MTD with drought, fires, flooding and cyclones.
We know that these events disproportionately affect the poor.
From February 2024 to February 2025 the Egyptian Pound depreciated/devaluated by 38.82% relative to the US dollar heavily affecting our MENA region students.
Online Donation Form
MTD Appeal
Donations to Eastern College Australia of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Other Ways to Donate
Direct Deposit
Eastern Collage Australia
BSB: 083125
Account No: 66 489 3323
Over the Phone
Call +613 9881 7800 to make a secure payment over the phone
Cheque
Payable to: Eastern Collage Australia
Mail to: Eastern Collage Australia
5 Burwood Hwy Wantirna VIC 3152
Explore the MTD
Other Ways to Support
Prayer
We believe prayer is at the heart of transformational development. It sustains our learning, shapes our communities, and deepens our practice. We invite you to pray for us—that we would remain faithful, wise, and responsive to God’s leading in all we do. Eastern has a group of committed faithful prayer partners, and if you’d like to get involved in this let us know.
Promote
Help us grow by encouraging future students to apply! The work of transformational development begins with equipping passionate leaders. Whether it’s inviting someone to our Open sessions, recommending our program to those seeking to integrate faith with community development, or getting in touch to share opportunities to feature the MTD program, your support helps us reach those called to serve, lead, and bring lasting change.
Partnership
The MTD would not be what it is today without the partnerships that sustain and strengthen our work. You can find these valued organizations on our MTD website. If you’re part of a Christian non-profit or development organization with individuals eager to explore the intersection of theology and development, we’d love to partner with you. Together, we can equip your community for Gospel-centered transformation through flexible study pathways tailored to their calling.
Donation FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions you might have.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations over $2 or more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers.
Receipts will be provided via email for online donations. For monthly donations, one tax receipt covering the entire financial year will be posted to you in July.
*All ticketed events, sale of goods, and services are not charitable donations.
How will my donation be used?
Your donation plays a vital role in sustaining Eastern’s mission to equip individuals for ministry and mission work.
Your generous support enables us to provide:
- Emergency Fee Relief
Immediate financial support for students affected by global crises, ensuring students can continue their studies despite unexpected hardships.
- Reduced Waitlist
Increased access for outstanding applicants who are currently unable to enrol due to limited scholarship funds.
- Financial Assistance for Students in Challenged Regions
Ensuring students in remote or disadvantaged areas can fully participate in their studies via support for essential course expenses like internet access, textbooks, and travel.
- Student Support
Dedicated tutoring and academic assistance from the Master of Transformational Development team, including tailored support for students using English as an additional language. We seek to nurture growth, confidence, and well-being throughout the learning journey.
For more detailed information regarding our financials, please refer to our Annual Report.
Can I choose where my donation goes?
By contributing to Eastern’s MTD Emergency Appeal, you allow us to allocate your donation to the areas of greatest need, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality theological education, maintain essential resources, and equip individuals with a strong biblical foundation for ministry and service.
If you prefer to direct your support, please get in touch at mtd@eastern.edu.au and we would love to assist further.
I want to support MST, but not financially. Are there other ways to contribute?
If you’d like to support the MTD beyond financial contributions, here are a few ways to get involved:
- Prayer: Join Eastern/MST’s monthly prayer fellowship or subscribe to our bi-monthly Prayer Notes to stay informed and pray for our colleges’ needs.
- Promote: Help us grow by recommending the MTD to potential students, and encouraging them to apply (https://apply.eastern.edu.au/)
- Partnership: as an organisation, you can partner with the MTD in various ways to support the education of Christian development workers.
Please get in touch at mtd@eastern.edu.au if you need more information!
Thank you so much for your support!
