The Warlpiri Theme Cycle is a local language and culture curriculum that was developed by Warlpiri elders and educators from Yuendumu, Lajamanu, Willowra and Nyirrpi in the 1980s. It is also known as the Warlpiri Knowledge Cycle. At the time, elders were concerned about Warlpiri knowledge being passed on to younger generations. Their aspiration was for children to learn strong Warlpiri language and culture. Elders did not want children to lose their language and their cultural knowledge. All the ideas that the Elders gave in the early days about what kids should learn fell roughly into themes, and so their ideas were organised into twelve themes. It was decided that each term, a different theme would be the focus. There are twelve themes in the Warlpiri Theme Cycle and to cover the 12 themes takes a three year cycle.