Malayali Association of Social Workers in Ontario, popularly known as MASWO is an association of professional Social Workers of Malayali dissent, which falls within the larger South Asian diaspora in Canada. The word “Malayali” means the individuals who identify themselves with the fabulous culture of Kerala, a province in India. The word “Malayali” is also associated with the word Malayalam, which is the mother lounge of the people of Kerala.
Malayali immigration to Canada begun notably in 1950’s. Though the exact number of Malayali population in Canada is unknown at this time, it has grown significantly over the decades, especially since 2000. As immigration keeps changes and our populations is spread across various provinces, tracking the numbers in deed is a challenging task.
Largely, the immigrants from Kerala are highly educated and skilled, and majority of them are frontline workers in health care or human service sector such as Nurses, Social Workers and other professionals.
We envision a community where Social Workers are well connected, mutually supported and effectively engaged in self-development and transforming lives.
MASWO is committed to promoting the professional and social advancement of all Social Workers of Malayali descent in Canada, providing ongoing support and services, enabling them to contribute to the empowerment of communities through their creative professional involvement.
We facilitate an environment of lifelong learning, innovation and leadership leading to lasting excellence in our actions.
We uphold the highest level of honesty, trust, transparency and accountability in all our engagements.
We believe in the power of collaboration and solidarity in making positive differences in our lives and contribute to betterment of the community at large.
We respect and value the potentials of every individual, his /her beliefs and pursue equity based engagements.
We envision that we will grow into an effective and inclusive organization that caters to the diverse needs of all our members. We will mobilize our members in different regions and establish structural linkages with the core team to facilitate programs for our members and communities at various levels.
MASWO will diligently engage in connecting members with each other and to resources for their professional advancement. By 2024, MASWO will have sector wise expert teams for community mental health, child protection, hospital social work, community development and so on to provide specific need- based support to members across the province.
MASWO will continue to collaborate with all like-minded organizations and individuals within the Malayali community and the Canadian society to support our members, families and communities.
Bring all Malayali social workers in Ontario together and facilitate supportive connections for their professional advancement in Canada.
Provide ongoing support to members and their families to overcome the barriers they encounter in their professional and social integration in Canada.
Work with various levels of government, social work institutions and regulatory bodies in Canada for the ongoing professional development of members and also to address the issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion of Racialized Social Workers in Ontario.
Enrich community spirit, promoting the cultural and social activities of members, their families and larger Malayali community in Canada.
Work with various levels of government and social work institutions in India to enhance ongoing advancement of social work education and Social Work Profession in India.
Develop programs and services to support newcomer families to facilitate their integration into Canadian society.
Undertake social development projects in Canada and respond proactively to the needs of communities in India as needed.
Malayali Association of Social Workers, Ontario (MASWO) is a registered not-for-profit organization. It is dedicated to serving all Social Workers of Malayali descent and their families, and the Canadian community at large in Ontario.
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