Quick answers to the questions new members ask most. Not here? Ask in channel ask-for-help on Discord.
Is it free?
Yes. Joining Codetopia Community, the events, Discord and these guides are free.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Many members are complete beginners, and many work in design, writing, data or other fields. Everyone here started as a beginner.
I'm not in Ghana. Can I join?
Yes. We are based in Ghana and open to the world. Online events and Discord work from anywhere, and event times show in your own time zone.
How old do I need to be?
At least 13. That is the minimum for a portal account, and for Discord.
What is the portal, and why do I need it and Discord?
The portal is our member website: your account, your profile and your teams. Discord is the chat app where the community talks every day. Your portal account is what unlocks the Discord server, through /link. See Join the community.
Who is Vector?
Our community bot. It welcomes you, unlocks the server when you type /link, and shows you what to do next when you type /newhere. See the Discord guide.
My message disappeared. Why?
Vector, our bot, deletes messages that contain a blocked word, and stops anyone who sends lots of messages very fast for 10 minutes. Neither means you are in trouble. See If your message disappears.
Can I speak at a Codetopia event?
Yes. In our X Spaces anyone can ask to speak: see Our X Spaces. For meetups and conferences, we find speakers through Speakwise, one of our partners. Create a free speaker profile there if you would like to be considered.
What is the difference between the Community and Codetopia Academy?
Codetopia Community is free: people learning and building together, events, and helping each other. Codetopia Academy runs paid classes with tutors. For structured courses or mentorship, see Codetopia Academy.
Is there a WhatsApp group?
We have a WhatsApp Channel for news and announcements. It is one-way: you can read it, but conversations happen on Discord.
Is there a newsletter?
Yes. At the bottom of any page on our website, type your email and click SUBSCRIBE. We email you a link: click it to confirm, or you will not get the newsletter. You do not need a portal account for it.
Where do I find jobs and internships?
On our careers page. New roles are also shared in channel announcements on Discord.
How do I get more involved?
Start with Help out. If you want to do more, Ways to contribute explains our teams and how to join one.
Someone is making me uncomfortable. What do I do?
Report it to our moderators: press and hold (phone) or right-click (computer) the message, then Apps, then Report to moderators. Only the moderators see it. For private messages, email codetopiancommunity@gmail.com. See Staying safe for more.
How do I leave?
See Your portal profile.