BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China's education and finance authorities plan to recruit 10,000 teachers beyond retiring age in the coming three years to teach in primary and junior middle schools in rural areas.

The first batch of veteran teachers will be in place in this fall term.

The "silver-age" project by the ministries of education and finance, will recruit retired headmasters and teachers to give classes in rural schools between 2018 and 2020.

With a focus on schools in poverty-striken areas, the project is aimed at improving the quality of education and help balance development of education between urban and rural areas.

Most of the "silver-age" teachers will serve for at least one academic year, and those who pass assessments will be encouraged to extend their service.

In addition to giving classes, they can also evaluate other teachers' work, hold open lectures or workshops, give guidance and help schools improve their management.