Sharon Butare lost her job at the start of 2026 when the company she worked for closed. Within three weeks, she joined a creative agency but earned approximately 10 per cent of her previous salary, prompting her to pursue further training and career development. Two months into the role, she discovered Next Creata, a digital skills development programme for young women, and decided to apply, recognising the growing relevance of digital abilities across different careers.
Next Creata is implemented by NextCom in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under CREATE, a consortium programme aimed at enhancing skills and enabling financial inclusion for young women in the creative economy. The wider consortium includes the International Trade Centre, Bayimba Cultural Foundation, Steadman Global and other downstream partners. Sharon joined the first cohort when it began on 13 April 2026 at Next Media Park. Through the programme, she received practical training in digital skills, personal branding and communicating her value, and also interacted with professionals who shared workplace insights.
After completing the training, Sharon secured an internship in Next Media's Marketing Department, where she applied her new skills in a professional setting and built confidence in her abilities. During the placement, she met Allan Kasujja, the executive director of Uganda Media Centre, in the company lobby. Using the personal branding and pitching skills she had learnt through Next Creata, she introduced herself and explained the value she could bring. This conversation led to an invitation to interview at Uganda Media Centre after she finished her internship.
Sharon subsequently secured a role at Uganda Media Centre, marking a significant career step forward after the disruption caused by losing her previous employment. Her journey from job loss to her new position involved discovering the programme, completing training, gaining workplace experience and confidently presenting her abilities when opportunities arose. Eugene Kavuma, the Next Creata programme lead, encouraged her to take up the opportunity at Uganda Media Centre.
Sharon's experience illustrates how skills development, practical experience and professional relationships can help people navigate career changes. She advises other young women who have experienced job loss or rejection: "Do not be ashamed to start again. Do not despise a small opportunity because it looks different from what you once had. And do not let one 'no' convince you that you have nothing to offer." Next Creata is inviting applications from young women aged 18 to 35 interested in content creation, social media, digital communication and personal branding. Women with disabilities and refugee women are encouraged to apply. The programme provides free practical training to strengthen digital skills and explore opportunities in the creative economy.