Marek Kotanski - A Life Helping Others
Social Activist
Born: March 11, 1942, Poland
Died: August 19, 2002, Poland
Marek Kotański was a psychologist, therapist, and social activist who transformed support for people struggling with addiction, homelessness, HIV, and social exclusion.
Marek Kotański was born on March 11, 1942, in Warsaw, Poland. His mother, Ludwika, was a painter, and his father, Wiesław, was a professor of Japanese studies. From a young age, Marek showed a deep concern for people in need, and he grew up wanting to make the world a better place. In 1960, he began studying psychology at the University of Warsaw, where he worked with orphans and children affected by social problems. His studies helped him understand how to help people who struggled with addiction, homelessness, and other challenges.
After graduating, Marek worked as a therapist at a psychiatric hospital in Warsaw. He joined the Social Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism and helped start the “Sobriety” Movement. In 1974, he began working at the Garwolin Psychiatric Hospital, which treated drug addicts. He realized that traditional treatments were not enough, so he turned to a method called the “therapeutic community,” which focused on patients taking responsibility for themselves and helping each other recover.
In 1978, Marek opened the first Monar center in Głoskowo, Poland. The center was located in an old, run-down house, and Marek worked closely with patients to give them support, therapy, and hope for a better life. Monar was officially registered as an organization in 1981, and it quickly grew. By the time Marek passed away, there were 160 Monar centers across Poland, helping people overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and regain independence.
Marek’s work did not stop with addiction. In 1993, he founded Markot, a social organization for homeless people, former prisoners, people living with HIV, and those in need of medical or psychological support. Markot provided shelter, food, and opportunities for people to return to society with dignity. By the 1990s, Markot managed about half of the housing for homeless people in Poland. Marek’s efforts also helped reduce the stigma around HIV and AIDS, encouraging society to treat affected people with care and respect.
Beyond his organizations, Marek inspired thousands of people to get involved. He organized social campaigns, concerts, and events to promote drug-free living and humanitarian values. In the 1980s and 1990s, he worked with leaders from politics, art, and culture to support his mission. His work brought together ordinary people, celebrities, and officials to help those most in need.
Marek Kotański was known for his passion, energy, and determination. He could motivate people to act, even when the challenges seemed impossible. His students and colleagues admired him for his dedication, creativity, and deep understanding of human suffering. Marek believed that every person deserved a chance for a better life, and he devoted his life to helping them achieve it.
Tragically, Marek died on August 19, 2002, at the age of 60 after a car accident in Warsaw. Thousands of people attended his funeral, showing how much he had touched lives across Poland. Marek left behind a lasting legacy through Monar, Markot, and his many social campaigns. His life continues to inspire people to help others, stand up for those in need, and build a more compassionate society.
Marek Kotański was a psychologist, therapist, and social activist who dedicated his life to helping addicts, the homeless, and marginalized people. His work created systems of care that still exist today, giving hope and opportunities to thousands of people in Poland.
SOURCES:
Black. “Marek Kotański.” Radio Awangarda, 25 Jan. 2023, radioawangarda.pl/marek-kotanski/.
Kozielec, Jakub. “Marek Kotański " Stowarzyszenie Na Rzecz Chłopców I Mężczyzn.” Stowarzyszenie Na Rzecz Chłopców i Mężczyzn ", 6 May 2024, schm.org.pl/blog/marek-kotanski/.
“Marek Kotański - Twórca Monaru.” MONAR, 20 Apr. 2018, www.monar.org/o-nas/marek-kotanski-tworca-monaru/.
Keywords: Civil Rights, Innovation, Courage, Perseverance, Repair the World – Tikkun Olam, Selflessness, Take Risks for Others, Make a Difference